News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for Lexington and Richland counties in South Carolina due to heavy thunderstorms. Rainfall has already reached between 2 to 4 inches, with an additional 1 to 2 inches expected. Areas including Columbia and West Columbia are particularly affected, with many roadways already flooded. Residents are urged to avoid driving through flooded streets and seek higher ground if necessary. Stay informed and safe as severe weather conditions continue.
Flash Flood Warning Hits Lexington and Richland Counties
Hey there, South Carolina! If you’re in Lexington or Richland counties, it’s time to pay attention to the weather, as the National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning that’s now in effect until 2 a.m. this morning. Heavy rainfall in the area has raised concerns about flooding on the roads, and it’s better to be safe than sorry!
What’s Happening?
Just a few hours ago, around 12:13 a.m., the NWS updated the flood warning, letting everyone know that thunderstorms are currently pouring down rain within our communities. So far, rainfall has ranged between 2 and 4 inches, and we could see an additional 1 to 2 inches before it all calms down. With these heavy rains, we’re already facing flooding issues, such as flooded roadways and stranded vehicles, which could make getting around quite tricky.
Where is It Most Affected?
If you’re in areas like Columbia, West Columbia, Cayce, Forest Acres, or even near Fort Jackson, you might want to take extra care. Other regions highlighted by the current warning include:
- Dentsville
- Arcadia Lakes
- Eastover
- Horrel Hill
- Woodfield
- Five Points
- And many more!
Highway travelers should be particularly cautious on Interstate 126 and Interstate 26, as well as Interstate 20 and Interstate 77. These routes have been identified as problematic due to the ongoing severe weather.
What to Do?
For everyone in these affected areas, please heed the warning! It’s imperative that you do not drive through flooded roads. Even a small amount of water can be deceptively dangerous. For those living in flood-prone or low-lying areas, it’s strongly advised to head to higher ground as soon as possible.
If evacuation orders are issued, make sure to grab your things and secure your home. This includes locking doors, disconnecting utilities, and steering clear of basements where water might accumulate. Remember to also avoid any standing water that could potentially be electrified from submerged wires.
Be Aware
Did you know that just six inches of moving water can sweep a person off their feet? It’s true! If you find yourself trapped in fast-moving water, seek out the highest point nearby and call for help if you can. When rain comes pouring down, the flooding risks in low-lying areas really skyrocket.
The NWS warns us that twelve inches of rushing water can easily sweep away most vehicles. If you’re driving, be aware of hydroplaning, which can happen when a car begins to glide uncontrollably on slick roads due to water buildup. Factors like tire tread depth, vehicle speed, and how much water is on the road all play a role in this.
Stay Safe and Informed
With this flash flood warning, stay tuned to your local weather updates and keep an eye on your surroundings. Stay safe, South Carolina, and let’s hope for a little sunshine soon!
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Flash Flood
- WACH News
- Google Search: South Carolina flood alerts
- Live 5 News
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.
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