Dorchester County deputies will visit residents along the Edisto River on Wednesday as flooding is imminent

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Residents who live along the Edisto River should be aware of flooding amid heavy rain from Tropical Storm Debby.

The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office said it will begin visiting residents on Wednesday afternoon to make sure everyone is aware that river flooding is imminent.

“If residents are not home, a blue hang tag will be left on the door relaying the same message the deputy was there to deliver,” the sheriff’s office said.

Officials say the Edisto River is predicted to reach major flood stage on Saturday. They say residents should take all necessary precautions now.

The flood stage is 10.0 feet, and the National Weather Service said the stage was at 8.9 feet as of 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday. A river flood warning is active for Dorchester County near the Edisto River until further notice.

“At 15.0 feet, major flooding occurs as the entire flood plain is inundated from Canadys to Highway 17. Extensive damage occurs to homes and cabins throughout this area and most river access roads are impassable. Flooding will also impede travel as portions of major roadways are closed to traffic including Parkers Ferry Road, Camp Buddy Road, and Wire Road,” the NWS said.

Forecasters said the river is expected to rise above flood stage late Wednesday evening and could continue to rise to 15.3 feet Monday morning. Anyone with questions or concerns can contact the county’s call center at 843-832-0393.

Sandbags are available to residents at two locations in Dorchester County:

Ridgeville Town Hall
Address: 105 School St, Ridgeville, SC 29472

Dorchester County Fire Station 15 – Grover
Address: 3336 Wire Road, St. George, SC 29477

There is a limit of 10 bags per resident or business owner, and distribution is first come, first served. Residents should bring a shovel because the sites are on a fill-it-yourself model, with the county providing sand and bags.