Columbia Residents Urged to Stay Alert as Flooding Continues After Hurricane Helene

Columbia, South Carolina Faces Flooding After Hurricane Helene

Hey there, Columbia residents! It’s been a whirlwind of a week here in our beloved city after the remnants of Hurricane Helene swept through. Sadly, the storm has left its mark, bringing both death and destruction in its wake. As we emerge from the chaos, the National Weather Service has issued a flood warning that’s keeping everyone on high alert.

What’s Happening Right Now

As the weather experts have pointed out, the flood warning is expected to last through 11:45 a.m. Thursday for the Midlands, which is our area. While that’s the current deadline for Columbia, other regions along the Congaree River might see continued risks for quite some time due to sustained high water levels. This situation is serious, and it could affect areas beyond just Columbia, reaching into Richland, Lexington, and Calhoun counties. So, it’s best to be prepared!

The Congaree River’s Rise

The National Weather Service has already reported that moderate flooding is currently taking place in Columbia, with further increases expected. The river is predicted to keep rising for at least another day—if not longer. And if you plan on heading towards Congaree National Park, it is essential to take precautions as it is forecasted to experience major flooding. Just a heads up—watch your surroundings, because flood waters can be dangerous and unpredictable!

Other Affected Areas

It’s not just the Congaree River that’s feeling the impact. Several other rivers throughout South Carolina are under flood warnings as well. Here’s a quick rundown of those affected:

• Wateree River near Camden, impacting Kershaw County
• Pee Dee River at Cheraw, affecting Chesterfield and Marlboro counties
• North Fork Edisto River at Orangeburg, affecting Orangeburg County
• Saluda River at Chappells, impacting Saluda, Greenwood, and Newberry counties
• Stevens Creek near Modoc, affecting Edgefield and McCormick counties
• Wateree River at Lake Wateree, impacting Lancaster, Fairfield, and Kershaw counties

Stay Safe Out There

As the rain continues to affect us, it is vital to remember that floodwaters are not safe. The Congaree Riverkeeper reminded everyone on their social media that flood water isn’t clean—it’s filled with debris and sewage (yikes!). There have been more than ten sewer overflows reported in the Columbia area just since Thursday!

Here are some practical safety tips to keep in mind:

• Never drive through a flooded road—this is where most flood-related fatalities happen.
• Be cautious when walking near riverbanks; they can be unstable.
• Keep a close eye on rising water levels and take appropriate actions if needed.

Stay Informed

In situations like this, information can change rapidly, and what’s true today might evolve tomorrow. So, it’s essential to stay updated via local resources or alerts. Make sure you have your plans in place to keep you and your family safe as the storm waters recede.

So hang in there, Columbia! Stay safe, stay dry, and let’s look out for each other during this tricky weather. We’ll keep our ears to the ground for more updates as the situation develops!