Parts of Waccamaw Dr. reopen in Garden City after crews make progress clearing sand

Garden City, South Carolina (WMBF) – Workers are hard at work clearing the streets of Garden City of sand and debris, and parts of Waccamaw Drive are now reopened.

North Waccamaw Drive from Melody Lane to Cypress Avenue is now open.

Atlantic Avenue in Garden City and Waccamaw Drive north of Atlantic Avenue to Surfside Beach have reopened.

Intermittent road closures continue south of Waccamaw Drive and some side streets.

Only public safety and public works personnel will have access to the roadway to continue cleanup of damage.

Garden City resident John Vanskoyok said he was shocked by the damage left behind.

“It was really unexpected to see people’s homes flooded, especially compared to some of the other storms we’ve experienced here. The storm wasn’t as high category as those storms, but it actually looked worse than all of them,” Vanscoyoc said.

Candy Colonna rolled up her sleeves and helped pick up debris from the beach.

“So when I was walking where the water ran into the houses, there were a lot of sandbags and pieces of sandbags. I kept burying it and went out to dump it on the road so they could pick it up,” Colonna said.

Access to the beach along Waccamaw Drive remains closed due to debris and work by the public works team.

Pedestrians and vehicles should keep an eye out for heavy equipment in the area as work is ongoing.

Hawley County Police Department also advises that when driving or walking on roads or beaches, take care not to step on or drive on objects that may be swept up by the tide.

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