MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – As Tropical Storm Debby approaches South Carolina, Berkeley County Emergency Management officials are closely monitoring the situation and making preparations for possible impacts. The county is currently under a Tropical Storm Watch and a Storm Surge Warning, indicating that tropical storm conditions, with sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph, could occur within the next 48 hours, and there is a potential risk of rising water affecting inland areas within 36 hours.
On Sunday, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency in anticipation of the storm. Debby is expected to bring heavy winds and rain to Berkeley County, with significant flooding likely throughout the week. The heaviest rainfall is anticipated on Wednesday and Thursday.
CLOSURES: There are no planned closures for Berkeley County at this time, and all county facilities will remain open and operate on their normal schedules on Monday, August 5, 2024.
OPERATING CONDITIONS: The county’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated to OPCON 2 status starting Monday at 8 a.m., signaling that a disaster or emergency is likely to impact the county and that emergency operations plans are being put into action.
CITIZEN CALL LINE: A 24/7 Citizen Call Line (843-719-4800) is available for non-emergency inquiries. Callers will receive an automated message with information on storm preparations. For emergencies, residents are advised to call 911.
SANDBAGS: Berkeley County Roads and Bridges has set up multiple locations for residents to access sandbags on a self-serve basis, with sand available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional locations may be added as necessary.
Locations include:
– North Berkeley Fire Station 1 – 124 Hood Street, St. Stephen
– North Berkeley Fire Station 2 – 420 Municipal Lane, Bonneau
– Goose Creek City Public Works – 200 Button Hall Avenue, Goose Creek
– Goose Creek Rural Fire Department – 907 Red Bank Road, Goose Creek
– Cainhoy Rural Vol. Fire Department Station 6 – 1004 United Drive, Huger
– Cainhoy Rural Vol. Fire Dept. Station 3 – 2451 Clements Ferry Road, Huger (Wando)
– City of Hanahan Rec. Complex – 3000 Railroad Avenue, Hanahan
– Central Berkeley Fire & EMS Cross Station 1 – 1007 Short Cut Road, Cross
– C&B Fire Station 1 – 509 Royal Road, Ladson
– Cordesville Rural Vol. Fire Dept Station 1 – 1931 SC-402, Moncks Corner
– Pimlico Rural Vol. Fire Dept – 1607 Pimlico Blvd., Moncks Corner
– Whitesville Rural Vol. Fire Dept Station 3 – 115 Sunview Lane, Moncks Corner
– Moncks Corner Fire Department headquarters – 116 Carolina Avenue, Moncks Corner
– Eadytown Rural Vol. Fire Dept. – 1241 Edgewater Road, Pineville
– Richardson Boat Landing – 400 Hilltop Drive, Bonneau Beach
POWER OUTAGES: Residents are instructed not to call 911 in the event of a power outage. Instead, outages should be reported to the respective utility provider.
REPORTING STORM DAMAGE: If your home or business experiences storm damage, please report it through the designated link. Those without internet access can leave a detailed voicemail on the Citizen Call Line at 843-719-4800. Documenting storm damage will help assess the situation for state and federal aid.
BERKELEY ANIMAL CENTER: As the storm approaches, the Berkeley Animal Center is seeking storm fosters for cats and dogs. Interested individuals can visit the shelter at 131 Central Berkeley Drive in Moncks Corner, beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 5. All necessary supplies for animal care will be provided.
For ongoing updates about Tropical Storm Debby, follow Berkeley County Government on Facebook and visit their official website at www.berkeleycountysc.gov.