Richland County is monitoring weather conditions and making preparations related to Tropical Storm Hermine, which is expected to impact South Carolina as early as this evening.
In preparation, the County’s Emergency Services Department partially activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The EOC acts as the central hub for the County’s emergency response activities during severe weather events and other emergency situations.
Friday morning, the EOC will change its status to Operating Condition Level 4, or OpCon 4. The OpCon levels range from 5 (day-to-day operations) to 1 (indicating a disaster situation is in effect). The OpCon 4 level indicates the possibility of an emergency situation developing.
The County meteorologist anticipates Tropical Storm Hermine will cross the southern portion of the Midlands, with Richland County experiencing possibly 4 inches to 6 inches of rain by Friday night. County staff is mobilizing efforts to mitigate flooding threats and other damage, particularly in low lying areas of the County that are prone to flooding and the accumulation of storm-related debris.
For the latest Richland County information regarding Tropical Storm Hermine, get real-time news and updates on Facebook (/RichlandSC) and Twitter (@RichlandSC). Use RC WINDS, Richland County's state-of-the-art live weather data system, for the most current local weather information at www.rcwinds.comor download the free app.
Weather Schedule:
· Midnight-8 a.m. Friday: Total accumulated rainfall near 0.5- 0.75 inch. Wind: E 8-15 mph Gusts 20 mph.
· 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday: Total accumulated rainfall nearing 2 inches. Wind: ENE 20-30 mph Gusts 40 mph.
· 2 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday: Total accumulated rainfall 4-6 inches. Wind: NE 25-35 mph Gusts 50 mph.
· At or before midnight Friday: Conditions will rapidly improve. Rain ending with diminishing winds.
Threats:
· Flooding: A flash flood watch is in effect Friday for Richland County. Rainfall 4-6 inches.
· Tornadoes: Threat for isolated tornadoes.
· Wind: Sustained winds: 25-35 mph. Gusts to 50 mph may cause trees to fall with subsequent power outages.