Federal Emergency Declared for South Carolina

White House declares an emergency exists in the State of South Carolina

South Carolina Severe Storms and Flooding (EM-3373)

The White House has declared an emergency exists in the State of South Carolina in all 46 South Carolina counties and the Catawba Nation affected by severe storms and [historic] flooding beginning on October 1, 2015, and continuing.

Torrential rains from a another weather system have triggered severe flooding across large portions of U.S. Southeast and mid-Atlantic states.

• At least six people have been killed in weather-related incidents.
• Hundreds of people have been evacuated in Brunswick County, North Carolina due to flooding.
• Flood and Flash Flood Warnings have been issued.
• Up to 30 million Americans along the East Coast were under flood watches Saturday amid a “once in 500-year rainfall event.”
• Charleston’s airport has so far recorded 330mm (13 inches) of rain, breaking a three-day record, NWS reported.
• Up to 60omm of rain threatens several areas in SC.
• Tens of thousands of residences are without power, as of posting.

Meanwhile, U.S. Coast Guard pilots continued their search for the cargo ship El Faro which went missing on Saturday, with 33 crew members on board, as Hurricane JOAQUIN moved toward Bermuda.

Potentially historic and life-threatening flooding continues across the Southeast —NOAA

The threat for widespread, catastrophic flooding will continue across parts of the Southeast through the remainder of the weekend, as tropical moisture feeding into an area of low pressure produces moderate to heavy rainfall across the region. Gusty winds are also possible, which could lead to downed power lines.

Hurricane JOAQUIN: at 11:00 PM AST Sat Oct 3
Location: 28.0°N, 68.9°W
Moving: NE at 30 km/hr
Min pressure: 944 mb
Max sustained: 210 km/hr (130 mph)
[NHC/NOAA]

The governors of South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey have declared states of emergency, as of posting, mobilizing the National Guard troops to deal with potential disasters.

Related Links

• JOAQUIN Prompts States of Emergency Declarations in 5 States October 2, 2015