Despite sunshine, South Carolina far from a return to normal

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina was expecting sunshine Tuesday after days of wet weather, but it will take weeks for things to return to normal from a historic rainstorm.

Even as the rain tapered off, officials warned of the likelihood of new evacuations. That was illustrated Monday afternoon when an evacuation was ordered in one of two towns east of downtown Columbia where two dams were breached.

Gov. Nikki Haley warned communities downstream that a mass of rainwater working its way toward the low-lying coast could cause more flooding and displace more residents.

At least 12 weather-related deaths in two states were blamed on the vast rainstorm, including those of five people who drowned in their cars in Columbia alone.

A solid week of rainfall also sent about 1,000 to shelters and left about 40,000 without drinkable water.

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