Team South Carolina Prepares For Tropical Depression Nine

Columbia, S.C. –Team South Carolina continues to monitor Tropical Depression Nine. The State Emergency Operations Center is activated and staffed by emergency personnel from multiple state agencies and emergency organizations. 

“The forecast for the incoming tropical depression has improved since yesterday, but it still poses a significant threat to our entire state with heavy rain and dangerous flooding expected.” said Governor Henry McMaster. “The storm’s track and intensity remain uncertain, but what is certain is that Team South Carolina will be ready. Stay tuned to local updates and make sure you’re prepared for all possibilities.” 

Current Situation: 

As of the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Depression Nine is moving northwest at 6 mph with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. Tropical Depression Nine is expected to strengthen into a hurricane off the South Carolina coast, bring heavy rain, storm surge, and coastal flooding to South Carolina. Strong winds along the coast are also possible. Coastal counties should prepare for storm surge and flooded roads.  

State and Local Activities: 

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Operational Condition 2. The SCEMD logistics system has been activated to assist local agencies. Requests have ranged from sandbags to swift water rescue teams which are being actioned.  

The South Carolina National Guard (SCNG) has activated 150 National Guard Soldiers with Task Force Coastal and are currently in-processing to respond to Tropical Depression Nine. Thirty high-water vehicles are mission-ready, with additional general-purpose forces on standby to assist local and state partners. Engineer teams and aviation assets are also prepared to deploy as needed. The South Carolina State Guard (SCSG) stands ready to support operations with chainsaw teams and other capabilities. 

South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) crews have been preparing equipment and have been addressing known drainage hot spots along the coast. Crews are also prepositioning equipment in locations that have historically had challenges during tropical weather. SCDOT is ready to move to 24-hour operations and will deploy assistance crews as needed around the state as the storm develops. 

SC State Fire stands ready to coordinate mission resource requests for search and rescue teams, including swift water rescue teams, throughout this storm response. South Carolina’s Emergency Response Task Force System, consisting of six Urban Search and Rescue Teams, with water rescue capabilities, the South Carolina Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team, and the Palmetto Incident Support Team, is prepared to respond as a force multiplier to local first responders.   

South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) is prepared to execute coordinated traffic management operations and will deploy 150 state law enforcement officers to assist with the safe movement of vehicular traffic from flood-prone areas along the coastline, with emphasis on the Beaufort and Charleston regions. SCDPS will coordinate with SCDOT to support statewide safety efforts including traffic direction, hazard clearance, and road closures resulting from potential flooding, downed power lines, or hazardous conditions. 

Yesterday, the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) used its emergency notification system to alert owners of regulated dams in areas that could receive heavy rainfall, advising they take steps to prepare their dams. Staff with SCDES’s Dam Safety Program are in the field proactively assessing certain dams and making any specific recommendations directly with dam owners.  

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) will be partnering with the Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and the Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services (SCDPPPS) to assist SCDPS in working traffic control points beginning Monday. SLED will have personnel working in the low country region and personnel working in the southern region, all working day and night shifts. SLED aircraft is available, and SLED regional captains will be in constant contact with local law enforcement agencies to make sure they have the support they need to keep their communities safe.  

Guidance for Residents: 

• Stock up now on food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and other essential supplies to last at least three to five days. 

• Make sure cell phones and backup batteries are charged. 

• Review your family emergency plan.  

• Know how you will stay in contact with friends, family and other essential contacts if communications are disrupted. 

• Remember to check on neighbors, particularly those who may need extra assistance, and bring pets inside. 

Contact Information: Visit the SCEMD website at www.scemd.org for more information and updates. SCEMD will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. Please stay alert and take all necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.