Charleston extends curfew to Wednesday morning; no water rescues overnight

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A curfew for the City of Charleston has been extended into Wednesday morning due to Tropical Storm Debby.

The curfew was enacted Monday night through 10:00 a.m., however, because of the storm’s continued impacts, Charleston Mayor William Cogswell said a decision was made to extend the order.

“While I know this is frustrating to some, the reality is that nobody should be out on the streets in these conditions unless it is an absolute emergency. The bottom line is we need you to stay home until this passes,” he said during a press conference on Tuesday morning.

Mayor Cogswell said Charleston received eight inches of rain overnight and anticipated another three to six inches could fall over the next 12 to 14 hours. “This compound flooding, coupled with wind gusts of up to 40 mph, will continue to create dangerous conditions for our first responders and residents alike,” he said.

There were no water rescues overnight nor any reports of injuries to residents or emergency responders. “The curfew is working,” he said but warned the city has written a number of tickets and will continue to do so.

Cogswell said rescue teams are ready to respond with partner agencies to assist in the form of high-water vehicles and swift-water rescue teams. The city is also coordinating with local, state, and federal partners at all levels.

He added that the state provided additional pumps and high-water vehicles, and resources from the South Carolina National Guard on Tuesday.