News Summary
A flood advisory has been issued for southeastern North Carolina by the National Weather Service as Tropical Storm Debby brings severe weather. Residents in affected areas, including Darlington and Dillon counties, are urged to seek higher ground and avoid flooded roads. Flash flood warnings indicate a high risk of flooding due to saturated grounds and heavy rainfall. Residents should remain alert for power outages and hazardous driving conditions.
Flood Advisory Issued as Tropical Storm Debby Causes Severe Weather in Southeastern North Carolina
If you’re in the southeastern part of North Carolina, you might want to take a moment to pay attention to the weather! As of Thursday evening at 7:50 p.m., the National Weather Service (NWS) Wilmington has put out a flood advisory that’s set to last until 9:45 p.m. This alert is covering not just one but multiple counties: Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, and Marlboro. So, if you live in these areas, keep reading!
What to Expect
The NWS is warning folks about some serious weather conditions, particularly concerning minor ponding or flooding that can cause trouble for drivers and daily activities. Low-lying areas and spots with poor drainage could see water levels rising. There’s been a clear advisory to “turn around, don’t drown” when you encounter flooded roads because, sadly, most flood-related deaths happen in vehicles. So, if it looks like you shouldn’t go that way, trust your instincts!
Safety First!
Residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas are being urged to take immediate action. If you’re camping or just living in these risky spots, the best course of action is to seek higher ground as quickly as possible. Don’t delay—follow those evacuation instructions and do it right away. Before you head out, make sure to lock up your home, disconnect utilities and appliances, and steer clear of any rooms where electrical outlets could be submerged. If you hear any buzzing or popping sounds as you evacuate, make a beeline for safety!
Getting Around
Speaking of evacuating, remember that even just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. It doesn’t just stop there; a foot of rapidly flowing water is enough to sweep most cars right off the road. If you find yourself caught in a tough spot, it’s crucial to reach the highest point possible and call emergency services—dial 911 immediately for help.
Another important aspect to note is hydroplaning, which happens when vehicles slide uncontrollably on wet roads. It occurs when water builds up in front of your tires faster than your car can push it out of the way. To avoid this, be sure to slow down, check your tires for wear, and keep an eye on water depth!
Conditions Across The Region
Flash flood warnings are now in effect for areas including Horry, Darlington, Dillon, Marion, Florence, and Robeson counties. This means the risk of flash flooding is high, especially with the ground already saturated from earlier rain. The tropical storm’s impact is just ramping up, with predictions pointing towards a staggering 20-25 inches of rain in southern parts of South Carolina. In fact, some areas are seeing rain at rates of 0.5 to 1 inch per hour. Heavy rainfall warnings are also in place until at least 5 p.m. on Thursday.
Stay Alert!
On top of potential flooding, power outages have been reported, leaving about 5,015 customers across the state in the dark. Spartanburg County seems to be hit the hardest with outages. Local rivers are swelling, with many expected to overflow, including the Little Pee Dee, Great Pee Dee, Waccamaw, and Lumber rivers.
Winter Weather Advisory as Well
Interestingly, there’s a winter weather advisory hanging around as well, with some counties expecting a mix of sleet and rain. This could lead to slippery and hazardous road conditions. So, whether you’re driving or just stepping outside, exercise extra caution!
Stay safe out there, folks! Make sure to check in on your neighbors and keep your loved ones updated on the conditions. And remember—when it comes to flooding, being prepared is key!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Florence County, SC Faces Winter Weather Challenges and Fuel Spill Incident
Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Flash Flood Warning in Grand Strand
- Greenville Online: Tropical Storm Debby Updates
- Times Online: Flooding in Beaver Valley
- WPDE: Winter Storm Forecast
- WMBF News: Wintry Mix Expected
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flash Flood
- Google Search: Tropical Storm
- Google News: Weather Alert
- Google Scholar: Flood Preparedness
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
