CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, S.C. — In Chesterfield County Tuesday, rain from the outer bands of Tropical Storm Debby could already be felt.
One of the biggest concerns was at the Pee Dee River where water levels are expected to rise. When that happens, along with other rivers and creeks, state leaders say all that water could close roads and cut off access to some communities.
Emergency crews have been trying to get ahead of the storm by cleaning storm drains and debris, but the governor says those living in the state should be prepared.
“We’re confident there’s going to be flooding," South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said. "We’re confident there’s going to be a lot of rain. The only question is how much is it going to be? As I mentioned, we have no fatalities, but there have been instances of people driving around barricades. I ask everybody to remember, somebody made a decision, competent people, to put that barricade there for a reason. Don’t drive around the barricade. Don’t drive through water. Don’t walk through water. Be very careful.”
Right now, Tropical Strom Debby is a slow-moving storm with the potential to bring catastrophic flooding.
As one of the areas with heightened risk, Chesterfield County Schools let students out early Tuesday and will have remote learning on Wednesday.
RELATED: Weather Impact: Charlotte will get heavy rain, and flooding as Debby drenches the Carolinas
Cynthia Davis works for the district and was among those grocery shopping at the Piggly Wiggly in town ahead of the storm.
"Well, I’m just hoping it’s not as bad as we think it’s going to be," Davis said. "We just fed our [students] and got them home so they can get home safe before the storm gets here. So, I just came and grabbed a little bit of stuff to go home because we have a couple of days."
Shoppers say snacks, comfort food, and batteries are top of mind.
"We got plenty of milk," Chesterfield County resident Margie Gaskins said. "We got some cornbread."
“Usually ... on Mondays, we do about $21,000, but last night we did about $35,000," Ethan Scott, who helps manage the Piggly Wiggly, said. "Selling mostly meat, milk and eggs … and then our bread. We’ve been putting bread out constantly.”
Contact Kayland Hagwood at khagwood@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.