Saturday evening Governor Nikki Haley gave what will likely be the final weather report regarding Hurricane Matthew. She said despite Matthew leaving the South Carolina coast danger still lurks.
In the latest weather update, high winds were still being reported in parts of the Grand Strand and Pee Dee. The Myrtle Beach International Airport reported bursts of wind exceeding 70 mph.
High water levels were also a point of concern for officials. Earlier today river gages registered record water levels near Fort Pulaski in Georgia, and the Charleston Harbor set the third highest water level, the highest since Hurricane Hugo in 1989. The National Weather Service reports as much as 10 to 15 inches of rain fell along the Lowcountry, Pee Dee, and Grand Strand.
Officials also are watching river levels. “The rivers are now going to be an issue,” said Gov. Haley. “The ones we are concerned about are the Waccamaw, Lynches, Black, and Pee Dee.” Department of Natural Resources officials have surveyed the rivers by land but will do so by water in the upcoming days when they are expected to crest.
During the 6 PM press conference, the Governor said more than 833,000 people are without power statewide, with no precise time table for when power will be restored. Downed trees and flooding will be the biggest obstacle for first responders and utility crews working to get back into effected areas.
Curfews remain in effect for the following: Berkeley County, Beaufort County, Charleston (City and County), Colleton County, Dorchester County, Jasper County, Williamsburg, and Mount Pleasant.
In a bright spot during the press conference, Gov. Haley said port operations in Charleston will resume normal activity Monday at 10 AM.
Before wrapping up the press conference, Gov. Haley said county and school officials will work together to decide when to reopen schools.
Gov. Haley will hold a press conference Sunday, October 9, at 1:30 PM.