Governor, State Officials Urging Citizens to Use Caution on the Roads

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)- Though Hurricane Irma shifted to the west of the Palmetto State, Governor Henry McMaster is telling citizens to keep their guard up.

The governor says he is pleased with the way South Carolinians listened to the warnings given to them by state agencies but with heavy rain and winds still affecting our state, leaders are advising people to stay in as much as possible.

“We’re asking everyone especially along the coast to stay inside, even after it stops raining,” said Governor McMaster.”Roads are dangerous. rising water and flash floods can come out of anywhere very quickly.”

Sentiments echoed by other state agencies like the national guard. Adjutant General Bob Livingston says if you decide to drive you could be putting others in danger also.

“What we ask you to do is not put your self at risk and don’t put our rescuers at risk. We’ll try to come get you put it will be a very high risk situation so please stay home,” said Major General Livingston.

With thousands of power lines still down, the governor advises people to be on the lookout for cables, even where you don’t expect them.

“Some may be underwater, you can’t see them, they are hidden. There may be holes and debris in streets under the water so don’t walk or drive down those streets,” said McMaster.

Dukes Scott with the Office of Regulatory Staff says about 9,000 crews will be out, ready to repair those outages once the conditions clear up and it is safe for them to return.