HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Over a week since Tropical Storm Debby swamped regions of Horry County, the residents of the flood-susceptible Lee’s Landing area continue to deal with waters reaching waist height.
Inhabitants are compelled to utilize boats for traveling to and from their homes, parking their vehicles on elevated areas to avoid water damage.
To those unfamiliar with the scenario, the sight can be quite stark: Exhausted homeowners, occasionally accompanied by their pets, wade through the murky floodwaters for essential errands.
Residents in soaked parts of Socastee coping with Waccamaw River’s continued rise
Spokesman Thomas Bell explained that the flooding seen in the area near the expansive Waccamaw River is a typical occurrence after significant storm events.
“The county overall is managing well. The majority of the population doesn’t reside near the waterways and isn’t affected by the floods. However, for those who are affected, it’s certainly not an ideal situation as the week concludes and the next begins. Nevertheless, the water levels are expected to decline,” he commented.
Indications of receding floodwater are noticeable. By 4 p.m. on Sunday, the Waccamaw River was recorded at just under 15 feet but is anticipated to drop to around 12 feet by August 28, based on forecasts from the National Weather Service.
Residents from the higher elevations have contributed by leaving snacks and bottled water for those who are presently unable to replenish their own supplies.
“People really do a good job of pitching in and helping out where they can, and we’re very appreciative of that,” Bell mentioned. “It’s always that recovery piece that takes the longest, and it’s nice to see the community rally together and make sure no one is forgotten or left behind.”
A resident from Lee’s Landing expressed to News13 off camera that, despite having experienced flooding previously, the situation remains distressing. Furthermore, Bell advised against visiting the most severely affected areas unnecessarily.
“This is not a spectacle to be observed. It is not a tourist attraction. These are real lives being impacted. They may be accustomed to it, but unnecessary presence could lead to harmful situations,” he explained.
Meanwhile, a no-wake zone has been enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard for the Waccamaw River region, spanning from Enterprise Landing to Fantasy Harbour Fixed Bridge. This is detailed in a report.
State and federal authorities have determined that wakes from vessels can create increased hazards associated with high waters. Vessels must proceed at speeds that do not create a wake.
“Any little bit of wake can certainly push water up higher into people’s yards, potentially into their homes, and we definitely don’t want that,” Bell said.
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Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.
Hannah Huffstickler is a multimedia journalist at News13. She became part of the News13 team in January 2024 after completing her studies at Coastal Carolina University in December 2023. Follow Hannah on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram. More of her work is available here.
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