Richland County emergency officials urge residents to make preparations as a potentially dangerous rainfall event threatens the area tonight through this weekend.

While Hurricane Joaquin is not expected to hit South Carolina, several other conditions are in place which may result in more than 12 inches of rain by Monday. The persistence of steady, moderate to heavy rain, will likely cause flooding in much of South Carolina. Therefore, Richland County residents are advised to monitor local weather conditions on TV and the County’s www.rcwinds.com site.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for the area through Monday morning.  A flash flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding.

“This is a significant amount of rainfall for a three-day period,” said Ken Aucoin, the County’s Emergency Planner-Chief Meteorologist.  “A foot of rain would represent approximately 25 percent of our yearly average.”

To help ensure residents remain safe during this weather incident, officials offer the following information:

·                  If you live in an area where water accumulates or floods, it most likely will flood again.

·                  Help ease flooding by raking leaves and other debris away from storm drains.

·                  Have a plan and know in advance where your family can go if it floods.

·                  Be sure to include pets in your plans.

·                  Call your insurance agent in advance and know what your coverage is.

·                  Don’t allow kids to play in rising water. 

·                  To avoid the risk of drowning, detour around standing water in the road.

·                  Stay tuned to local radio and television stations.

For the up to the minute rainfall, please visit the Richland County Weather Information Network Data System (RC WINDS) at www.rcwinds.com.

For more information on flood safety, visit the following:

·       Red Cross, www.redcross.org and search for the  flood safety checklist

·       National Weather Service, www.floodsafety.noaa.gov

·       Federal Emergency Management Agency, www.fema.gov and search for the flood preparation safety brochure

·       National Flood Insurance Program, www.floodsmart.gov