Columbia Residents Urged to Avoid Rivers as Cleanup Continues Post-Hurricane Helene

Columbia Residents Advised to Stay Clear of Rivers After Hurricane Helene

Columbia, South Carolina, is slowly recovering from the heavy impact of Hurricane Helene, which swept through the area last week. As the waters begin to recede, there’s a significant reminder from local authorities urging residents to avoid the rivers at all costs. The Richland County Sheriff and the Columbia Fire Chief came together on Thursday night to reiterate this critical message.

The Risks of Accessing Rivers

In a public release, officials emphasized that river access remains closed in Richland County, and for good reason. “It is not safe for residents to be in the rivers; Dominion and Santee Cooper have structures in the river which makes it extremely dangerous,” the statement warned. They are strongly urging everyone to heed this advisory and stay off the water. Moving or crossing barricades set up for safety can lead to serious risks, and authorities are looking out for everyone’s wellbeing.

Recent Incidents Add to Concerns

Worries about safety escalated when the Congaree Riverkeeper reported a troubling event on Tuesday. A Santee Cooper transmission tower collapsed and found its way into the Congaree River downstream of Interstate 77. This incident raised navigation concerns, and the Riverkeeper took to social media to advise the public to avoid the area. “People should avoid this area as the lines and structure may cause a navigation hazard,” they posted. Santee Cooper is already on the job, working to remove the tower and replace the lines in the coming weeks.

Ongoing Clean-up Efforts

As clean-up efforts continue in the affected areas, the riverwalks and river access points in Cayce and West Columbia remain closed. Earlier this week, these riverwalks were submerged when the river crested at an astonishing 30.5 feet—extremely close to the levels recorded during the notorious “1,000-year flood” of 2015. The aftermath has left Cayce and West Columbia’s riverwalks in a state of disrepair. According to the Riverkeeper, “They are all a mess and will take a while to get cleaned up.”

Rising and Falling Water Levels

For those still keen on enjoying the outdoors, there’s some good news! Columbia’s Riverfront Park and the riverwalk trail along the Columbia Canal reopened on Thursday, as they sit much higher than other trails. Water levels in Columbia’s rivers are continuing to drop, following earlier highs from the storm. The Congaree was measured at a little over nine feet on Friday morning, while the Saluda River at Riverbanks Zoo, which had pushed above seven feet when Dominion Energy opened a spill gate at Lake Murray, saw its levels down to just over six feet.

Learning from the Flooding

Meanwhile, the Broad River has shown a dramatic decrease, having crested higher than it did in 2015. As of Friday morning, it has dropped by more than ten feet. While it’s a relief to see the water levels minimizing, the focus now needs to remain on safety. The situation demonstrates the lasting impacts weather can have on communities, and it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of following guidance from local authorities.

Stay Safe, Columbia!

As Columbia continues to recover, residents are encouraged to stay updated about local safety measures. While the rivers may seem calm, strong currents and hidden dangers can still pose risks. For now, enjoying the scenic views from a safe distance is the best plan for everyone. Remember to check in with local officials for updates as clean-up efforts progress and stay safe!