Weather is constantly monitored in South Carolina by meteorologists for TV stations and the National Weather Service. But to keep people informed of—and protected from—threatening weather, Richland County has a unique advantage as the only county in the state, and perhaps one of few in the nation, to have its own meteorologist. Ken Aucoin is both the county’s meteorologist and an emergency manager, thus making the county uniquely positioned to respond quickly to bad weather. Watching the Winds

Early this month, South Carolina reached the 2-year anniversary of the devastating October 2015 rain event, offering a natural opportunity to pause and observe the many tragedies that the widespread flooding wrought, and the many triumphs of recovery that have followed. The Midlands Flood Recovery Group , for its part, celebrated a significant milestone in its flood recovery narrative this month: the 200 th home repaired by the group and the gift of a restored home for one resilient flood

Since 2005, the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) has received over 70,000 complaints from 50 states, 6 territories, and 4 countries involving over 50 natural and man-made disasters. Retired Army Major Miguel Santana says after the October 2015 flood, he became a victim of contractor fraud. His costly mistake is stalling recovery for what was to be his retirement home.

About 75 families have returned to repaired homes in Nichols, South Carolina. The small town in Marion County was home to 260 homes before Hurricane Matthew brought strong winds and devastating floods in 2016. All but three sustained flood damage and most businesses were also impacted. South Carolina Public Radio spoke with Mayor Lawson Battle and Disaster Recovery Advisor Rita Pratte about progress in recovery, one year after Matthew. “It’s a slow process, but we are doing pretty well compared

If the past two years have taught South Carolinians anything, it’s that disasters are never out of the question, especially during hurricane season. County officials across the state have placed emphasis throughout 2017’s hurricane season on preparing the public for weather-related emergencies, putting their experience responding to the historic flood of 2015 and Hurricane Matthew in 2016 to good use. However, certain communities can face greater obstacles than others when these events do occur,

Two years ago, Mary Burch watched and prayed as heavy rains caused the underneath of her family home to flood and eventually rot. Months later, the 77-year- old Sellers resident was living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions as mold started to grow and the structure of her homw was compromised from the flood. The week of the two-year anniversary of the October 2015 flood, Burch was able to walk through her near-finished new home. Sellers is a small town in Marion County. According to the 2010

It's no secret that access to drinking water can be limited during severe weather events. But what about the days and weeks that follow? According to research from Clemson's Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science , water can still be unsafe weeks after residents' access to water has been restored. Dr. Hamed Majidzadeh, a post-doctoral fellow at the Baruch Institute, is one of several National Science Foundation-funded researchers who have studied the impact severe rain

The Bennett family is a tight knit group, but far from small. There are 9 children, 6 women and 3 men. Even those who've been around the family long enough are considered kin. All affectionately call 97 year-old Louise Chandler Bennett, "Momma" and are thankful for her new home. Momma just received the first so called, "stick built home" in the state, following the 2015 floods. "Coming up she was a hard working woman," said Carl Anderson. He's the pastor at Greater Saint Stephen AME Church and

Gov. Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency in South Carolina to help prepare for a possible strike early next week from Hurricane Irma. During a press conference Wednesday, McMaster stressed the declaration is a precaution and not an evacuation order. But he also urged residents to get ready for the possibility of Irma impacting the state. "Pretend that a category three hurricane is arriving tomorrow morning, and do what you would do then, now." Listen to the Complete Press Conference

The first 72 hours after a disaster are critical. The Federal Emergency Management Administration’s (FEMA) website reminds that electricity, gas, water and telephones may not be working and that public safety services such as police and fire departments may not be able to reach you immediately during a serious crisis. The agency recommends individuals should be prepared to be self-sufficient ( able to live without running water, electricity and/or gas, and telephones ) for at least three days