No school and state of emergency in eastern Midlands after flooding hits area

Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency Thursday evening after flooding came to parts of the Midlands and the Lowcountry this week after heavy rain.

With over 130 significant road closures still in place, Orangeburg County schools are closed again Friday due to unsafe travel conditions, its Thursday press release said.

Flash floods and river flooding hit the area Wednesday and Thursday as seven to ten inches of rainfall, even up to 15 in some areas, was experienced according to the National Weather Service.

“Team South Carolina has been responding to the impacts of flooding and subsequent road closures in portions of the state throughout the day,” McMaster’s press release said. “The State of Emergency will ensure that our response teams have every tool at their disposal to continue their efforts.”

River flooding will continue along portions of the Edisto River into next week, but South Carolina is not expected to see significant rainfall totals over the next few days, the governor’s release said.

State Rep Russell Ott, D-Calhoun, wrote via Twitter that there were multiple road closures and dangerous conditions in the area, urging people to please be careful.

Residents are urged to avoid driving in impacted areas, especially at night, and to never drive through flooded roadways or around barricades, the governor’s press release read.

The press release said for updated information on flooding, to check the South Carolina Emergency Management Division Website.