Columbia Braces for Hurricane Helene: Heavy Rains and Winds Expected
As residents of Columbia and surrounding areas prepare for Hurricane Helene, the storm is rapidly gaining strength and is projected to track north towards South Carolina. Authorities are warning that the Midlands may soon experience significant rainfall and powerful winds as the hurricane approaches.
Road Closures and Safety Precautions
With the forecast predicting heavy rain and gusty winds, many roads in the Midlands have already been closed due to flooding concerns, downed trees, and power lines. Richland County has urged all drivers to stay off the roads to ensure their safety and to give emergency services a chance to respond effectively to any incidents. As of 3:30 p.m., the following roads are advised to be avoided:
- Clamp Road, Blythewood
- Alcorn and Olin Sites Roads, Irmo
- Heyward Brockington Court, Columbia
- Waterford Drive, Columbia
- West Ashford Way, Irmo
- Jessie Stoudemayer Road, Irmo
- Riley and Barnes Streets, Columbia
- Roundtree Road, Blythewood
- Wren Creek Drive, Blythewood
- Hiram Allen Road, Blythewood
- Cavendish Court, Irmo
- Mistywood Lane, Irmo
- 7 Sunbelt Court, Columbia *road flooded*
- 91 Middle Creek Road, Irmo
- 19 Dantzler Drive, Columbia
- Nipper Creek Road, Columbia
- Valerie Road, Columbia
- Magnolia Hall Road, Columbia
- Cherry Lane, Eastover
- Larger Street, Columbia
- 200 Harry Derrick Road, Irmo
- Lake Carolina Boulevard, Columbia
- Eichelberger Road, Irmo
- Sam Dubard Road, Blythewood
- Gusty Lane, Hopkins
- Lynn McCartha Road, Chapin
- Saddlebrook Lane, Hopkins
- Markham Rise, Columbia
- Lilton Road, Winnsboro
- Marksbury Drive, Columbia
- Meadow Creek Drive, Columbia *ditches flooded as well*
- Fair Oaks Drive, Columbia
- Manus Road, Irmo
- Lykesland Trail, Columbia
- Lyles Maple Street, Hopkins
- 118 Winding Oak Way, Blythewood
- Essie Bell Road, Eastover
- Loch Lane, Columbia
- 119 Brickling Road, Irmo
- High Valley Trail, Blythewood
- Beech Branch Drive, Irmo
- Nazery Circle, Hopkins
- Hoyt Street, Columbia
- Sam Bradshaw Road, Irmo
- Old Monticello Circle, Winnsboro
- 908 Cold Branch Drive, Columbia, *drain collapsed*
- Tat Road, Columbia *with flooding*
Community Updates from Local Authorities
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department has been proactive, reinforcing the message for residents to remain indoors and avoid any unnecessary travel on Friday. In the nearby town of Lexington, officials have reported multiple closures such as:
- 2400 Mineral Springs Road
- South Lake Drive between Roberts Street and Third Avenue
- Elm Street between Roberts Street and Third Street
- South Church Street between Elm Street and Roberts Street
- Corley Street and Dreher Street
- Golden Hills neighborhood entrance, access at Morgan Drive
In West Columbia, the situation remains challenging with at least 25 road closures being tracked on an interactive map. Mayor Tem Miles shared on social media that “There are a bunch of trees down across the whole town right now,” indicating that crews are tirelessly working to clear the obstructions, ensure safety, and restore normalcy.
Transportation and Emergency Services Coordinating Efforts
The South Carolina Department of Transportation is closely monitoring road conditions throughout the state and providing updates on closures via an interactive online map. Earlier today at around 10 a.m., it was reported that U.S. 1 near Leesville Methodist Church was completely blocked by a large tree, along with U.S. 23 near Batesburg Baptist Church. Services are being coordinated to clear blocked roadways and restore traffic as quickly as possible.
As #HurricaneHelene approaches, it’s important to stay informed and keep safety as a priority. Residents are reminded to keep a close eye on local weather updates, avoid flooded areas, and always follow the guidance of emergency services. Stay safe, and let’s navigate this together!
