MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said at a press conference Saturday that there were no deaths related to the Hurricane Ian storm in the State.
McMaster also said no hospitals were damaged and water systems were in good condition. McMaster added that power is being restored at a record pace.
Kim Stenson, director of South Carolina’s emergency management division, said preliminary numbers are six electric co-ops reported damage, three counties reported infrastructure damage, eight counties reported residential damage and five counties reported commercial damage.
Officials said infrastructure damage would include items such as piers. The South Carolina Department of Transportation said there were no issues with the bridges, and the biggest problem with the roads is sand and debris on road surfaces and in drains.
SCDOT said crews cleared more than 1,100 downed trees from roads across the state as of Saturday morning. They also assist at Pawleys Island and Garden City with debris and sand removal.
South Carolina Transportation Secretary Christy Hall said Pawleys Island and Garden City appear to be the hardest hit areas when it comes to roads. She said it would take about two to four days of work in this area.
The SCDOT will work from sunrise to sunset until the work is complete, Hall said.
McMaster will tour the Grand Strand by helicopter to view the damage before his 4 p.m. press conference in Georgetown.
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