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Health Insurance Plans Made Easy and Affordable
Trying to find the right health insurance plan for you or your family can be a complex, often difficult task. Just trying to find the best carrier can be stressful and confusing on its own. That is why the Health Insurance Solutions was founded - to take the stress and confusion out of the health insurance process. Our goal is to help hardworking men and women find the best protection for their unique needs.
Unlike some health insurance brokers, we make every effort to learn about the kind of health insurance you really need. When you speak with an agent from The Health Insurance Solutions, know that we will never try to upsell you on a plan that you can't afford. Instead, your knowledgeable, helpful health insurance agent in Myrtle Beach will help you navigate the uncertain waters of the health insurance world. Once we understand the health insurance plan you need, we will explore your options. That way, you can leave our conversation feeling informed about your health insurance options and confident that you are making the best choice possible.
We are proud to have served people just like yourself for more than 15 years at the Health Insurance Solutions. We have helped countless individuals, families, and business owners find the coverage they need at a price that won't send them into bankruptcy. If you know that you need health insurance but don't know how to start or what to look for, we've got good news - you're in the right place.
Service Areas
Do You Really Need Health Insurance?
Before we talk about the solutions that our health insurance broker in Myrtle Beach provides, we should address the elephant in the room. Everyone regardless of age or health, can benefit from a health insurance plan. Even the healthiest of people want to maintain their health and have protection in the event of a catastrophe. One of the best ways to stay healthy and plan for unexpected events is to visit your doctor for an annual check-up. When you have a health insurance plan, these visits are often fully covered by your insurance carrier when you choose an in-network doctor. Without health insurance, you will be responsible for the full cost of any medical care - even routine check-ups with your primary care physician. If something horrible happens, and you don't have health insurance, you may have to pay the full amount for the emergency care you receive. Even young, healthy individuals can benefit from the right health plan. After all, nobody plans on getting sick or injured, but bad things can happen to anyone. Something unexpected like a broken leg can cost more than $7,000 to treat when you don't have coverage. A three-day stay in a hospital can cost upwards of $30,000. That can be an incredible amount of money to pay out of pocket. Having a health insurance plan set in place can help you get quality care at a much more affordable price, especially if something unforeseen happens.
Who We Serve
At the Health Insurance Solutions, our mission is to educate and empower our clients so that they can get the best access to medical care possible. Because everyone has their own unique set of needs when it comes to health plans, we serve a wide range of clients.
Individuals
Individual plans, also called personal health plans, are health insurance policies that you can purchase solely for yourself. When you work with Health Insurance Solutions, your health insurance agent in Myrtle Beach will go over your health plan options and help find the best fit for your needs. Individual health plans are not tied to your employer, so you can make a career change without having to worry about losing your health insurance. For individual plans, we offer major medical, short-term, and fixed benefit plans that include life, dental, vision, and other coverage options.
Families
Finding the right health plan for your family can be a real challenge, but our experienced health insurance agents are here to help. We understand that not all members of your family will have the same needs. To help your family get the best coverage possible, we search for custom plans that will meet each of your family members' needs. Whether you're looking for major medical coverage or fixed-benefit plans with no deductibles, our experts are here to serve you. Common coverage options include vision, dental, life, STD and LTD, long-term care, and more.
Self-Employed
Entrepreneurs have their own set of needs in terms of health plans and how much they can afford to spend on coverage. Once thought of as a small percentage of the workforce, 57 million Americans freelanced in 2019 alone, according to the Upwork and Freelancers Union. If you are a consultant, independent contractor, or freelancer, the Health Insurance Solutions will find a plan that caters to your current needs and future endeavors. Common health insurance plans for self-employed people include vision, life, dental, and stand-alone prescription coverage. We also offer major medical, supplemental, short-term, and fixed-benefit plans at a range of prices that you can afford.
