Dense Fog and Flooding Woes in Columbia and Orangeburg

News Summary

Columbia and Orangeburg are experiencing a dense fog advisory affecting visibility, making driving conditions hazardous. The National Weather Service advises caution as the advisory expands to include multiple counties. Additionally, significant flooding is reported around the North Fork of the Edisto River after it crested at 15.34 feet, leading to road closures. With changing weather, local officials urge residents to stay informed and prepared for possible evacuations.

Dense Fog and Flooding Woes in Columbia and Orangeburg

Hey there, Columbia and Orangeburg residents! If you stepped outside this morning, you might have noticed it was a little hard to see. That’s right, a dense fog advisory is officially in effect, which started early on Wednesday at 3:14 a.m. and was updated just a little later on Thursday morning. The advisory affects a number of areas, including Northwestern Orangeburg, Central Orangeburg, and Sumter County. If you’re in the vicinity, be sure to take extra precautions while on the roads!

Driving Dilemmas Due to Reduced Visibility

Due to this fog, visibility in some spots has dropped to as little as one-quarter mile or less. Out in Georgia, specifically Burke County, folks are facing similar challenges. How about our neighbors in South Carolina? Well, the dense fog advisory also covers Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Clarendon, Lee, and many parts of Orangeburg. It’s looking like this dense fog will stick around until about 10 a.m. today, so if you’ve got to head out, hold on to your steering wheel a bit tighter!

The National Weather Service is emphasizing that driving conditions could get hazardous due to the poor visibility. If you’re hitting the road, remember to slow down, turn on your headlights, and keep a good amount of distance between you and the car in front of you. They recommend using low-beam headlights to avoid blinding oncoming drivers. Stay in your lane and have a game plan in mind just in case visibility drops to zero.

Extended Advisory and Continued Caution

Flooding on the Horizon

North Fork of the Edisto River in Orangeburg, especially after it crested a record-breaking 15.34 feet. This has led to road closures affecting nearby neighborhoods, so be cautious if you’re out and about.

Motorists should be extra careful on major routes like Interstate 26, where hazardous conditions are taking center stage due to the fog. Additionally, river levels in Orangeburg are expected to remain above flood stage for the entire weekend, indicating continuing risks of localized flooding. If you live near the river, keep an ear out for updates and make sure you’re prepared for possible evacuations. Avoid any low-lying areas if possible!

What’s the Weather Ahead?

As always, local officials are encouraging people to stay informed about the weather conditions, especially when it comes to flooding alerts in the area. So keep your eyes on the sky and stay safe!