The community of Grays, S.C., came together during tropical storm Debby to support each other and provide assistance to those in need. Donnie Jones of Jones Lowcountry Carrier and Transport shared his experiences of helping the community during the storm. As the storm hit the area, Gov. Henry McMaster urged residents to remain hopeful and resilient in the face of adversity.
Chaplain John Denny led a prayer at the S.C. Emergency Operations Center, emphasizing the importance of unity and hope during challenging times. The briefing focused on the impact of Debby on coastal areas, including flash flooding, damage assessment operations, rising rivers, and sheltering. McMaster emphasized the need for continued leadership and support as the state moved into the recovery phase.
Bery Barrera, a resident of Carters Mill Mobile Home Park in Ridgeland, shared her experience of the unprecedented flooding caused by Debby. Despite being prepared with supplies, Barrera was overwhelmed by the amount of water that entered her home. The storm dropped significant amounts of rain in Beaufort, Hardeeville, and Ridgeland, causing widespread flooding in the area.
Bob Duverger, a resident of Bluffton, spoke about the devastation caused by Debby in his neighborhood. The storm destroyed roads and homes, isolating rural communities and causing significant damage. Keith’s Country Store, a local landmark, was severely impacted by the floodwaters, highlighting the destructive force of the storm.
As Debby moved north, it continued to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the Carolinas. Power outages were reported across the state, affecting thousands of residents. Utility companies worked to restore power to affected areas, but the storm’s impact was still being felt.
The National Weather Service reported record rainfall totals in coastal counties, with some areas receiving over a foot of rain. The storm’s impact was widespread, affecting communities across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Residents were urged to remain cautious and vigilant as the storm continued to move through the region.
Despite being downgraded to a tropical depression, Debby continued to pose a threat to the Carolinas. The storm was expected to bring additional rainfall and flooding to the area, prompting officials to issue warnings and advisories to residents. The community rallied together to support those affected by the storm, with volunteers and organizations providing assistance to those in need.
As the storm passed, residents reflected on the impact of Debby and the challenges they faced. The resilience and unity of the community were evident as they worked together to overcome the aftermath of the storm. Despite the destruction and hardship caused by Debby, the spirit of the community remained strong, showing that in times of crisis, coming together can make all the difference.
