Charleston Lifts Curfew Imposed Due to Tropical Storm Debby
Charleston Emerges from Tropical Storm
The City of Charleston, South Carolina, has lifted the curfew that was imposed due to the heavy rain from Tropical Storm Debby. The reopening of main thoroughfares leading onto the Peninsula has also been signaled, marking a return to normal operations after the storm.
Response to the Threat of Debby
Mayor Cogswell lauded the city’s response in his statement: “The incredible people of our city demonstrated a strong response to Tropical Storm Debby. City staff and the citizens of Charleston worked together to prioritize the safety of our residents and our emergency personnel. We will remain vigilant as Debby lingers nearby, but for now, we are just grateful for everyone doing their part.”
Post-Storm Precautions Remain in Place
Despite the curfew being lifted, the City of Charleston has warned about the possibility of downed power lines and trees, a consequence of the saturated soil and persisting strong gusts of wind. The city’s crews have been assigned to assess damages and address debris over the next few days.
Charleston Police on Flooding and Safety
Charleston Police have also closed and barricaded several roads in anticipation of potential hazards. They urge local drivers to not bypass these barricades and avoid driving through flooded waters. Furthermore, temporary pumps will remain in operational service until Friday morning, and trash pickup is canceled for the remainder of the week.
Irregular Garbage Collection and Landfill Closure
The city’s sanitation services have also been unsettled due to the occurrences of the week. The county landfill has been temporarily shut down, causing garbage collection to be put on hold until Friday.
The Curfew: Safety Above All
The curfew was first brought into effect on Monday night, and the order was extended until Tuesday 7:30 a.m. Mayor Cogswell emphasized the necessity of this measure during a Tuesday press conference stating, “the reality is that nobody should be out on the streets in these conditions unless it is an absolute emergency. The bottom line is we need you to stay home until this passes.” Charleston streets were inundated, and wind gusts as high as 40 MPH made conditions precarious for both first responders and citizens.
Enforcement and Lifting of the Curfew
Mayor Cogswell asserted that the curfew was effective as no rescues or reported injuries were made overnight in the area. Yet, several tickets were issued to curfew violators. City operations are touted to return to normal starting Friday. Also, online venues are available for property owners who have faced damage due to the storm to file their accounts, which will initiate official review and follow-up starting Thursday or Friday.
