Gov. McMaster Declares ‘Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week’

Peter D'Abrosca
SC GOV McMaster Storm Week

South Carolina’s governor on Monday announced that this week, March 3 through March 9, is ‘Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week.’

“The South Carolina Emergency Management Division [SCEMD], the National Weather Service [NWS], and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources [SCDNR]  jointly sponsor the week to remind people that severe storms, tornadoes and flash floods are significant hazards in South Carolina and people need to take proper safety precautions,” according to a release from the office of Gov. Henry McMaster (R).

According to the release, each day of the week will have its own area of focus.

Those are:

  • Sunday: Types of Severe Weather
  • Monday: Watches and Warnings
  • Tuesday: Staying Connected
  • Wednesday: What to do during a tornado
  • Thursday: Flooding in South Carolina
  • Friday: Turn around don’t drown, home safety tips
  • Saturday: Recovery from storms and flooding, insurance review

Described as a “highlight” of the week will be the state’s annual tornado drill, in which the South Carolina Broadcasters Association will participate.

“The drill will be conducted Wednesday, March 6, at 9 a.m. Public schools, state and local Emergency Management, the South Carolina Broadcasters Association, and others will participate in this annual event,” the release said. “The purpose of the drill is to test communication systems, safety procedures, mitigation processes, etc.”

The most recent data provided by the state suggests that there are an average of 26 tornadoes per year in the Palmetto State.

In January, the town of Bamberg was devastated by a category EF-2 tornado with 125 mph winds.

The same day, the NWS confirmed another tornado in a nearby area.

“Earlier today, a NWS survey team confirmed an EF-1 #tornado on the north side of Lake Murray in Chapin. This is the first tornado to impact our forecast area in 2024 and the first since the EF-1 Turbeville tornado spawned by #Idalia at the end of August,” the NWS said on X.

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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter/X.

 

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