Weather Alerts Issued for Rising Water Levels Across Columbia as Hurricane Helene Hits Midlands

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Weather Alerts for Rising Water Levels

Hey, folks! It looks like Columbia is gearing up for some serious weather this week. The Weather Team has issued Weather Impact Alerts starting from Sunday night and stretching all the way to Tuesday. The reason? We’ve got rising water levels in rivers and lakes all across the Midlands, and it’s time to take notice.

What’s Happening?

Heavy rainfall from Hurricane Helene has caused river levels to surge, and good news—bad news, it’s not about to let up. Many rivers aren’t expected to drop below action stages for several days, with some even reaching historic highs reminiscent of the unfortunate flooding events of 2015.

Which Rivers Are Affected?

• Enoree River: A flood warning is in effect until Tuesday at 7:34 PM for Newberry County. It’s currently sitting at 32.2 feet, which spells trouble for SC Highway 121 and US Highway 176 north of Whitmire. It’s certainly a situation to keep an eye on!
• Saluda River: A warning here lasts until Thursday at 5:22 AM affecting areas in both Newberry and Saluda Counties. At a level of 26.9 feet right now, flooding threatens SC Highway 34, just a mile southwest of Chappells.
• North Fork Edisto River: This one’s got a warning until Monday at 9:30 PM in Orangeburg County. It just reached 8.8 feet, but once it exceeds 10 feet, farmland and lowlands around Highway 301 near Orangeburg will be under water.
• Congaree River: We’re looking at multiple warnings until mid-week across several counties, including Lexington and Richland. The river is currently at 26.4 feet. If it reaches 28.0 feet, we’ll see flooding in some low-lying areas of the Riverland Park subdivision. Additionally, some evacuations might be necessary for the Carolina Eastman facility if it climbs to 127.0 feet. It’s okay to be a little stressed; it is a big deal!
• Wateree River: Flood warnings are in place until Wednesday across Fairfield, Kershaw, and Lexington Counties. At present, it stands at a whopping 105.7 feet. Once it hits 102.5 feet, roadways near Beaver Creek start to go underwater, and homes on low-lying properties will need to start moving belongings.

What Should You Do?

Residents in these areas are encouraged to closely monitor conditions and follow instructions from local emergency officials. It’s always better to be safe than sorry! Pay special attention to any road closures, especially if you live near these rivers. Flood waters can rise rapidly, and you don’t want to be caught off guard.

Stay Informed

Stay tuned to local updates for the latest information about weather developments and keep safety as your top priority. Whether you’re stocked up on supplies or just keeping an eye on your property, staying informed will help you and your neighbors navigate this tricky weather situation.

Final Thoughts

Let’s hope the waters begin to recede as the weather conditions improve. For now, keep your loved ones close, be alert, and navigate the upcoming days wisely!