Charleston Curfew Continues as Officials Monitor Tropical Storm Debby
Palmetto Days and Nights under Curfew
Amidst the lingering presence of Tropical Storm Debby, City of Charleston officials announced on Tuesday evening that the curfew, initially instated on Monday night, will remain in effect until 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. Mayor William Cogswell stated during a press conference that the primary aim of the curfew is to ensure the safety of Charleston’s residents and its first responders, and not to be an inconvenience or detriment to local businesses.
Additional Measures Taken to Alleviate Flooding
As heavy rainfall continues to inundate Charleston, city officials have added further pumps to tackle the flood waters. Resources from the U.S. National Guard were set to arrive on Tuesday. Despite the grim meteorological predictions, Mayor Cogswell remains hopeful since the expected rainfall is less than initially estimated. Charleston had already grappled with over 11 inches of rain since Monday morning, warranting the stringent curfew and other measures.
City Officials Urge Residents for Cooperation
As the city grapples with the dual challenge of torrential rainfall and enforced curfew, Mayor Cogswell assured the residents of his empathetic stance. Nonetheless, the Mayor firmly maintains that the decision to implement the curfew was rightfully made with the topmost priority being the safety of the people and the first responders.
Charleston Police Chief Chito Walker lauded the residents for adhering to the curfew orders and heeding meteorological warnings. Early on Tuesday, Mayor Cogswell announced the extension of the curfew until Wednesday morning while appealing to the citizens to remain indoors. “Our emergency crews and city staff are working around the clock to keep our residents safe. We owe it to them to stay off of the roads,” Cogswell said.
Curfew’s Impact and the Deliberations for its Continuation
Fire Chief Dan Curia emphasized the important role of the curfew in ensuring the safety of not only the public but also the first responders, as evidenced by the significant decline in call volumes overnight. Mayor Cogswell expressed gratitude to the city residents and staff for their cooperation.
Although the curfew has been extended till Wednesday morning, city officials said they will reassess the situation during their 7 a.m. briefing. Both police and fire departments have increased staffing to handle any incidents of high water and swift water rescues. Additional pumps are being used to alleviate the inundation, and National Guard resources were expected to arrive in Charleston on Tuesday.
State of Emergency in Charleston
The relentless rain due to Tropical Storm Debby prompted Mayor Cogswell to declare a state of Emergency over the weekend. The curfew was initially announced on Monday night from 11 p.m., with roads leading onto the peninsula being closed. This closure extended to the primary thoroughfares from Mount Pleasant, Interstate 26, West Ashley, James Island, and North Charleston. A total of 170 barricades were set up on vulnerable streets to enforce this closure.
The community has been advised to refer to non-emergency queries or requests to Charleston County Government, which is operating its Citizens Services Desk round the clock. Spanish-speaking services have also been made available for residents who require them.
