Road Updates and Shelter Closures in Jasper, Beaufort County
Jasper County has closed their shelter in Ridgeland, due to improving weather. Local road updates and closures were also announced on Wednesday afternoon following the passing of Tropical Storm Debby. The shelter had been run by the American Red Cross and the Department of Social Services, but with waters receding and only a few, isolated areas experiencing flooded roadways, it was deemed safe to close the shelter.
Why Close the Shelter?
“Conditions are getting better. Only a handful of peeps – five humans and one dog – used the shelter during the storm,” said Richard Hughes, the Jasper County Fire Rescue Public Information Officer. However, he did assure everyone that if there’s ever a need, the shelter would be reopened.
What’s Up in Beaufort County?
In a similar manner, Beaufort County has closed its shelters in Bluffton and Burton. For further information or future shelter openings, you can check the South Caroline Emergency Management Division’s website or call their hotline at 1-866-246-0133.
Road Conditions Check and Double-Check
Jasper County Emergency Services has also dished out the deets on road closures and travel conditions courtesy of SCDOT. They warned the public to be careful on the roads and never to drive through standing or moving water. There’s a website for real-time travel conditions [https://www.511sc.org/] and another for road closures [https://ris.scdot.org/RoadConditionsForm.aspx]. Issues on state-maintained roads can be reported by dialing 855-467-2368.
Who’s Closed for Business?
With the storm passing, a few places in Jasper County have announced temporary closures. The Ridgeland Post Office took a break on Wednesday due to apparent roof damage. Jasper County’s administrative offices also closed their doors to protect people from potentially flooded roads. Legacy Christian Academy postponed their orientation until it can be held safely.
A Few Facts on Sewer Contamination from Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority (BJWSA)
Although the bulk of Tropical Storm Debby is over, BJWSA wanted to advise residents about the dangers of sewer contamination from flooded waters. They’re warning people to stay away from the water because of unseen risks. Reported flooded pump stations and manholes were in Bluffton, Hardeeville, and Burton.
“Floodwaters from this storm should be treated as contaminated,” warned the BJWSA. Once the waters recede fully, their team can get in, assess, and carry out any necessary repairs. BJWSA has also notified the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) and is working with them to identify and manage the effects of the contamination.
If you spot or suspect any spill from the sewer system, ring BJWSA on 843-987-9200. For more updates, check out their website at www.bjwsa.org.
