Incident #s Multiple - Following historic rainfall related to Hurricane Debby, historic flooding inundated the Lowcountry Region, including Colleton County. Other areas of the State were also affected. The Edisto River at Givhans State Park reached 17.3 feet Saturday evening flooding roads and homes along Augusta Hwy (SC Hwy.61), Peirce Road, McDanieltown Road and Camp Buddy Road. Water levels have not been recorded this high since 1945. Many areas were impassable to vehicle traffic. SCDOT placed barricades to restrict traffic. Charleston Hwy, (SC Hwy 64) between Jacksonboro and Neyles remains closed due to high water. Many residents did not evacuate prior to the rising waters. After water began entering homes, some began calling 9-1-1 requesting assistance from homes in Dorchester and Colleton Counties. Fire-Rescue established a forward Commander Post and Staging Area at Fire Station # 36 on Augusta Hwy. Charleston Fire Department deployed two High Water vehicles and crews for the weekend. The National Guard also assigned high water vehicles to Colleton and Dorchester. The Sheriff's Office and Fire-Rescue also had small boats on hand where needed. A total of 30 people, 26 adults, 4 juveniles, 5 dogs, 1 feline and a rabbit were rescued from their homes. The animals from Bee City Zoo were also evacuated. At this point, it is estimated that approximately 350 homes have been damaged, but assessment crews have not been able to reach all areas as of Monday. Many residents along the Edisto River are prepared for the flooding and use boats to access their homes. As the flood waters move south toward the Atlantic Ocean, the Edisto River is rising in the Jacksonboro Community with levels estimated to reach over 18 feet. Roads and homes in Jacksonboro have already begun to flood.