Small Business
Offering health insurance to your employees is one of the best ways to keep your team happy and attract diligent workers to your company. If you are a business owner who wants to provide health insurance to your employees but cannot do so because the cost of benefits is too high, worry not. Our experienced health insurance agents will work directly with your employees to help them find the coverage they can afford. We also offer hybrid plans that can be customized so that both you and your employee's needs are met. Whether you need a major medical package or voluntary benefits only, the Health Insurance Solutions has got you covered. Common small business health insurance plans include life, LTC, medical, vision, 401K administration, and dental insurance.
Travelers
If you travel regularly for business or pleasure, it pays to plan ahead and protect yourself. Because unexpected events happen all the time, you could lose a lot of money if your business trip or vacation is canceled at the last minute. Situations like this can be particularly concerning on international business trips and on long vacations. Whether you get sick before your trip or have valuables within your baggage stolen, traveler's insurance can help minimize expensive cancelation fees and costs.
Most Popular Types of Coverage
Figuring out the kind of insurance you need is a crucial part of the health insurance process. Do you have a prescription for eyeglasses or contacts? Do you have a condition that requires you to visit the doctor on a regular basis? Health insurance plans change depending on what you need. At the Health Insurance Solutions, we will provide you with a trusted health insurance agent in Myrtle Beach to help you choose the best plan for your budget.
Here are a few of the most popular types of coverage that our clients ask about:
Major Medical
This type of insurance covers minimum essential benefits and meets the standards of the ACA for family and individual coverage. Major medical insurance is a fantastic option to choose if you want to be sure all of your medical expenses are covered. Major medical plans usually cover ten essential benefits:
- Outpatient Procedures or Ambulatory Care
- Hospitalization
- Check-Ups and Preventative Care
- Prescription Medications
- Emergency Services
- Pediatric Care Services
- Laboratory Services
- Newborn and Maternity Care
- Addiction Counseling and Mental Health Care Services
If your goal is to cover a full range of care, major medical plans are often the best choice. We recommend you contact our office today to learn more about the major medical plan options available to you. As a licensed, private health insurance broker in Myrtle Beach you do not need to wait until Open Enrollment to protect yourself with a major medical insurance plan.
DENTAL
From basic cleanings to complex procedures like root canals, dental work can be awfully expensive. When you have dental insurance, you will have peace of mind knowing that you won't have to pay for your procedure out of pocket. In general, a quality dental insurance policy will cover some or all of the following:
- Routine cleanings and checkups (copay may be required)
- X-Rays
- Filling Cavities
- Bridges, Implants, and Crowns
- Root Canals and Repair Work
- Emergency Services Oral Surgery, etc.)
It should be noted that some types of dental equipment and services may be covered at higher levels of coverage. While preventative work like cleanings is typically covered, some procedures require out-of-pocket costs.
VISION
Usually purchased as an addition to your medical insurance, vision insurance helps cut back on costs associated with eye care Like dental insurance, vision insurance is great if you know that you will regularly visit the eye doctor or just want to protect yourself for a "worst case scenario." In general, a quality vision plan will cover some or all of the following:
- Routine Eye Exams
- Medical Eye Care
- Vision Correction Products (Eyeglasses, contacts, etc.)
- Surgeries for Vision Correction (LASIK, etc.)
It should be noted that not all types of vision insurance will cover medical issues related to eye care. For instance, if your optometrist discovers a medical problem during your eye exam, they may refer you to a different doctor. While vision insurance may not cover all eye-related medical services, major medical health insurance often does.
LONG-TERM CARE
It might be hard to imagine at this stage of your life, but as you age, there is a chance that you will need long-term care services. The question is, how will you or your loved ones pay for this kind of care? Many people choose to eliminate the burden of senior care by purchasing long-term care insurance. Services like meal preparation, medication assistance, and help with day-to-day activities like bathing are not covered by regular health insurance plans. Long-term care insurance will help you or your children lessen the expense of care when you have chronic medical conditions, dementia, or disabilities. When you speak to one of our health insurance agents, ask if you can purchase a policy that reimburses you when you receive care in the following locations:
- Routine cleanings and checkups (copay may be required)
- In a nursing home
- In your own home
- In an assisted living center
- At a long-term residential senior facility
Expert Help Is Only a Phone Call Away
We call ourselves the Health Insurance Solutions because we are committed to finding you the best, most affordable options for your health insurance needs. We work with all the major insurance carriers, such as:
- Aetna
- Advent Health
- United Healthcare
- National General
- Humana
- Transamerica
- Many More
Unlike some health insurance brokers who only care about making a sale, we don't view you as a financial transaction. We believe that serving others never goes out of style. That's why we prefer to educate you on your health coverage options so that you can make an informed decision. As your health insurance agent in Myrtle Beach, we would be honored to help you seek out a plan that is the perfect fit for your life. You will receive the same excellent level of service whether you are a business owner with employees or a single individual.
