As most of the country is aware, Hurricane Joaquin is a category three storm that is currently hitting the East Coast of the United States. Many states declared a state of emergency in anticipation of the rain, flooding, and possible damage the storm will bring to many communities. Despite all of the funny "Walk the Line" and other Joaquin Phoenix references floating around social media, the storm has negatively impacted a lot of people.
South Carolina, in particular, has been suffering the effects of Hurricane Joaquin. Governor Nikki Haley has issued a state of emergency in what is deemed 1,000 year-level rain. This means that South Carolina has a one-in-1000 chance of this happening in any given year (CNN.com). An average of 20 inches of rain has accumulated in various parts of the state. These floods have washed cars down the streets and collapsed buildings.
The water connected to the storm is the cause for the torrential rain that is hitting the East Coast, versus the hurricane itself. Although the hurricane is beginning to lose strength, it has left South Carolina with devastating effects. Relief efforts are under way from both the local and federal governments.
Governor Haley announced that 600 National Guardsmen have been deployed in evacuation and rescue missions, as well as aid from Tennessee, Florida, and North Carolina (CNN.com). 70 miles of I-95 have been closed off, as well as other interstates and major highways. Many counties have issued curfews, as residents are advised to remain in their homes and stay off of the roads. Schools are closing, and classes have been canceled at the University of South Carolina for Monday.
For more information on the flash floods in South Carolina and how to prepare for a storm, view CNN’s article — http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/04/us/east-coast-rain-flood/.
