Columbia, S.C. Faces Heavy Rain and Road Closures as Hurricane Helene Approaches
As Hurricane Helene makes its way toward South Carolina, residents of Columbia are bracing for some serious weather. With rain pouring down, city officials have announced several road closures due to flooding, making it imperative for folks to stay informed and safe during this storm.
Road Closures in Columbia
According to reports from city officials, portions of Whaley Street and Main Street have been closed down. Specifically, Whaley Street is shut off from Assembly Street to Sumter Street, while Main Street is closed from Catawba Street down to Whaley Street. These areas have experienced a significant buildup of rainwater, leading to safety concerns for drivers and pedestrians alike.
The Columbia-Richland Fire Department has also reported that the intersection of Main Street and Whaley Street has become quite treacherous due to flooding. It’s a good reminder to keep an eye out and avoid driving through these flooded areas whenever possible.
Traffic Redirected
As the situation continues to develop, the Columbia Police Department has begun redirecting traffic at the intersection of Blossom Street and Huger Street. For those who are heading westbound on Blossom, they’ll need to take a detour towards Gervais Street to avoid the flooding. Just about an hour later, by around 1:30 p.m., officials from the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) announced the closure of the Blossom Street bridge due to rising water levels. Crews are currently working to reopen the road, but drivers should definitely be prepared for some delays.
Additional Road Closures Across the Midlands
The flooding isn’t limited to just downtown Columbia. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department has informed the community about several other road closures due to water hazards. Notable closures include:
- All lanes closed near the 10000 block of Two Notch Road and the 6000 block of Trenholm
- Trenholm at O’Neil is closed because of flooded waters.
- Firelane at Lowe’s off of Two Notch is also flooded.
- Many intersections throughout the city, including Shakespeare Rd and N Trenholm at Forest Dr, are inundated.
- Even the intersection of Key Road and Market Street, near Williams-Brice Stadium, has experienced significant flooding.
Unfortunately, one driver had to be rescued from their vehicle after it stalled out in the rising waters on Key Road. Thankfully, rescue crews were able to lend a helping hand!
Safety Tips for Residents
As the storm continues to churn, the SCDOT urges everyone to stay indoors if possible. If you absolutely must go out, remember to slow down, pay attention to road signs, and avoid driving through any standing water. Not only can it damage your vehicle, but it’s also incredibly dangerous.
The city is actively sending crews to monitor closures, and they will work diligently to reopen the roads as soon as it’s safe to do so. For anyone who uses public transportation, buses are running late this afternoon, so patience is key! Parents, student drivers, and staff members—please exercise caution as you navigate the roads.
Stay Informed!
As things continue to develop in Columbia and the surrounding areas, it’s important to stay in the loop. Updates are coming in regularly about road conditions and safety measures, so keep an eye out for the latest news. Here’s hoping everyone stays safe and dry as Hurricane Helene makes its presence felt in our beautiful city.
