Residents in Pee Dee prepare for second wave of flooding

(WIS) - Officials are continuing to monitor and prepare for the water levels of rivers to rise in upcoming days. The Waccamaw, Lynches, Little Pee Dee and Big Pee Dee rivers are expected to crest this weekend and into early next week.

State Fire reports teams have assisted with 518 evacuations so far due to flooding and 800 residents are still without power.

MORE: Waters continue to rise as persistent flooding closes roads, prompts evacuations in Chesterfield

There are 10 general population shelters open and two special medical needs shelters open. There has been a steady decline in the number of people using the shelters. However, officials have additional shelters on standby that are ready if needed.

According to SEOC, Residents should consider the following safety measures:

• People should avoid flooded roads and never move or drive around barricades.
• Flooding along rivers in the Pee Dee region is expected to continue for several days.
• Residents should be prepared to leave their homes if told to do so by local public safety officials.
• Flood waters and standing waters pose various risks, including injury, infectious diseases, chemical hazards and should be avoided.
• Residents who have experienced damage can assist state and local agencies in the statewide damage assessment process.
• Use the damage assessment tool in the SC Emergency Manager mobile application to send a report to the S.C. Emergency Management Division.

The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) continues to be fully operational, staffed by emergency personnel from multiple state agencies and emergency organizations.

Anyone interested in volunteering can go to volunteersc.org to register.

Residents should continue to monitor local media and official, verified social media accounts from public safety agencies for the latest information on the South Carolina Emergency Management Division's website at scemd.org.

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