Tropical Storm Debby dumped more than a foot of rain this week and caused significant flooding before dawdling at mid-week along the coast. But now the Lowcounty now is recovering.
Through it all, Bessie the Coburg Cow donned a poncho, but remained steadfast in her perch overseeing Savannah Highway in West Ashley.
Early estimates that the Lowcountry could get as much as 30 inches of water petered to a foot, but the threat was enough for Charleston Mayor William Cogswell on Monday night to announce a city-wide curfew to keep people off streets and protect property from water splashing from flooded streets.
Debby created far less havoc on Tuesday than predicted as Charleston residents hunkered down waiting for a deluge that didn’t come. But that didn’t mean the storm didn’t have a big impact, flooding regular trouble spots like near the intersection of Huger and King streets, stranding a few cars and keeping most businesses closed.
By Tuesday afternoon when rain sputtered, kids played in muddy puddles at White Point Garden. Stir-crazy residents walked dogs. And people nabbed a convenient cocktail or two to celebrate how Debby danced the tropical Charleston this week.
By Wednesday morning when the curfew was lifted — and the storm’s center was about 50 miles offshore heading in a northerly direction — Cogswell sent a thank-you love letter to businesses.
“You made sacrifices for the greater good of our residents and for the safety of city personnel and it made a difference,” Cogswell wrote. “You made our city better because of your actions. Thank you for helping us keep people off the roads. Thank you for feeding our staff. Thank you for giving our teams shelter. Most importantly, thank you for being a part of our city.”
Earlier, Cogswell said he didn’t take the decision on the curfew lightly.
“I know that this has not been easy, but when this is all over, I strongly encourage
all residents to go out and support your local restaurant, your local boutique, and yes
— your local bar. And I hope to have a toast to the long goodbye of Debby,” he said.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.