When you're ready to protect yourself and your family with quality health insurance, we will be here to help guide you along the way. Contact us today so that we may discover your insurance needs and provide you with a quality insurance solution that will give you peace of mind for years to come.
Call us 843-364-9155 for a complimentary consultation and evaluation of your healthcare coverage.
Latest News in Myrtle Beach, SC
Most socially connected counties in South Carolina
Stackerhttps://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/article295200609.html
In today's digital age, social media platforms enable people to bridge geographic distances and connect with their friends, family, and community, no matter where they are. According to a 2022 Gallup and Meta study, at least 1 in 3 people across seven countries, including the U.S., said they used social media to interact with others at least once a day in the past week.While social media has its drawb...
In today's digital age, social media platforms enable people to bridge geographic distances and connect with their friends, family, and community, no matter where they are. According to a 2022 Gallup and Meta study, at least 1 in 3 people across seven countries, including the U.S., said they used social media to interact with others at least once a day in the past week.
While social media has its drawbacks—such as pulling attention away from other tasks or fostering a problematic comparison culture—it remains a vital tool for helping people stay connected.
A majority of students in grades 3 to 12 said social media helped them develop relationships, learn social skills, and make a positive impact in their community, according to a 2024 report from The Social Institute.
Spokeo compiled a ranking of the most socially connected counties in South Carolina using 2021 data from Facebook, based on a national analysis. County pairs were ranked by their social connectedness index, which measures the relative probability that two individuals across two locations are friends with each other on Facebook. The social connectedness index is a scaled value up to a billion. Larger indexes indicate a greater share of Facebook friends between county pairs.
#19. Kershaw County and Clarendon County
- Kershaw County population: 69,905
- Clarendon County population: 31,004
- Social connectedness index: 342,408
#18. York County and Lancaster County
- York County population: 298,320
- Lancaster County population: 108,215
- Social connectedness index: 804,856
#17. Laurens County and Greenville County
- Laurens County population: 68,873
- Greenville County population: 558,036
- Social connectedness index: 883,041
#16. Lexington County and Richland County
- Lexington County population: 309,528
- Richland County population: 425,138
- Social connectedness index: 902,881
#15. Pickens County and Oconee County
- Pickens County population: 135,495
- Oconee County population: 81,221
- Social connectedness index: 1,102,350
#14. Dorchester County and Berkeley County
- Dorchester County population: 169,833
- Berkeley County population: 255,217
- Social connectedness index: 1,360,237
#13. Cherokee County and Spartanburg County
- Cherokee County population: 56,714
- Spartanburg County population: 356,698
- Social connectedness index: 1,420,351
#12. Union County and Newberry County
- Union County population: 26,629
- Newberry County population: 38,825
- Social connectedness index: 1,944,620
#11. Colleton County and Bamberg County
- Colleton County population: 38,874
- Bamberg County population: 12,974
- Social connectedness index: 2,016,630
#10. Chester County and Fairfield County
- Chester County population: 32,226
- Fairfield County population: 20,422
- Social connectedness index: 3,928,722
#9. Hampton County and Jasper County
- Hampton County population: 18,122
- Jasper County population: 33,544
- Social connectedness index: 4,188,374
#8. Florence County and Darlington County
- Florence County population: 137,214
- Darlington County population: 62,416
- Social connectedness index: 4,550,880
#7. Sumter County and Lee County
- Sumter County population: 104,165
- Lee County population: 15,967
- Social connectedness index: 5,229,985
#6. Georgetown County and Williamsburg County
- Georgetown County population: 65,731
- Williamsburg County population: 29,891
- Social connectedness index: 5,407,029
#5. Saluda County and Edgefield County
- Saluda County population: 19,123
- Edgefield County population: 27,607
- Social connectedness index: 6,178,904
#4. Abbeville County and Greenwood County
- Abbeville County population: 24,434
- Greenwood County population: 69,460
- Social connectedness index: 7,079,551
#3. Orangeburg County and Calhoun County
- Orangeburg County population: 82,820
- Calhoun County population: 14,186
- Social connectedness index: 7,347,090
#2. Marion County and Dillon County
- Marion County population: 28,508
- Dillon County population: 27,698
- Social connectedness index: 9,951,240
#1. Allendale County and Barnwell County
- Allendale County population: 7,369
- Barnwell County population: 20,447
- Social connectedness index: 18,790,213
This story features data reporting by Karim Noorani, writing by Kayla Zhu, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 46 states.
