Update as of 4:45 p.m. 9/26: According to the National Weather Service, a Flash Flood Warning has been issued until 7 p.m. for the Rock Hill and Fort Mill areas. Between 3.5 and 5 inches of rain has already fallen in the area and additional 1 to 2 inches could still fall. Drivers should remember to “turn around, don’t drown” and avoid standing water on roadways when driving. It only takes 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars.
Also, please let the Fort Mill Stormwater Department know if you encounter any stormwater issues by filling out an online reporting form: https://fortmillsc.gov/522/Report-Stormwater-Issue
_____________________________________________________________________
Storm Update (as of 2 p.m. 9/26/24): The Town of Fort Mill is staying updated on the effects Hurricane Helene will have on local weather conditions this week. According to the National Weather Service, Fort Mill is under a Tropical Storm Warning until further notice.
The storm could bring between 2 to 3 inches of rain from Thursday evening (9/26) through Friday afternoon (9/27) in the Fort Mill area. By Thursday evening, our area could feel winds up to 22 mph and wind gusts up to 38 mph. On Friday, winds are predicted to be between 22 and 30 mph along with wind gusts up to 55 mph. These forecasts are always subject to change as the storm develops.
Drivers are cautioned this could create dangerous road conditions today and tomorrow. These conditions could also create power outages in our area.
In preparation, please keep the following items in mind:
-Keep your cell phones and laptops charged in case of a power outage.
-Make sure you have an adequate supply of food, medicine, bottled water, batteries and flashlights.
-Keep your car fueled.
- Remember, “turn around, don’t drown.” Avoid standing water on roadways when driving. It only takes 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars.
-Stay safe from carbon monoxide by making sure you always run your car in a well-ventilated space, such as an open garage, and only operate a generator outside.
-Check on friends, family and neighbors, especially those with special needs.
-Per Duke Energy, always stay away from fallen or sagging power lines.
Emergency services & trash/recycling pickup
Emergency services will operate as normal.
Due to the severity of storm conditions predicted for Friday, all trash and recycling pickup has been delayed until Saturday, Sept. 28. Winds are expected to be high, and roll carts and trash could become hazards if left outside. If you are normally on the Friday pickup route for either service, please wait until at least Friday evening to roll your carts out to the curb. This goes for any other items that you plan to leave curbside for pickup as well. Crews will pick up trash and recycling on Saturday.
We also ask residents to please check nearby storm drains for any debris and to clear them if possible. This will help prevent flooding issues during times of intense rain.
Keep an eye on our Town social media and website for further updates.
Important information about local utilities
Duke Energy: Report outages at 1-800-POWERON (1-800-769-3766). You may also report outages or view current outages at www.duke-energy.com/outages or text OUT to 57801.
York County Natural Gas: For concerns about service, call (803) 323-5304 during normal working hours (8am-5pm) or call the after-hours line at 866-201-1001. Visit Natural Gas Safety | York County Natural Gas Authority (ycnga.com) and click “Extreme Weather” for more information about what to do during a storm.
York Electric Cooperative: If you experience a power outage, please call PowerTouch at 1-866-374-1234 or text OUTAGE to 352667 (your cell phone number must be listed on your member profile for this feature to work). For more information, visit Storm Center — York Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Fort Mill Utilities (Water and Sewer) Department: To report a water leak or sewer problem, please call 803-547-7158 or visit Utilities | Fort Mill, SC (fortmillsc.gov).
Fort Mill Police Department: To report issues, please call the police department dispatch line at 803-547-2022. For emergencies, please call 911.