Torrential rainfall causes flooding, at least 5 deaths in South Carolina

In South Carolina, at least five people died during a storm that dumped more than 18 inches of rain in the central part of the state by early Sunday. 


Of the five deaths, officials say three were caused by traffic accidents. Gov. Nikki Haley (R) said that some areas saw a downpour expected to occur once every 1,000 years, Reuters reports. "Our goal is all hands on deck," she said during a news conference. "If you are in your house, stay in your house. This is not something to be out taking pictures of." A record 8.7 inches of rain was recorded in Columbia for a 24-hour period ending Sunday afternoon; Charleston broke its record for greatest monthly rainfall for October after just four days; and the Congaree River is at its highest level since 1936.

Flooding was reported along the highway between Charleston and Georgetown, a town of 9,000 that was mostly underwater, officials said. Georgetown County spokeswoman Jackie Broach said "every ambulance in the county" was out responding to calls, and "people are being moved from their homes in boats." Another two to six inches of rain is expected to fall through Monday.

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