Columbia Residents on High Alert as Flooding Threatens Due to Rising River Levels

Columbia, S.C. Remains on High Alert as Rivers Surge

A big sigh of relief washed over Columbia, South Carolina as the recent storm moved out of the area, but it seems the weather isn’t quite done with us yet. Right now, many residents are keeping a close eye on rising river levels as water from the North Carolina mountains is making its way down towards our beloved Midlands rivers.

As of Monday morning, things took a concerning turn when the rivers in the Midlands went above major flood stages. In particular, Calhoun, Kershaw, Lexington, and Richland counties are under a Flood Warning. The Congaree River in Columbia peaked at an alarming 30.58 feet right around 10 a.m., officially surpassing the major flood stage of 30 feet. To put it in perspective, this marks the ninth highest level ever recorded for this river, according to the National Weather Service.

By 3 p.m. Monday, there was a slight glimmer of hope as the river began to recede a little, clocking in at 30.26 feet. For those wondering how serious this flood could get, remember that flooding starts making waves at just 13 feet at the Cayce and West Columbia Riverwalk. Flashback to 2015 and you’ll recall we saw the Congaree River hit an even higher record—31.8 feet during that historic flooding.

Preparation is Key

Officials in West Columbia wasted no time notifying residents living near the Congaree about the rising water levels. While Richland County officials have assured there are no mandatory evacuations yet, they stressed the importance of staying safe, vigilant, and taking necessary precautions. It’s one of those scenarios where it’s better to be over-prepared than underprepared!

As the community is bracing for potential escalations, all public access to the local rivers has been officially closed. The Congaree River at Eastman, situated downstream from Columbia, was also showing concerning signs; it was reported at 126.9 feet around 4 p.m., which is quite above the major flood stage of 126 feet. Forecasts estimate it could drop to around 126.2 feet by Tuesday morning.

Wateree River Overflow

And it’s not just the Congaree we need to keep an eye on. The Wateree River at Camden also crested earlier Monday morning at around 38 feet, well above its major flood stage of 35 feet.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), if you’re uncertain whether your home might be at risk, there are resources available to help. They have a map for flood zone designations that can be searched by address, and they mention that just a single inch of flooding can cause up to a staggering $25,000 in damages. Yikes!

Safety First

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department and Richland County Sheriff’s Department are taking the situation seriously, having announced that all boat ramps onto the Congaree and Broad rivers will be closed starting now. It’s best to listen up—residents are strongly advised to obey this order and steer clear of the water.

For those navigating the roads, local traffic is permitted off Broad River and Hollingshed. However, Lost Creek Drive is closed from Pond Oak Lane to Lake Front Drive due to flooding. Even the city’s cherished greenways are off-limits for the time being, including the Riverfront Park North and South, as well as the Saluda Riverwalk.

In the midst of all this, the South Carolina Department of Transportation is keeping a watchful eye on the conditions, although, thankfully, no major bridge closures are expected for now. They’re dispatching inspection teams statewide to ensure everyone stays safe on the roads.

As Columbia deals with the aftermath of the storm and rising water levels, it’s essential for everyone to stay informed and take heed of local advisories. Stay safe out there!