Weather Florence: 3 Dead In South Carolina, All Evacuations To Be Lifted As Tropical Storm Florence moves west, the NHC warning of catastrophic, life-threatening flash flooding that is likely in the Carolinas. Reply At least three deaths have been reported in South Carolina as Tropical Storm Florence lashed the state, downing trees, power lines and leaving many roads impassable. As Florence moves west, Gov. Henry McMaster announced that all evacuations would be lifted in South Carolina as of 9 a.m. Sunday. Nearly 67,000 customers remain without power in the state, according to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. Earlier in the day on Saturday, more than 170,000 power outages were reported. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety confirmed three storm-related deaths in the state. A man and a woman were killed in Horry County by carbon monoxide poisoning and a woman was killed in Union County when her car struck a tree. The National Hurricane Center said in its 11 p.m. update that there was flash flooding and major river flooding happening over a significant portion of the Carolinas. The National Weather Service in Charleston said the Santee River is expected to go above flood stage early Sunday. According to the NWS, wind speeds of anywhere between 35 miles per hour and 55 miles per hour have been recorded across the state. As for rainfall, more than 11 inches of rain was recorded in Conway, the highest rainfall total in the state, according to figures released by the NWS. More than eight inches of rain was recorded in North Myrtle Beach, according to NWS totals. Florence is now moving at a speed of 3 miles per hour as it moves west and is expected to move northwest before making a turn north and north east on Monday. The National Hurricane Center said catastrophic, life-threatening flash flood and prolonged river flooding is likely in the Carolinas. State officials say they are working to implement a plan to combat major flooding in Horry County. "Bridges on major routes into the county are expected to be overtopped by rain-swollen rivers sometime Monday night or Tuesday," the South Carolina Department of Transportation said in a news release. Tropical storm conditions will continue along the coast and also well inland in South Carolina, the NHC says. A tropical storm warning is in effect for South Santee River to Surf City, North Carolina.<doc-sep>Advertisement Latest updates, video from coastal South Carolina Share Shares Copy Link Copy Sunday 2:30 p.m.A small town in northeast South Carolina is getting flooding rains from what's left of Florence.Downpours overnight flooded main roads in the town of Cheraw early Sunday and brought water to the doorsteps of some low-lying homes.Cheraw Police Chief Keith Thomas says about 12 people were evacuated from four homes. Police rescued five others from cars that stalled out in floodwaters. Thomas says no one was injured.The flooding largely receded from the town of about 6,000 people by Sunday afternoon. But Thomas said rain could fall until midnight.Debbie Covington was nervously watching water rise in a drainage ditch near her home. She evacuated her elderly parents from their house next door, which sits directly beside the overflowing ditch.Covington said roads blocked by water and fallen trees were making it difficult to drive.Sunday 11:20 a.m. updateFormer hurricane-turned-Tropical Storm Florence has claimed a 15th victim: a man who drowned when a pickup truck flipped into a drainage ditch in South Carolina.Georgetown County Coroner Kenny Johnson says 23-year-old Michael Dalton Prince was a passenger in the truck, which lost control on a flooded two-lane road early Sunday.Johnson says the driver and another passenger escaped after the truck ended upside down in the flooded ditch north of Georgetown.Prince is the fourth person killed by the storm in South Carolina.Authorities say a Horry County couple died of carbon monoxide poisoning running a generator inside and a Union County woman died when her vehicle hit a tree branch.Sunday 8 a.m. update from State Emergency Operations CenterAs of 8 a.m. Sunday, the response team has reported:There were 63 shelters open with approximately 4,000 people in shelters. Some 61,000 power outages in the state. Highest rainfall total so far is 13.3 inches in Marion County; totals are expected to go higher as rainfall continues in much of the state. There have been four confirmed storm-related fatalities; one in Union County, one in Georgetown County and two in Horry County. Interstate 95 is closed between Mile Marker 181 and 190 in Dillon County. Local road closures reported in Darlington, Dillon, Georgetown and Horry counties. Utility and debris cleanup crews are staged. High water vehicles are staged and being used for rescue duty. State law enforcement officers are on duty to assist local authorities. The FEMA Incident Management Assistance Team is on site. Anyone interested in volunteering can go to volunteersc.org to register. The Public Information Phone System has answered over 10,000 calls, many of the calls today concern issues around flooding, road conditions and re-entry. Citizens can call 1-866-246-0133 for emergency information. 