Miles matter: A state of emergency in Columbus, back to normal in Horry; CC Schools in remote learning again Tuesday
By DEUCE NIVEN
tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com
A difference of not so many miles belies significant outcomes of Potential Tropical Cyclone #8s trek through the Carolinas, specifically Columbus and Horry counties, on Monday.
Columbus County Schools will go a second day with remote learning Tuesday, a district news release said; while students in the Horry County Schools will be back in the classroom after just one day, the district announced.
Rainfall from the system had major impacts on eastern Columbus County and in Whiteville Monday, while there were no reported significant problems in Horry.
A State of Emergency was declared for Columbus County Monday afternoon as the county’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated, Emergency Services Director David Ransom said.
Perhaps the most significant area road closing involved US 74/76 from Bolton to Delco, underwater and closed. A section of NC 211 was among the Brunswick County roads closed.
Several water rescues involving individuals and vehicles floating in flood waters in the Delco-Riegelwood area were reported Monday afternoon into the evening, and at least one along Canal Street in Whiteville took place earlier in the day, Ransom said.
State of Emergency
Signed just before 4:30 p.m. by county commissioners chair Ricky Bullard, the State of Emergency will remain in effect until rescinded, it said.
Because the storm “could have a significant impact to public and private property and may seriously disrupt essential utility services and systems,” the order continued that “imposing the restrictions and prohibitions ordered herein is necessary to maintain order and protect public health, safety, and welfare, and to secure property.”
Law enforcement, emergency management, and other county employees are ordered to duty by the declaration.
Closings
Returning to remote instruction for Tuesday is “due to ongoing flooding and the potential for hazardous travel conditions,” a 6 p.m. Monday news release from the district said. “This applies to both students and staff. Schools will provide additional details regarding assignments and remote learning procedures. Students will be allowed to make up work missed during Remote Instruction. All extracurricular activities are cancelled.
“We understand that closing schools for in-person instruction is disruptive and that students benefit most from being in the classroom. However, the safety of our students, parents, and staff is our highest priority.
“Based on current reports and observed conditions travelling to and from our campuses could be dangerous tomorrow, particularly in the areas hardest hit by flooding.
“We aim to resume in-person instruction on Wednesday, Sept. 18k, providing conditions improve.”
In addition to the Columbus County Schools, other closings ordered for Tuesday, Sept. 17, include:
- Columbus County Courts will be closed, both Superior and District, Clerk of Court Jess Hill said in a news release citing Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Ashley Gore and Chief District Court Judge Scott Ussery. All jurors summoned for court this week have been released, and do not have to report for jury duty.
- Southeastern Community College will open at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, resuming normal operating hours, a Monday evening announcement from the college said.
Final briefing
While flooding impacts from the storm lingered Monday evening, the storm has moved on prompting the National Weather Service office in Wilmington it release its final storm briefing, headlined “Weaking low pressure for northeast South Carolina and southeast North Carolina.
The 14-county area covered by the Wilmington NWS office extends from Pender to Georgetown counties along the coast, as far west as Robeson, Marlboro and Darlington counties.
Look for updates here as events warrant and the wrap-up story in the next Tabor-Loris Tribune in print and online.
