Anderson storm preparations for Hurricane Helene

ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – Anderson County Emergency Management said they have been monitoring the effects of Hurricane Helene, and the main concern is flooding.

“Talking with the National Weather Service, we’re still looking at about six to eight inches of rain that’s going to actually fall in Anderson County,” said Emergency Management Director, Joshua Hawkins.

Hawkins said there is no major flooding as of yet, but they are keeping a close eye on flood zones like Susan Street and Booker Street.

“As well as the Saluda River, we’re constantly monitoring the gauges on the Saluda to see what’s coming our way from Pickens and the upper counties,”  said Hawkins.

In an effort to stay ahead, officials said they have called in other emergency rescue teams to be on standby.

“We’ve actually gone ahead and preemptively made a request to the state to have another Swiftwater team, a type 2 Swiftwater team to come in and assist us,” Hawkins said. “A team from Dorchester County is coming in. They’ll have two rafts and 12 personnel, and they’ll be just staging their pre-staging just in case things do get bad and we start having some Swiftwater rescues.”

Emergency management suggests that people purchase nonperishable food items, first aid kits, flashlights and other emergency supplies before the rainfall becomes heavier.

Staying off the roads is recommended. Hawkins advised that if you do need to drive, to drive slowly and to pay close attention to the road.

“Slow down, pay attention, there is going to be a lot of rainfall and at times it’s going to be difficult to see so slow down. Make sure you know what’s coming in front of you on the roadway,” said Hawkins.

If you manage to see a flooded roadway, the best option is to turn around.

“Don’t drive through a flooded roadway, just turn around, don’t drown and find an alternate route,” said Hawkins.

Emergency Management said residents can report downed trees, power lines and flooding areas through the “ACSC Gov.” app, which is monitored by the county.

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