News Summary
Aiken County, SC is under a flood advisory due to heavy rainfall, causing concerns for urban and small stream flooding. Residents are urged to avoid flooded areas and seek higher ground. The National Weather Service warns about the dangers of driving through flooded roads and has issued safety reminders. Additionally, local council initiatives are underway to address longstanding drainage issues, emphasizing the community’s need for effective flood management as severe weather continues to affect the region.
Aiken County, SC Faces Flooding Risks Amid Severe Weather Advisory
The National Weather Service (NWS) Columbia SC issued a flood advisory for Aiken County at 10:38 p.m. on Saturday, lasting until 1:45 a.m. on Sunday. Forecasts indicate heavy rainfall will lead to urban and small stream flooding. Residents are urged to remain vigilant as minor flooding is expected in low-lying and poorly drained areas.
A critical safety reminder from the NWS emphasizes that most flooding deaths occur in vehicles, advising individuals to avoid driving through flooded roads. Residents are encouraged to “turn around, don’t drown,” and those living in flood-prone areas should seek higher ground immediately. In case of an evacuation, it is recommended to secure homes by locking doors and disconnecting utilities and appliances if time allows.
The flood advisory comes in response to predictions of heavy rain and flash flood risks in the region. The NWS cautions that even 6 inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet while 12 inches of fast-flowing water is capable of carrying away vehicles. Drivers should be aware of the risk of hydroplaning, which makes vehicles slide uncontrollably on wet roads.
Additionally, the NWS had released an earlier flood advisory on Friday at 7:10 p.m., valid until 8:15 p.m., which reported similar flooding conditions. Earlier in the week, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued at 3:27 p.m. on Wednesday, lasting until 4 p.m. This warning noted potential wind gusts up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail, with key areas such as Aiken Municipal Airport, Citizens Park, and Aiken State Park being affected. Residents were instructed to take cover in the interior rooms on the lowest floors of buildings during the thunderstorms, which also heightened the risk of flash flooding due to lightning and torrential rain.
In response to the severe weather, Duke Energy has been actively monitoring local lakes and opened gates at spillways to manage water levels according to forecasts. As flooding poses ongoing challenges, Aiken County Council has taken steps to address drainage issues, particularly along Whiskey Road. The Council recently approved the Whiskey Road Corridor Drainage Easement Project, a $42,600 initiative funded by the Capital Projects Sales Tax. This project aims to mitigate flooding problems that have persisted for over 40 years.
Residents have voiced concerns regarding the adverse impacts of flooding on their properties, highlighting the urgent need for adequate drainage solutions. The next steps for the drainage project involve obtaining necessary permits, with construction expected to commence within the next 9 to 12 months.
As the severe weather system continues to affect South Carolina, reports of a tornado linked to the system have been confirmed, alongside damaging winds recorded in several areas. Residents are advised to stay tuned to local news and alerts for further updates on the weather conditions and safety recommendations.
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Flooding risks South Carolina
- WRDW
- Google Scholar: Flood management South Carolina
- WFXG
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood management
- Fox Weather
- Google News: Aiken County flooding
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