This story originally appeared on Spokeo and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
© Stacker Media, LLC.
This story was originally published November 7, 2024, 7:07 AM.
UPDATE: Flood watch for South Carolina until Thursday evening, according to the NWS
SC Weather Bothttps://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/weather-news/article295184664.html
An updated flood watch was issued by the NWS Charleston SC on Thursday at 11:59 a.m. The watch is for Inland Jasper as well as Candler, Bulloch, Effingham, Tattnall and Evans counties.Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible for portions of southeast Georgia, including the following areas, Bulloch, Candler, Effingham, Evans and Tattnall and southeast South Carolina, including the following area, Inland Jasper until 7 p.m. this evening."Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, s...
An updated flood watch was issued by the NWS Charleston SC on Thursday at 11:59 a.m. The watch is for Inland Jasper as well as Candler, Bulloch, Effingham, Tattnall and Evans counties.
Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible for portions of southeast Georgia, including the following areas, Bulloch, Candler, Effingham, Evans and Tattnall and southeast South Carolina, including the following area, Inland Jasper until 7 p.m. this evening.
"Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas," comments the NWS. "You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued. Be prepared to protect life and property, especially in areas prone to flooding. If flooding develops, move to higher ground immediately. If driving, be prepared for flooded roadways and possible road closures."
This watch is in effect until 7 p.m.
In case you reside within a flood-prone area or are currently camping in a low-lying zone, it is crucial to promptly seek higher ground. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Ensure your home is securely locked when vacating the premises. If time permits, disconnect utilities and appliances. Avoid entering basements or rooms with submerged electrical outlets or cords. Should you observe sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate immediately. Refrain from entering water that might carry an electric current and avoid walking through floodwaters. Remember, as little as 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If trapped by moving water, seek the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.
During heavy rainfall, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Remember to never drive through water on the road, even if it seems shallow. According to the NWS, as little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most cars.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning happens when a vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. The top three contributors to hydroplaning are:
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:
Source: The National Weather Service
This article was generated by the South Carolina Bot, software that analyzes structured information, such as data, and applies it to articles based on templates created by journalists in the newsroom. No human journalist was harmed in this experiment. You can report errors or bugs to mcclatchybot@mcclatchy.com.
This story was originally published November 7, 2024, 6:06 AM.
This iconic Myrtle Beach Christmas show is back! See what’s new & how the magic happens
Maria Elena Scotthttps://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/article295134829.html
The weather may be unseasonably warm in the Grand Strand, but the holiday season is still coming. That means it’s time for the Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals, Myrtle Beach’s iconic holiday marketplace.For its 43rd year, the Dickens Show will be open to the public from Thursday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, Nov. 10. Adults can grab tickets for $12, while kids’ entry is $5. Here’s what to expect from this year’s classic Chri...
The weather may be unseasonably warm in the Grand Strand, but the holiday season is still coming. That means it’s time for the Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals, Myrtle Beach’s iconic holiday marketplace.
For its 43rd year, the Dickens Show will be open to the public from Thursday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, Nov. 10. Adults can grab tickets for $12, while kids’ entry is $5. Here’s what to expect from this year’s classic Christmas show.
