TS Debby: McIntosh County

Updated 6:47 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024

Decontaminating Private Wells after Flooding

August 6, 7:08 p.m : The Coastal Health District urges private well owners to take precautions and disinfect any well that flooded during recent severe weather.
When a well is flooded, the water can become contaminated with bacteria that could cause waterborne illness. Disinfection of a flooded private well cannot begin until the water covering the affected well has receded.

Steps to disinfect flooded private wells

Step 1: Thoroughly clean all accessible surfaces removing any loose debris. Then wash the area with a strong chlorine solution (1 quart of household bleach per 5 gallon of water).
Step 2: Remove the well cap and add 1 gallon of non-scented household liquid bleach.
Step 3: Run water from an outside faucet through a hose until a strong chlorine smell can be detected. Place the end of the hose in the well allowing the water to run down the sides of the casing and circulate for at least 15 minutes. Replace the well cap.
Step 4: Turn off the hose and enter the home, opening each tap, one at a time, until chlorine can be detected. Please include hot water faucets, toilets, bathtubs, washing machines, etc.
Step 5: Once the chlorine odor reaches all outlets, let the water system stand for at least 8 hours and preferably overnight. Refrain from any water use during this time.
Step 6: Flush the system of chlorine by turning on an outside faucet letting it run until the chlorine smell dissipates. Finally, run the indoor faucets until the water is clear and the chlorine smell is gone. Do not run any unnecessary water into the septic system or allow the chlorinated water to drain into a stream or pond. The well cannot be flushed too much!
Step 7: The water should be tested to determine if it’s safe to drink. It is recommended that over the next several weeks two additional samples are taken, and the results are satisfactory. Well water can be tested at your local county health department or county extension office. Repeated chlorination and/or a well professional should be called if problems remain.

Sapelo Island updates

August 6, 6:47 pm: Sapelo Island Manager Fred Hay reported that the island sustained very little damage from Tropical Storm Debby. There was no flooding during the high tide on Monday night, Aug. 5, and most of the island did not lose power.

Hay says that as the storm slowly moves north into the ocean, the island will most likely experience more heavy wind and rain late Tuesday night, August 6, or early Wednesday morning, Aug. 7.

“Some of the models show significant rain, and some show winds in the 40-plus range,” Hay said. “For this reason, we are going to leave the Katie Underwood safely tucked in at Meridian and tentatively resume regular ferry service tomorrow morning (Wednesday) at 8:30.”

School opening delayed

“Due to the potential for heavy rains, high winds, and flooding associated with Tropical Storm Debby for the next few days, McIntosh County Schools will delay the opening of school for the 2024-2025 school year.

Students will return on Monday, August 12th .

McIntosh County Schools will be CLOSED for all staff and students on Monday, August 5th and Tuesday, August 6th.

We will notify staff regarding Wednesday as the storm progresses.

Thursday, August 8th – IF road conditions are safe – we will host Open Houses at each school at the following times:

4:00 – 6:00 pm Todd-Grant Elementary – TGES

5:00 – 7:00 pm. McIntosh County Middle

6:00 – 8:00 pm. McIntosh County Academy – MCA

The safety of our students, employees, and their families will always be our first priority.

Stay safe,

Dr. Melissa H. Williams”

TORNADO WATCH

The National Weather Service in Charleston, SC has issued a tornado watch until 1:00 a.m. EDT Tuesday, August 6 for Bryan, Chatham, Liberty, Long and McIntosh Counties. This replaces the previous tornado watch, which was originally set to expire at 4 p.m. EDT Monday, August 5. A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornados to develop.

A flood watch remains in effect until Friday morning for Bulloch, Candler, Coastal Bryan, Coastal Chatham, Coastal Liberty, Coastal McIntosh, Effingham, Evans, Inland Bryan, Inland Chatham, Inland Liberty, Inland McIntosh, Jenkins, Long, Screven and Tattnall and southeast South Carolina, including Allendale, Beaufort, Charleston, Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Dorchester, Hampton, Inland Berkeley, Inland Colleton, Inland Jasper and Tidal Berkeley.

Emergency declared

Aug. 3: From the county:

The McIntosh County Board of Commissioners met in Emergency Session earlier today to consider the declaration of a State of Emergency, in accordance with the McIntosh County Emergency Management Ordinance (Chapter 17, Code of Ordinances).
A State of Emergency was declared in anticipation of the arrival and resulting impacts of Tropical Depression 4 (Potential Tropical Storm/Hurricane Debby).
The State of Emergency shall begin immediately and extend for a period of 10 days, unless otherwise cancelled by the Board of Commissioners.
The most recent information available indicates that while the storm remains a tropical depression at the issuance of this release, there is every reason to believe that further intensification will occur.

County advice for preparation

• Individuals living on barrier islands are urged to pay close attention to weather reports, and consider evacuating, on a voluntary basis. There is currently no mandatory evacuation in place.
• Barrier islands without road access should consider evacuating no later than tomorrow, Sunday, August 4.
• Islands with road access are urged to pay close attention to weather reports, and take into consideration that causeways may flood, limiting your ability to leave your residence until the tides subside.
• Individuals who live in mobile homes or manufactured housing should likewise pay close attention to weather reports. Currently, there is no indication that hurricane force winds will occur in our area, but that may change.
• Individuals who live in low-lying or flood-prone areas should also pay close attention to weather reports. Heavy rains and flooding (both tidal and rain driven) are expected in our area.
• RV Park Management should monitor the situation closely. Individuals otherwise living in RVs should consider evacuation no later than tomorrow, Sunday, August 4.
• All construction materials should be secured. All items currently placed outside that are subject to damage from tropical storm force wind and excess rains should be secured, immediately.
• Please keep in mind, emergency vehicles (including ambulances and fire trucks) may not respond when sustained wind speeds reach 35 miles per hour.

Evans Concrete sandbags

Terry Wilson, manager of Evans Concrete in Midway (Liberty County), says residents of Liberty, Bryan, and McIntosh Counties can fill sandbags free of charge from 8 a.m. to 12 noon Monday, August 5, weather permitting, at the company’s plant near 160 Leroy Coffer Highway. You must bring your own sandbags to fill.