A dam located in rural Colleton County, South Carolina, is raising concerns as it has been deemed to have the potential to fail. The local fire department has issued a warning to nearby residents, advising them to evacuate the area immediately.
The dam in question, known as the McGrady Dam, is responsible for retaining Black Creek near Cane Branch Road. State records indicate that the privately-owned dam was flagged in 2016 for being unsafe and posing a potential danger to property. Furthermore, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently inspected the dam in 2022 and classified it as being in an 'unsatisfactory' condition.
Given the impending threat, residents living in close proximity to the McGrady Dam are strongly urged to leave the area to ensure their safety. The potential failure of the dam could result in significant flooding and pose a risk to the surrounding community.
Adding to the urgency is the forecast of Tropical Storm Debby, which is expected to bring widespread flooding to South Carolina this week. The combination of the storm and the compromised state of the dam heightens the need for swift action to protect lives and property.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are working to ensure the safety of all residents in the affected area. Evacuation procedures are being put in place to facilitate a smooth and orderly departure from the at-risk zone.
