News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for Aiken and neighboring counties due to heavy rainfall, with expected urban and small stream flooding. Residents are advised to avoid flooded roads and seek higher ground if necessary, while officials are also addressing ongoing local flooding issues. Additionally, boil water advisories may be necessary due to contamination risks following water pressure loss.
Aiken
On Sunday evening, the National Weather Service (NWS) Columbia SC issued a flood advisory for Aiken and surrounding counties, effective until 10:15 PM. The advisory has been declared due to heavy rainfall expectations and its potential to cause flooding in several areas.
The advisory affects the counties of Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell, Edgefield, Lexington, Orangeburg, and Saluda. The NWS forecast indicates that “urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.” Minor flooding is likely to occur in low-lying areas and in places with poor drainage, alongside overflowing drainage regions.
The advisory also warns of imminent or current ponding of water in urban and other areas. The NWS has emphasized that many flooding-related fatalities happen due to vehicle incidents. Residents are advised not to drive through flooded roadways or around barricades and are reminded to “turn around, don’t drown.”
Safety Precautions and Evacuations
Affected residents in flood-prone zones should seek higher ground and evacuate if instructed to do so, ensuring that their homes are locked before leaving. Individuals are also cautioned against using basements or areas with submerged electrical outlets or cords, and should quickly evacuate if they notice any sparks or hear buzzing or crackling sounds.
Additionally, individuals should steer clear of any water that could be electrified; even six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep someone off their feet. If a person finds themselves trapped by moving water, they should seek refuge at the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.
Rainfall Expectations
The NWS reported that heavy rain in the advisory region is coupled with ongoing minor flooding or flooding that is anticipated shortly. Between one and three inches of rain had already fallen by the time the advisory was issued, with another one to two and a half inches expected within the next two hours.
Specific locations that are projected to experience flooding include the Savannah River Site, Plant Vogtle, and nearby communities such as New Ellenton, Sardis, Girard, and others associated with the Savannah River Site operations.
Water Contamination Risks
In conjunction with the flooding risks, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services has stated that boil water advisories will be required in cases of confirmed loss of pressure within the water system, a situation that can lead to risks of bacterial contamination.
Local Issues and Ongoing Investigations
Aiken County is currently facing its own challenges with flooding, particularly on Cedar Creek Road. County officials are taking steps to address these persistent flooding issues. Plans include paving the road and installing appropriate drainage systems, with estimated project costs reaching around $800,000 that would require cooperation from local landowners regarding necessary rights-of-way. The county has already spent between $30,000 and $50,000 in attempts to resolve these flooding problems.
Separately, Aiken County law enforcement is investigating human remains that were discovered on Woodfield Road. The coroner’s office has identified the remains as belonging to Daniel Reibsome, aged 73, and has stated that no foul play is suspected.
As residents prepare for potential flooding, authorities urge the community to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their safety and property.
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Additional Resources
- News Journal: Human Remains Identified in Aiken
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Post and Courier: Aiken Water Main Break
- Google Search: Aiken flooding
- WFXG: CSRA Districts Cancel School Due to Flooding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- SC Daily Gazette: Death Toll Climbs from Flooding
- Google News: Aiken County flood
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.
