Columbia, SC Faces Flooding Advisory Until Monday Morning
Hey folks, we’ve got an important heads-up for everyone living in and around Columbia. If you haven’t heard yet, the National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory, and it’s set to stay in effect until Monday at 7 a.m. So, if you’re planning to head out or just enjoying a cozy evening at home, let’s chat a bit about what this means for all of us!
What’s Happening?
As of Wednesday night, heavy rainfall has caused significant flooding along the Congaree River. According to the NWS, at 10 feet, we’re already seeing flooding in areas close to downtown Columbia, along with parts of the Cayce and West Columbia river walk. If water levels continue to rise to 13 feet, it’s going to get even dicey, spreading the flooding into even more areas.
And let’s not stop there, at a staggering 14 feet, we’ll see roads in low-lying regions and swampland downstream from Columbia completely underwater! Most of the lovely riverside walks in Cayce and West Columbia will also be swimming in water at that point. So, it’s not just a little splash here and there—it’s serious stuff!
Stay Safe, Friends!
For those of you living or camping in flood-prone areas, it’s best to take immediate action. Seek out higher ground and follow any evacuation orders you might receive without delay. If you do have a moment, lock up your house and disconnect utilities. Safety first, right?
And please, for the love of all things safe, avoid entering basements or any rooms where the electrical outlets might be at risk of being submerged. If you notice any sparks or hear strange buzzing or popping sounds, don’t wait around—evacuate the area ASAP! Oh, and remember: don’t venture into floodwaters. Just six inches of moving water can sweep you off your feet!
The Risks of Driving in the Rain
For those planning to hit the road, let’s have a quick chat about driving conditions. It might look like everything’s fine, but never attempt to drive through water on the road. Even if it appears shallow, the risks are very real. Just 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most cars!
Ever heard of hydroplaning? That’s when your vehicle starts to slide uncontrollably on wet roads, and it can happen quickly. Basically, when water builds up in front of your tires faster than your vehicle can push it away, you could find yourself gliding on a thin layer of water. Scary, right?
To avoid hydroplaning, remember these three things: reduce your speed, keep your tires properly inflated, and avoid hard braking. If you do find yourself hydroplaning, stay calm, ease off the accelerator, and steer straight until you regain control.
Stay Informed
The National Weather Service will be providing updates, so keep an ear out for their next statement set for Thursday morning at 9:45 a.m. Keep an eye on the water levels, and let’s hope for clear skies ahead!
For now, stay safe, Columbia! Look out for each other, keep those umbrellas handy, and remember: it’s better to be safe than sorry.
