News Summary
Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency in South Carolina as severe flooding devastates the Midlands and Lowcountry following heavy rainfall. With flash flood warnings and significant rainfall anticipated, residents are urged to seek higher ground and prepare for potential evacuation. The flooding has already disrupted essential infrastructure, prompting officials to assess damages and coordinate emergency response efforts.
South Carolina Declares State of Emergency Amid Severe Flooding Following Heavy Rainfall
Columbia, SC – A state of emergency has been declared by Governor Henry McMaster in response to severe flooding causing hazardous conditions across the Midlands and Lowcountry regions of South Carolina. This announcement comes as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued an updated flood advisory for Lexington and Richland counties, anticipating flooding due to significant rainfall amounts expected to reach up to 15 inches.
The flood advisory is in effect until 3 a.m. on Sunday and specifically warns of potential flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas. In light of these conditions, residents are urged to avoid driving through flooded roadways and to heed road barricades. The NWS emphasized that most flooding fatalities occur in vehicles that attempt to navigate flooded areas.
As conditions worsen, residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to seek higher ground and evacuate if local authorities issue evacuation orders. Important safety tips have been shared, including disconnecting utilities, avoiding basements when water is present, and steering clear of electrical hazards. Strong storms are predicted to bring flash flooding and high winds, posing additional risks, including power outages.
Impact on Local Infrastructure and Parks
As a consequence of the severe rainfall, the West Columbia Riverwalk has been closed due to significant flooding from the Congaree River, which has risen to over 30 feet. City officials have stated that while the park will eventually reopen, inspections of wooden bridges and other park structures are necessary and may delay the reopening process. Crews are currently engaged in cleaning efforts, using power washers to remove mud and debris from the trails and amphitheater.
The city aims to pursue federal and state assistance to cover the repair costs for the park, with ongoing assessments to determine the extent of the damage incurred. Flooding has previously led to substantial damage in various counties, most notably with over 150 roads closed in Orangeburg County alone, highlighting the seriousness of the event.
Weather Forecast and Future Expectations
The forecast indicates a 100% chance of rain on Monday, with expectations of an additional 2 inches of precipitation. Following the storm, temperatures are projected to drop significantly, raising concerns about potential frost conditions overnight. The North Fork Edisto River, having reached a record height of 15 feet, contributes to the ongoing risk of flooding in downstream areas.
State officials are currently assessing the damage that will ultimately determine the eligibility for federal assistance. For federal aid to be granted, losses must exceed $9.5 million. The South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan is already in effect to coordinate response and recovery efforts throughout the impacted regions.
With strong storms set to hit Columbia and surrounding areas, residents are strongly advised to stay informed and prepare for possible emergencies. The combination of heavy rainfall and potential road and building flooding continues to pose substantial threats to public safety.
As the situation evolves, local authorities will provide updates on safety measures, road closures, and available resources for residents affected by the flooding.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Historic Flooding Events in South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Flooding
- Live 5 News: McMaster Declares State of Emergency
- Google Search: South Carolina flooding
- Post and Courier: Flood Fireflies Columbia SC Public Art
- Google Scholar: Flood Response South Carolina
- SC Daily Gazette: Help for SC Farmers with Storm Losses
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flooding
- WIS TV: City Begins to Pick Up the Pieces Following Major Flooding
- Google News: South Carolina State of Emergency
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
