FEMA Public Assistance Available for Bamberg, Calhoun, Orangeburg Counties Following November Severe Storms and Flooding in South Carolina
FEMA Public Assistance Available for Bamberg, Calhoun, Orangeburg Counties Following November Severe Storms and Flooding in South Carolina COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governmental agencies and certain nonprofits (including faith-based organizations) in Bamberg, Calhoun and Orangeburg counties in South Carolina that were affected by severe storms and flooding of Nov. 6-14, 2024, may be eligible for FEMA Public Assistance. This assistance can help cover costs for debris removal, protective measures, public buildings and equipment, public utilities, and more. This is a new major disaster declaration and separate from the declaration for Hurricane Helene. The Public Assistance Program provides federal funding on
Rising Seas and Stronger Storms Threaten Barrier Island Systems
As sea levels rise and storms intensify, these narrow stretches of sand and vegetation that buffer coastlines will be exposed to more frequent and severe flooding, erosion, and water table changes. The study’s findings , focusing on Cape Lookout, project that with a sea-level rise (SLR) of just 0.5 meters, nearly half of the current land area of the islands will flood daily, with the impact worsening during storms. Even a moderate one-year storm could flood up to 74% of the barrier island area, while more powerful storms with a 20-year return interval could submerge more than 85% of the
Atlantic hurricane season races to finish within range of predicted number of named storms
RESOURCES The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially ends on Nov. 30, showcased above-average activity, with a record-breaking ramp up following a peak-season lull. The Atlantic basin saw 18 named storms in 2024 (winds of 39 mph or greater). Eleven of those were hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater) and five intensified to major hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or greater). Five hurricanes made landfall in the continental U.S., with two storms making landfall as major hurricanes. The Atlantic seasonal activity fell within the predicted ranges for named storms and hurricanes issued by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center in the