Horry County declares weather-related emergency as Tropical Storm Debbie brings flood risk

Horry County Council on Aug. 6 adopted Ordinance 99-20-24, an emergency ordinance declaring a weather-related localized state of emergency in the county and authorizing appropriate response actions. The chair read the ordinance into the record and the council voted unanimously to adopt it; the chair stated the ordinance "takes effect now."

County staff presented a briefing before the vote. "We're just requesting that we do, issue a state of emergency for Horry County so we can, continue to address the issues that come up," Randy Buttsen told council, citing ongoing flooding concerns and the possibility of FEMA-related declaration and award processes. Staff said heavy rain and potential flash flooding were expected in the next day or two, and that the declaration would allow the county to respond more quickly and to preserve options for federal assistance.

The council moved and seconded the emergency ordinance and passed it by voice vote. The transcript records unanimous approval but does not provide an itemized roll-call of individual yes or no votes. The emergency ordinance was stated to be effective immediately; council scheduled no further substantive discussion on operational response in this special meeting.