27 dams in areas affected by the storm are being monitored. Sunday morning update Interstate 95 has been closed in both directions near mile marker 1-87 due to flooding. A detour is being installed between Exit 198 (SC 34) and Exit 181 (SC 38). Motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution and obey the speed limits.Saturday 11 p.m.At 11 p.m. Saturday, Florence was about 40 miles (65 kilometers) east-southeast of Columbia, South Carolina. It has top sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph) and is moving to the west at 3 mph (6 kph).Saturday 8 p.m.The core of Tropical Storm Florence is now drifting westward over South Carolina, threatening more flash floods and major river flooding.The National Hurricane Center said Florence was located around 8 p.m. Saturday about 65 miles (100 kilometers) east-southeast of Columbia, the South Carolina capital. Its top sustained winds have dropped some to 45 mph (75 kph) and Florence is crawling along at 2 mph (4 kph).Forecasters say that Florence is still a dangerous storm and is expected to dump excessive rainfall on wide areas of North Carolina and South Carolina. They also say the storm could kick up a few tornadoes on its trek across the region.The large storm came ashore earlier in the week as a hurricane, flooding rivers, forcing high-water rescues and leaving several people dead amid a trail of destruction.Saturday 5:50 p.m.In coordination with local officials, Governor Henry McMaster Saturday announced that evacuation orders for Horry and Georgetown counties will be lifted Sunday morning, Sunday, September 16 at 9 a.m.. Earlier Saturday, the governor lifted evacuation orders for all other previously evacuated zones. A copy of the governor's executive order lifting evacuation orders can be found here. Beginning at 9 AM Sunday, the governor will have restored local officials' authority over school schedules and all state government offices will be open for normal business hours on Monday in all previously evacuated areas. Residents returning to their homes are encouraged to exercise patience and expect lengthy travel times, blocked roadways, or detours back to evacuated areas and are asked not to drive around barricades or use emergency lanes that are needed for first responders. While the weather conditions have improved, motorists should be cautious of fallen trees, downed power lines, and standing water in and around roadways. Citizens also should anticipate power outages at their homes or businesses, which may last for several days. Although the storm no longer presents a direct threat to these areas, hazardous conditions still exist in many parts of coastal and inland counties: Avoid flood waters or standing water. Do not use area streams, rivers or the ocean for drinking, bathing or swimming due to the possibility of bacteria, waste water, or other contaminants. Avoid wading through standing water due to the possibility of sharp objects, power lines, or other hazardous debris that may be under the surface.Saturday 2 p.m. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced that evacuation orders have been lifted for all residents in Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley counties, along with Edisto Beach in Colleton county, effective at noon Saturday.At the request of local officials, evacuation orders for zones in Georgetown and Horry counties remain in effect as local law enforcement and officials continue to assess areas for potential dangers. Returning residents are encouraged to exercise patience and expect lengthy travel times, blocked roadways, or detours back to evacuated areas and are asked not to drive around barricades or use emergency lanes that are needed for first responders. While the weather conditions have improved, motorists should be cautious of fallen trees, downed power lines, and standing water in and around roadways. Citizens also should anticipate power outages at their homes or businesses, which may last for several days. A decision on state government offices and school closings will be made once local emergency management and law enforcement officials have accessed damage and existing shelter needs. Although Tropical Storm Florence itself no longer presents a threat to these areas, hazardous conditions still exist in many parts of coastal and inland counties: Avoid flood waters or standing water. Do not use area streams, rivers or the ocean for drinking, bathing or swimming due to the possibility of bacteria, waste water, or other contaminants. Avoid wading through standing water due to the possibility of sharp objects, power lines, or other hazardous debris that may be under the surface. There are currently over 170,000 power outages throughout the state. Those without power should not use generators indoors under any circumstances. Running generators in homes, garages, or other closed areas can lead to increased levels of carbon monoxide, which can be fatal and may cause death.Saturday 2 a.m.Around 2 a.m., Florence was about 25 miles west of Myrtle Beach, SC, moving west-southwest at 5 mph, packing maximum-sustained winds of 60 mph. Tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 175 miles from the center of the storm.The storm is forecast to creep along eastern South Carolina through Saturday morning, dumping lots of water and lashing the region with winds. The storm is then expected to turn westward and then northward through the Carolinas and the Ohio Valley by Monday, the NHC said.Friday 11 p.m.Tropical Storm Florence is crawling slowly across South Carolina as life-threatening storm surges and strong winds are expected to continue overnight, amid a rising inland flood threat.The National Hurricane Center in Miami says the core of Florence was located at 11 p.m. Friday about 15 miles west-northwest of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Top sustained winds are now about 65 mph and the storm is moving to the west-southwest at 5 mph - a track that is expected to continue through early Saturday.Forecasters say catastrophic freshwater flooding is expected over parts of North Carolina and South Carolina ahead.As Florence moves further inland over the coming days, the storm is expected to gradually weaken. Forecasters say it could become a depression by Saturday night.Upstate, WNC open shelters ahead of TS Florence's arrivalFriday 8 p.m.The center of Tropical Storm Florence has moved into South Carolina, and both it and North Carolina continue to face powerful winds and catastrophic flooding.Florence's top sustained winds remain at 70 mph as it crawls west at just 3 mph.At 8 p.m. Friday, Florence was centered about 15 miles north-northeast of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and about 55 miles east-southeast of Florence, South Carolina.Friday 4:05 p.m.President Donald Trump will visit areas of North and South Carolina next week, according to a spokesperson.