Gov. Henry McMaster on Sunday declared a state of emergency for South Carolina as Tropical Storm Debby moved its way over Florida and toward the Lowcountry.
The declaration followed McMaster's Saturday authorization placing S.C. National Guard members in Florida to assist the state's emergency responders.
McMaster said Saturday the state Guard will send 70 service members and 30 high-water vehicles to Florida.
The National Hurricane Center said Debby is expected to strengthen to a hurricane Sunday night and make landfall in Florida Monday.
That's when meteorologists say conditions could become more dangerous, with high winds, heavy rain and flash floods.
The state's Emergency Management Division said South Carolina could get historic rainfall amounts, potentially between 10 to 20 inches of rain.
Total inches of rain could reach 30 inches on the southern coast Monday through Friday morning, according to EMD.
The National Hurricane Center said in a weather briefing Sunday morning there's the potential for extreme flooding across parts of northeast South Carolina, with the greatest threat to Georgetown, Horry and Williamsburg counties.
Currently, most of the Midlands is under a flood watch, and much of the S.C. coast is under a storm surge watch.
In his emergency declaration, McMaster on Sunday urged South Carolinians to follow local forecasts and start taking severe weather precautions.
Do you know the difference between a Storm Surge Watch and Warning?
— SC Emergency Management Division (@SCEMD) August 4, 2024
A Storm Surge WATCH means storm surge is POSSIBLE within 48 hours.
A Storm Surge WARNING means storm surge is EXPECTED.#AlwaysBePreppin #SCTweets #scwx #EmergencyPrep #HurricaneSeason pic.twitter.com/u3XjtSg1YO
"Team South Carolina is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Debby and has begun preparing for its potential impact on our state," McMaster said in a statement. "With a potentially significant rainfall event forecast for the next few days, it is critical that residents in potentially affected areas start making preparations and plans today — in case it is necessary to take quick action."
Coinciding with McMaster's declaration, Attorney General Alan Wilson said the state's prison gouging law is in effect.
For more resources and how to keep up with Tropical Storm Debby's impact on the state, go to scemd.org.
I have declared a State of Emergency to prepare for Tropical Storm Debby's potential impact on South Carolina. With potentially heavy rainfall forecast for the next few days, residents should start making preparations and plans today—in case it is necessary to take quick action. pic.twitter.com/OiCc1gQ1yj
— Gov. Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) August 4, 2024