Although Christmas is still a month and a half away, the Dickens Show lets visitors gather all the decorations they need for the holiday season and stock up on presents early.
“We’ll have everything you can think of, from junk to nice things to interesting things, signs, decorations,” said founder Myra Starnes.
With over 350 vendors offering gifts, jewelry, crafts, gourmet food, decor and more, the show offers something for all tastes.
Unlike other trade shows and holiday markets, the Dickens Christmas show has an unusual vendor dress code — sellers at each booth get decked out in Victorian attire fitting for the Dickensian event.
While some vendors get their old-fashioned costumes from more traditional outlets like thrift stores, others use decidedly more modern sources, like Amazon and AliExpress.
“Where do you get anything these days? Amazon,” said mystery author Carole O’Neill.
The writer and her husband Jim Eberwein, who authors children’s books, are Myrtle Beach locals who are dressing up to sell at the Dickens Christmas Show for the first time this year.
“I’m an old lady in the village. I have one of those hats and those big skirts that puff out with the white blouses,” O’neill said. “And he’s [dressed] like a news boy. He has a cap, he has a white shirt with a vest, and he has short pants, knee socks and buckles on his shoes.”
In addition to booths, visitors have the chance to bid on custom items like themed Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces, holiday stockings and more in the event’s festivals benefiting charities. All of the proceeds from the auctions go to local nonprofit organizations like the Family Justice Center, the Kiwanis Club and Waccamaw Animal Rescue Mission.
This year’s assortment of Christmas trees, which benefit performing arts scholarships for children through the Sarah Bethany Foundation at Silver Lining School of the Arts, were decorated by local businesses, families and individuals.
The assortment ranges from traditional to wacky. Some of the more creative offerings include a Christmas cactus with a Toy Story western theme, a fire fighting-focused tree that comes with a pool table and a sunset-colored SkyWheel tree.
The Dickens Christmas Show wouldn’t be complete without its Victorian theme. From a 15-foot inflatable snow globe, which was invented in the Victorian Era, to an exhibit on how Victorian women used fans to communicate, this year’s event has plenty of history.
In addition to Victorian antiques like bicycles, strollers, high chairs and more, this year’s show will have a recreation of a Victorian bathing machine, complete with people in-character dressed in old-fashioned swimwear.
“Women could not swim where men could swim,” Starnes said. “There was no place to change clothes, so they made these.”
The carriages were carted out into the ocean and used to maintain modesty. Users could change into swimwear away from the beach and enter the water directly.
When Victorian swimmers were ready to call it a day, they’d wave a flag and the bathing machine was brought back into the water so they could change again.
“Once men and women could be together and things changed a bit, then they took [the wheels] off and used the huts to change clothes in, and people would rent them to leave their stuff in,” said Starnes. “And that was the first beach service.”
New to the show this year is a barbershop quartet harmonizing around the convention center and musicians playing Victorian instruments.
Another holiday specialty at The Dickens Christmas Show will focus on global winter celebrations. Sponsoring not-for-profit organizations will offer specialty dishes from around the world and, like other nonprofits at the show, keep all of the funds raised.
Other attractions will include tea-leaf readers, puppet shows and shadow box displays.
No Christmas event would be complete without Santa Claus and this year’s Dickens Show will have plenty of old Saint Nick. Visitors will have the chance to meet and take pictures with Santa and his elves in the Santa Castle.
The show will also have a “Santa through the Ages” exhibit, featuring a display of life-sized Santas styled in different garb.
This story was originally published November 7, 2024, 6:00 AM.
Follow more of our reporting on Inside Look
November 07, 2024 6:00 AM
UPDATE: Flash flood warning issued for South Carolina early Thursday morning, says the NWS
SC Weather Bothttps://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/weather-news/article295168589.html
On Thursday at 3:54 a.m. an updated flash flood warning was issued by the NWS Columbia SC. The warning is for Bamberg, Calhoun, Clarendon, Lexington, Orangeburg, Richland and Sumter counties."At 3:54 a.m., Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain falling across the warned area. Between 4 and 7 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly," according to the NWS. "This includes Interstate...
