Aiken, S.C. Under State of Emergency as Flooding Persist
As the rain continues to pour down in Aiken and the surrounding areas, residents are facing a tough situation with significant flooding impacting everyday life. Governor Henry McMaster stepped in on Thursday, declaring a state of emergency to bolster efforts in dealing with the adverse effects of sudden flooding. This move aims to provide support to local teams as they tackle road closures and other challenges caused by the relentless downpour.
Emergency Operations Activated
Governor McMaster’s executive order triggers the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan, ensuring that response teams have all the necessary tools at their disposal. “Team South Carolina has been responding to the impacts of flooding and subsequent road closures throughout the day,” said the governor, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. It’s a scramble to keep everyone safe, as portions of the Edisto River will continue to see flooding into next week. Important advice has been given: avoid driving in heavily affected areas and absolutely do not attempt to drive through flooded roads!
School Disruptions Due to Floods
The relentless rain led to some schools across the region announcing schedule changes. The Aiken County Public School District decided to operate on a two-hour delay on Thursday, providing only lunch for the children who attended. Students on a half-day schedule missed out completely, while those attending the Aiken County Career Center also faced cancelations of morning classes.
Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes as flooding has caused several road closures in the region. Consequently, the Best Friend Express public transportation system will also run on a two-hour delay. Keep an eye on the roads and plan accordingly!
More School Updates from Neighboring Counties
In Allendale County, school officials canceled all after-school activities due to the heavy rains forecasted for the afternoon. Parents are encouraged to pick up their children promptly at the usual dismissal time to avoid any hassle.
Bamberg County has made adjustments too, opting for eLearning days on both Thursday and Friday due to worsening road conditions. This means kids will continue their studies online, following their teachers’ directions while also ensuring no after-school programs take place.
As of Thursday at 4:05 p.m., there were additional updates from the Emanuel County Board of Commissioners, detailing several roads closed due to the hazardous conditions. Residents can find more information on their Facebook page. If you’re traveling near Highway 80, please proceed with caution, as water is reported to be touching the bottom of the bridge at 15 Mile Creek just outside of Twin City.
Orangeburg County Facing Similar Challenges
Orangeburg County School District is also feeling the heat from the ongoing flooding. School officials announced that, due to bad weather, rough road conditions, and issues with some school buildings, all district campuses would remain closed on Friday, following a cancellation on Thursday. The district stresses that they are continuously monitoring the situation and will keep families informed.
Moreover, Orangeburg County Emergency Operations Center revealed that flash flooding is occurring in parts of both central and western Orangeburg County, resulting in multiple road closures. Keeping the community safe is a top priority.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed
With the persistent weather, it’s essential for residents to stay safe and informed. Make sure to check local updates frequently and heed any warnings from officials. If you absolutely have to travel, please do so cautiously, and remember: safety first! A big thank you to public servants working tirelessly during this challenging time!
