Georgetown County residents clean up after overnight storm

GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)– Residents in Georgetown County spent the day cleaning up after a severe storm hit the area overnight, causing significant damage from wind gusts and heavy rain. 

The power is back on for most residents who lost power overnight due to intense storms, but the cleanup is far from over. Officials said the storm swept through the area around midnight with winds gusting up to 50 miles per hour, leaving downed trees and residents without power.

“Tree down calls started coming in, which quickly alerted us that this was more widespread than normal, and we had folks out, so we ended up. I think we answered 31 calls for service,” said Chief Brent McClellan of Midway Fire & Rescue.

Officials said they believe the damage was caused by a microburst, meaning a small but incredibly powerful area of wind moved through, knocking down even some of the strongest, sturdy trees. 

“Lots of old Live oaks with limbs down and water oaks Laurel Lakes totally on the ground Cedar trees snap we just lucky no vehicles or no real damage. Any property.” Said Craig Sasser, Refuge Manager at Waccamaw Wildlife.

As the cleanup from last night’s storm continues, officials are reminding residents to stay prepared ahead of what is expected to be a busy hurricane season.  

“Any kind of loose items in the yard do you want to kind of anchor down this time of year, but the biggest thing is to have a plan, and when the power goes out that you’re going to be able to tub to take care of especially anyone has medical issues or things like that,” said McClellan.

Residents are asked to take storm debris like tree limbs and branches to the overflow area at the Pawley’s Island Recycling Center. Officials remind everyone that the Murrells Inlet Recycling Center does not accept storm debris.