On Thursday at 3:54 a.m. an updated flash flood warning was issued by the NWS Columbia SC. The warning is for Bamberg, Calhoun, Clarendon, Lexington, Orangeburg, Richland and Sumter counties.
"At 3:54 a.m., Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain falling across the warned area. Between 4 and 7 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly," according to the NWS. "This includes Interstate 26 between mile markers 124 and 161."
Locations impacted by the warning include Sumter, Orangeburg, Bamberg, Denmark, Brookdale, South Sumter, St. Matthews, Eastover, Elloree, Claflin College, South Carolina State University, Edisto Gardens, Orangeburg County Airport, Congaree National Park, Gadsden, Sandy Run, Santee State Park, Hopkins, Poinsett State Park and Swansea.
"Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas," adds the NWS. "Most flooding deaths occur in vehicles. Never drive through a flooded roadway or around barricades. Turn around, don't drown. Flooded roadways are nearly impossible to see at night. Avoid traveling in this area. Turn around, don't drown."
This warning is in effect until 5:30 a.m.
For either residents or campers of flood-prone, low-lying areas, take immediate action and seek higher ground. Follow evacuation instructions without delay. If time permits, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances. Avoid entering basements or rooms where electrical outlets or cords are submerged in water. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate the area immediately. Refrain from entering water that may have electricity in it and avoid walking through floodwaters. Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet. If you find yourself trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and contact emergency services, and dial 911.
During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. It is imperative to avoid driving through any water on the road, even if it seems shallow. According to the NWS, most cars can be swept away by just 12 inches of rushing water.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning is the term for when a vehicle begins sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. The three main causes of hydroplaning are:
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:
Source: The National Weather Service
This article was generated by the South Carolina Bot, software that analyzes structured information, such as data, and applies it to articles based on templates created by journalists in the newsroom. No human journalist was harmed in this experiment. You can report errors or bugs to mcclatchybot@mcclatchy.com.
This story was originally published November 6, 2024, 6:17 PM.
UPDATE: Flood advisory issued for South Carolina early Thursday morning, says the NWS
SC Weather Bothttps://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/weather-news/article295164414.html
On Thursday at 3:42 a.m. an updated flood advisory was issued by the NWS Columbia SC. The advisory is for Calhoun, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Richland and Sumter counties.Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected for Calhoun, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Richland and Sumter counties until 5:45 a.m."Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Ponding of water in urban or other areas is occurring or is imminent," describes the NWS. "Most flooding deaths occur in vehicles. Never drive through a flooded ro...
On Thursday at 3:42 a.m. an updated flood advisory was issued by the NWS Columbia SC. The advisory is for Calhoun, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Richland and Sumter counties.
Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected for Calhoun, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Richland and Sumter counties until 5:45 a.m.
"Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Ponding of water in urban or other areas is occurring or is imminent," describes the NWS. "Most flooding deaths occur in vehicles. Never drive through a flooded roadway or around barricades. Turn around, don't drown."
This advisory is in effect until 5:45 a.m.
For either residents or campers of flood-prone, low-lying areas, take immediate action and seek higher ground. Follow evacuation instructions without delay. If time permits, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances. Avoid entering basements or rooms where electrical outlets or cords are submerged in water. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate the area immediately. Refrain from entering water that may have electricity in it and avoid walking through floodwaters. Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet. If you find yourself trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and contact emergency services, and dial 911.
During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. It is imperative to avoid driving through any water on the road, even if it seems shallow. According to the NWS, most cars can be swept away by just 12 inches of rushing water.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning is when a vehicle starts uncontrollably sliding on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. The top three contributors to hydroplaning are:
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:
Source: The National Weather Service
This article was generated by the South Carolina Bot, software that analyzes structured information, such as data, and applies it to articles based on templates created by journalists in the newsroom. No human journalist was harmed in this experiment. You can report errors or bugs to mcclatchybot@mcclatchy.com.
This story was originally published November 6, 2024, 5:30 PM.
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