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Emergency Responders Save People, Animals Amid Flooded Roadways

Two people, including a child, and several horses and goats, were rescued Friday morning from a flooded farm in York County, S.C., said Trent Faris, spokesman for the York County Sheriff’s Office.

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(TNS) — Emergency responders had to perform water rescues in York, Chester and Lancaster counties Friday morning after more than five inches of rain flooded area roads, officials said.

The rescues included not just people, but animals.

Two people including a child, and several horses and goats, were rescued Friday morning from a flooded farm in York County off Charley Horse Road south of Rock Hill, said Trent Faris, spokesman for the York County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office dive team worked with Lesslie Volunteer Fire Department firefighters, Carolina Dive and Rescue, and York County Animal Control, Faris said on Twitter social media.

The severe weather Thursday, coupled with wind gusts Friday reaching 45 MPH, forced schools to close and pushed emergency officials to urge caution for drivers as trees and power lines continued to fall. Power remained out for more than 1,000 customers in the three counties, utility officials said.

A wind advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m., National Weather Service officials said.

A group of people in western York County who drove around a barricade on a flooded road had to be rescued by firefighters, said Chuck Haynes, York County Emergency Management Director. The people were safe after the rescue, but Haynes reiterated that a closed road means the highway is unsafe.

“We still have several roads that remain closed from flooding,” Haynes said. “It is never safe to drive into an area that has standing water. If there are roadblocks or signs showing the road is closed, the only safe alternative is to turn around and find another route. It is not safe for the people going around the barricade and it puts emergency workers at risk.”

Trees in soaked ground could topple in Friday’s winds, Haynes said.

In York County the following roads remain closed, according to the county Web site: Bookout Road, Montview Road, South Fork Road, Love Valley Road, Stallcup Road, Wilson Chapel Road,.Blanton Road, .Morningview Road, Lakedale Drive, Gunsmoke Road, Forest View Road, Garvin Road, Simpson Road, and California Road.

Trees were down and limbs in the road near Lake Wylie at S.C. 274 and Pole Branch Road, and south of Rock Hill on McConnells Highway, deputies said. Smith Ford Road in western York County near Hickory Grove was submerged, deputies said.

One person was killed Thursday in York County when a tree fell on a car during the storm on Pleasant Road, S.C. Highway Patrol troopers said

In Chester County, a man was found on the top of his truck Friday morning after going off a flooded road near flooded Fishing Creek, said Eddie Murphy, emergency management director. Firefighters used ropes and a ladder and other equipment to get the man to safety, Murphy said.

“Water is dangerous and we ask people to be safe,” Murphy said.

At least five Chester County roads remain closed until water recedes, Murphy said.

In Van Wyck in Lancaster County, firefighters rescued a person caught on a flooded road, said Darren Player, emergency management director. Trees and power lines were down across roads throughout Lancaster County, Player said.

Check back for updates.

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