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SCDNR Flood Approximations Map

PLEASE NOTE: The information depicted on this map regarding flood conditions on the Black River, as well as the 701 bridge over the Black River, is incorrect.  Please disregard data in that region.  Click here: SCDNR Flood Approximations Map

News Releases:

Sandbags to be distributed on Saturday ahead of major flooding

Sept. 21, 7 p.m.

With life threatening flooding expected in areas of Georgetown County next week, Georgetown County will distribute free pre-filled sandbags to residents at two locations on Saturday, Sept. 22. Sand bags will be distributed at the following locations from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.:

Pawleys Island Recycling Convenience Center, 596 Grate Dr., and
China Chill, 7919 N. Fraser St. (near the Choppee Rd. intersection), Georgetown.

Distribution will be via a drive-through system, with staff on hand to load sandbags into residents’ vehicles. Sandbags will be limited to 10 per household and residents will need to bring proof of county residency to pick up sandbags.

How to use sandbags

When properly filled and placed, sandbags redirect storm and debris flows away from property improvements.

• Sandbags should be filled to half full.

• When placing sandbags, fold the top of the sandbag down and rest bag on its folded top. It is important to place bags with the folded top toward the upstream or uphill direction to prevent bags from opening when water runs by them.

• Place each sandbag in layers, completing each layer prior to starting the next layer. Limit placement to two layers unless a building is used as a backing or sandbags are pyramided.

• Keep in mind that sandbags will not seal out water.

• Do not use straw or bales of hay in lieu of sandbags. They do not perform as well as sandbags and may be washed away.

Emergency call center line reactivated

Sept. 19, 5:30 p.m.

Georgetown County Emergency Management's special 24-hour call line has been reactivated as of 5:30 p.m. today.  Georgetown County Emergency Management remains at OPCON 4 and the Emergency Operations Center remains at partial activation.  Residents with questions regarding the potential for upcoming flooding can call (843) 545-3273.

Georgetown County Emergency Management officials had an in-depth meeting today with military and DNR representatives to discuss potential flooding in Georgetown County that could begin sometime next week. New information has been received from the NWS and is being analyzed. In addition, we continue to consult with hydrologists and GIS professionals on this issue. As soon as we have conclusive information, we will update here. We understand that residents want definite forecasts so they can plan and prepare, and we will share one as soon as possible. This is unfortunately a slow process.

Georgetown County at OPCON 4; monitoring river flooding forecasts

Sept. 18, 11:30 a.m.

OPCON 4 indicates a "alert" status in preparation for a possible threat.

Using state & federal data, as well as our continued monitoring of all river gauges, we do not currently expect any significant flooding issues with the Black or Santee rivers.

We continue to watch the forecast of what the levels of the Waccamaw River will be in Conway and above to predict what impacts will be felt in our area from that river.

We will keep the public updated with information as available. Please be aware this is likely to be a slow process as water makes its way down the river system into Georgetown County.

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