Gov. McMaster gives damage assessment after Tropical Storm Debby swamps South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. — As Tropical Storm Debby continues to hover along the South Carolina coast, flooding and at least one tornado have ensued, according to state officials. More problems are expected.

Gov. Henry McMaster and other state officials updated the public Tuesday on conditions in South Carolina following Tropical Storm Debby hitting the coast Monday evening. Despite damage along the state’s coastline, including from a tornado in Edisto Beach, no injuries or fatalities have so far been reported, McMaster said. But he warned that the threat of severe flooding across the state remains high.

“We have not had any reports of any fatalities, and we hope that it stays like that,” McMaster said. “We want to urge people, again, to be safe. Think about what you’re doing. Don’t take any chances and remember this water can be very dangerous, particularly when it’s moving.”

McMaster said he hasn’t ordered any evacuations nor is he aware of any localities ordering any.

Still, the governor is cautioning residents about the amount of rainfall Debby is likely to cause.

“We’re confident there’s going to be flooding and a lot of rain,” McMaster said. “The question is how much is it going to be.”

While winds from the storm have not reached hurricane strength in South Carolina, John Quagliariello of the National Weather Service in Columbia said “threatening flash flooding is ongoing, which has closed roadways and resulted in some water rescues.”

“We’ve already experienced significant rainfall, with widespread nine to 13 inches across southern South Carolina,” Quagliariello said.

Winds blew down a “significant” number of trees, he said. Among the strongest winds were 63 mph at Folly Beach, 59 mph at Battery Point in Charleston County, and 56 mph at Isle of Palms.

So far, reports of damage to residential properties and businesses have been very few, according to S.C. Emergency Management Division Director Kim Stenson.

“Colleton County did report that they’ve had probably about 50 houses that had been damaged to some extent,” Stenson said. “Many counties are reporting blocked roads and localized flooding in coastal counties.”

Debby made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in the Big Bend area of Florida Monday at 7 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.

The state’s public information phone system opened Tuesday morning. Residents are encouraged to call 1-866-256-0133 for any questions related to the storm.

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