“This water ain’t scare me none”: Flooding and storm damage from Debby in Allendale County

ALLENDALE COUNTY, S.C. (WJBF) – Our storm coverage continues in Allendale County. The area is expecting significant rainfall from Debby.

“I would rather be here than any place else. But, I’m like, this water ain’t scare me none,” Fairfax Garden Apartments resident Annette Flowers said.

Flooding due to Debby at Fairfax Garden Apartments is hitting seniors hard. About 30 people live there. Family members are being contacted, and local officials are managing the evacuation.

“When I woke up this morning, I came out here and this is what it was,” she added.

“Allendale Fairfax Elementary School it’s designated for the safekeeping at this time,” Town Councilman Carl Love shared. “But what we’re trying to do right now is get them out to family members.”

Emergency services, including the fire department, are on the ground. They’re addressing the water issues but haven’t removed all it yet.

“They tried to siphon some of the water out of the area, rake it back into the woods, but it’s so much water, it is just running right back,” Allendale County Emergency Management Kara Troy added.

There’s a push to investigate nearby canals that might be contributing to the constant flooding. Leaders say they’ve asked for help from outside, but the response has been slow.

“Engineers would have to come in and look at it and see what, what would have to happen for it to not happen again. But certainly there could be something done drainage wise, but that would be up to an engineer to tell us what we need to do to get that done.” Town Councilman Ken Ready shared.

In Allendale, Adrienne Williams was preparing her kids for bed when a tree crashed into her home. She heard a loud crash as debris hit the floor.

“My baby just jumped up ’cause I was in like right there where the closet door at, going toward the bathroom,” she recalled. “So I just got the baby out the tub and my baby was like, ‘Ahhh, mama. Help. I’m scared. I’m scared.’ They looked up. Yep. The tree right there.” “We can’t stay here. The whole ceiling out like you can see outside right now,” she added.

She’s managing okay for now, but they’re staying with her mother until they can sort things out.
The storm caused significant damage: the roof, floors, kitchen, and her clothes are ruined.

“I’m on disability. I get a check once a month. I got rent and school clothes,” Williams said. “And now this on top of that,” Shawn added. “Yeah,” she replied.

Emergency management officials want you to report downed debris, power lines, or trees. Call the non-emergency line at 803-584-8151.

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