SCDES Begins Pre-storm Efforts to Prepare for Potential Impacts from Tropical Disturbances
Dam and reservoir owners and operators should monitor water levels, clear spillways
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 26, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. ― The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is closely monitoring Tropical Disturbance 94L and Hurricane Humberto and preparing for potential impacts to South Carolina next week. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) is the state’s lead agency during a severe weather response, and SCDES, as part of South Carolina’s State Emergency Response Team, is staying in coordination with SCEMD, the Governor’s Office, and other state agencies.
Today, SCDES used its emergency notification system to alert owners of regulated dams and reservoirs in areas of the state that could receive heavy rainfall, advising that they take proactive steps to prepare their dams and reservoirs. This can include clearing debris from spillways and assessing water levels to determine if lowering the level is needed to accommodate incoming storm flows.
Additionally, staff with the Dam Safety Program will be in the field throughout the weekend, proactively assessing certain dams and making any specific recommendations directly with dam owners.
If South Carolina is impacted by these storms, SCDES is prepared to perform post-storm dam assessments, deploy mobile teams to severely impacted areas of the state, conduct post-storm aerial coastal assessments, issue authorizations for sand scraping or minor renourishment along beaches, and assist with storm debris management, among other key actions.