“The President is expected to travel to areas affected by the storm early to middle of next week, once it is determined his travel will not disrupt any rescue or recovery efforts.”Aides say Trump has been monitoring the massive storm from the White House, and he has taken to Twitter to encourage those in its path to listen to their local authorities for how best to remain safe.South Carolina's most popular tourist destination is riding out Hurricane Florence without major problems so far.In North Myrtle Beach, rain has been falling nearly all day and tree branches and limbs are on some roads. The power is out on the main strip, but almost no vehicles are on the six-lane highway through the center of town other than police.North Myrtle Beach spokesman Pat Dowling says three-quarters of the area's 37,000 electric customers are without power.To the south, Myrtle Beach was faring better. Power outages were spotty, and Myrtle Beach spokesman Mark Kruea says no significant property damage has been reported.No areas in South Carolina reported problems with surge from the ocean as winds continued from the land pushing water away.Friday 1:30 p.m. update:Many areas are reporting power outages as Hurricane Florence is impacting the Grand Strand and the Pee Dee, according to WMBF. Duke Energy reports that 369,521 customers across North and South Carolina have lost power. Of those customers, 7,992 are in South Carolina. Approximately 2,514 customers in Marion County are without power as of 1:00 p.m. Friday. In Robeson County, NC, there are 7,813 customers without power. Horry Electric Cooperative, Inc. reports on its website that 17,437 customers throughout Horry County are without power as of 1:00 p.m. Friday. There is not an estimated restoration time.Friday morning update:Wind speeds are kicking up far from the coast in central South Carolina as Hurricane Florence slowly makes its way along the coast.The National Weather Service reported wind gusts of up to 21 mph on Friday morning in Columbia.-Updates, latest video from North CarolinaThat's about 220 miles from Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, where Florence made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane at 7:15 a.m. Friday, coming ashore along a mostly boarded-up, emptied-out stretch of coastline.Wind gusts as high as 60 mph were recorded in the Myrtle Beach area.Thursday evening update from Gov. Henry McMasterGov. Henry McMaster says Hurricane Florence could bring not only flooding but also landslides to South Carolina.The National Weather Service is forecasting "significant" river flooding, especially in the northeastern portion of the state. That same area experienced dangerous flooding after Hurricane Matthew in 2016.Gov. Henry McMaster said Thursday in his 2:30 p.m. briefing that up to 7 inches (18 centimeters) of rain in the state's northwestern mountains could mean landslides and dangerous conditions.McMaster has ordered evacuations along much of the state's coast.<doc-sep>
South Carolina leaders are still responding to a potentially dangerous situation. Columbia, SC (WLTX) - All evacuation orders for South Carolina will no longer be in effect by Sunday morning, as the state will allow all coastal residents to go back to their home after Florence moved though. Governor Henry McMaster announced late Saturday afternoon that the orders for Horry and Georgetown counties had been lifted. They were the last two counties under the order. Earlier in the, he announced the counties under Charleston were no longer restricted from going home. On Monday, McMaster ordered nearly a million people to evacuate because of the threat of the storm, which at that point was a Category 4 hurricane. He scaled back that order to release the Hilton Head area from its provisions. Meanwhile, Governor McMaster said efforts in response to Florence are now transitioning to preparation for major flooding events along the Grand Strand and in the Pee Dee area. Among the chief concerns are four bridges that officials expect to be overtopped by flood waters. In response to Governor McMaster's request to keep at least one major roadway into Horry County open, SCDOT secretary Christy Hall said DOT is working with a number of state and federal agencies to shore up and protect Highway 378 into Horry County. Governor McMaster also extended sympathies to the family of Amber Dawn Lee, the first reported storm-related death in South Carolina. Though weakened, Florence remains a very large, slow and dangerous storm as it swirls over the Carolinas. The National Hurricane Center said Florence's top sustained winds were holding at 45 mph (75 kph), with higher gusts east of the storm's center. At 2 p.m. Saturday, Florence was inching west at 3 mph (6 kph), with its center located about 50 miles west of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Forecasters say prolonged rainfall from Florence could produce catastrophic flash flooding and significant river flooding. Tropical storm-force winds stretched up to 150 miles from the storm's center. A mandatory evacuation order has been put in place for anyone who lives within a mile of the banks of North Carolina's Cape Fear River and Little River. Officials from Cumberland County, Fayetteville and the town of Wade issued the order early Saturday afternoon, saying residents there face "imminent danger" from flood waters expected to arrive in the area soon. Residents are being asked to leave immediately. Officials said flood waters from other areas are accumulating north of the county and filling the river basins beyond their capacities. They asked that the evacuation begin immediately and that everyone within the evacuation areas get out by 3 p.m. Sunday. Seven emergency shelters are open in the county. Officials in South Carolina are reporting the state's first fatality due to Florence, bringing the storm's overall death toll to at least five. A 61-year-old woman was killed late Friday when the vehicle she was driving struck a tree that had fallen across Highway 18 near the town of Union.