News Summary
The Richland County Recreation Commission is organizing multiple Back-To-School Bashes in July and August, providing free school supplies to local children. With ongoing flood alerts and severe thunderstorm warnings from the National Weather Service, families are encouraged to participate while remaining vigilant about their safety. An executive order by Governor Henry McMaster has been issued for state office closures in affected counties, highlighting the importance of community support as families prepare for the upcoming school year.
Columbia, South Carolina – The Richland County Recreation Commission announced that it will host multiple Back-To-School Bashes in July and August, offering free school supplies to local children in need. Children must be present at these events to receive supplies. For more details, the public can reach out to Kevin Crawford at 803-741-7272 Ext. 137 or via email at communications@rcrc.state.sc.us.
As excitement builds for the upcoming school year, families in the area are urged to participate in these community events, particularly amid ongoing flood alerts and severe thunderstorm warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS).
Currently, the NWS has issued an updated flood advisory for several counties, including Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell, Lexington, and Orangeburg, effective until 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Forecasters warn that excessive rainfall is causing minor flooding, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained areas. Residents are advised to avoid driving through flooded roadways, as most flooding-related fatalities occur in vehicles. Recommendations during flooding conditions include seeking higher ground, evacuating if advised, securing homes before leaving, and steering clear of submerged electrical outlets or cords.
In addition to flood advisories, a strong thunderstorm warning has been issued for Richland and Lexington counties until 7:45 p.m. Winds associated with the storm could reach gusts of up to 55 mph. The storm system was tracked over Columbia Metro Airport and is moving north at 10 mph, impacting areas such as Columbia, Lexington, West Columbia, Irmo, and the Riverbanks Zoo. Major highways affected include Interstate 126, Interstate 20, and Interstate 26.
The NWS recommends that residents seek shelter indoors during severe thunderstorms and reiterates the importance of not driving through flooded areas. The risk of hydroplaning is significant when water accumulates on the road, leading to potential accidents.
In response to the dangerous weather conditions, Governor Henry McMaster announced an executive order for state office closures in Richland and Lexington counties. This order allows the governor to determine closures during hazardous weather events, aiming to reduce confusion and ensure consistent governmental operations during extreme weather. Other counties will continue to follow local officials’ decisions regarding closures. This measure was prompted by communication difficulties experienced during a past winter storm, emphasizing the need for improved clarity during emergencies. The order does not impede agency directors from maintaining essential personnel to address emergency situations.
Residents are reminded to stay informed of weather updates and remain vigilant during this period of severe weather, as lightning strikes in the U.S. average around 25 million annually, with summer being a peak season. On average, approximately 20 fatalities occur each year due to lightning incidents. Ensuring safety during these events is paramount, and community participation in local activities and support systems can aid families as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Thunderstorms Cause Widespread Damage in Columbia, SC
Richland County to Host Back-To-School Bashes for Families
Additional Resources
- Herald Online
- The State
- WIS TV
- ABC Columbia
- News 5 Cleveland
- Wikipedia: Weather Warning
- Google Search: Severe Weather
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- Google News: Richland County Weather
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
