South Carolina: Flood and Recovery

Stories of people and communities going about the work of recovery from the floods of 2015 and Hurricane Matthew in 2016.00000177-2120-db48-a97f-fb222fb50000In October of 2015, South Carolina received rainfall in unprecedented amounts over just a few days time. By the time the rain began to slacken, the National Weather Service reported that the event had dumped more than two feet of water on the state. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the subsequent flooding was the worst in 75 years.Then, one year later, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Matthew dealt a blow to many in South Carolina still at work recovering from the 2015 floods.SC Public Radio Flood Coverage from the Beginning

SCE&G Continues to Monitor Lake Murray Levels, Opening and Closing Spillway as Needed

South Carolina Public Radio | By Alfred Turner

Published December 31, 2015 at 4:55 PM EST

Lake Murray dam's floodgates were opened in October 2015 for the first time since 1969.

According to postings on its Facebook page, South Carolina Electric &Gas(SCE&G) partially opened one spill gate at 4 a.m. today to address high inflows into Lake Murray, near Columbia, SC, from upstream reservoirs and tributaries. At that time, the utility company announced that it would keep the gate open and make adjustments throughout the day as needed.

At 11:30, SCE&G posted a notice that it had begun incrementally closing the spill gate, due to slowing inflows into the Lake, reducing outflows from the Saluda Hydro Facility. The power company's Facebook page announced that the spill gate would remain partially open as we continue to monitor conditions. Adjustments will be made throughout the day as needed. Updates will be provided on SCE&G's social media channels, through local media and to local law enforcement officials.