Flash Flood Warning Issued in Columbia, SC

Columbia, SC, September 21, 2025

News Summary

A flash flood warning has been issued for Columbia, South Carolina, affecting numerous communities in Lexington and Richland counties. Residents are urged to take precautions as thunderstorms cause heavy rainfall, leading to potential flash flooding in low-lying areas. Key highways are also under alert, putting drivers at risk. The National Weather Service emphasizes safety, advising individuals to avoid flooded roadways and evacuate to higher ground if needed.

Columbia, SC: Flash Flood Warning Issued!

Residents of Columbia, South Carolina, are being urged to stay alert as a flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) on Saturday at 3:55 p.m. This warning is set to last until 6 p.m. today, particularly affecting the communities in Lexington and Richland counties.

What’s Happening?

Thanks to Doppler radar readings, we know that thunderstorms are rolling through the area, bringing with them torrential downpours. The current rainfall totals are between 1 and 1.5 inches, and the situation is developing quickly as flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. This can significantly impact small creeks, streams, highways, urban areas, and any places that are low-lying.

Where Is It Impacting?

The warning covers several key locations in and around Columbia, including:

• Columbia
• West Columbia
• Cayce
• Forest Acres
• Springdale
• St. Andrews
• Oak Grove
• West Columbia Riverwalk
• SC State Fair Grounds
• Five Points
• Riverbanks Zoo
• Olympia
• Guignard Park
• Cayce Riverwalk
• Rosewood
• Eau Claire

Key highways are also under warning, including sections of:

• Interstate 126 (between mile markers 2 and 3)
• Interstate 26 (between mile markers 111 and 115)
• Interstate 77 (near mile marker 1)

Safety First!

The NWS emphasizes that many flooding-related fatalities occur in vehicles. It is critical to never drive through a flooded roadway. If you live in a flood-prone area, the best course of action is to move to higher ground and evacuate if you receive an order to do so. Take precautions by securing your home: lock doors, unplug appliances if there’s time, and, most importantly, avoid standing water.

If you notice water that looks like it might be charged with electricity or have submerged electrical equipment, evacuate immediately. Remember, floodwaters can knock a person off their feet easily – just 6 inches of swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

What to Do If Trapped

If you find yourself caught in floodwaters, your safety is the top priority. Head to the highest point nearby and call for emergency services at 911.

Beware the Dangers of Driving

Keep in mind that the risk of flooding increases significantly with intense rainfall, especially in those low-lying areas we mentioned earlier. Hydroplaning is a hazard when you’re driving on wet roads; it can lead to a loss of vehicle control. Vehicles can be swept away by just 12 inches of rushing water, so it’s best to heed all warnings and avoid flooded areas.

As conditions can change rapidly, it’s essential for residents to stay informed and vigilant. Keep an eye on local weather updates and heed any advice from authorities for your safety.

FAQ Section

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Severe Thunderstorm Alert Hits Lexington and Aiken Counties

Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Flash Flood Warning in Columbia
• Wikipedia: Flash Flood
• WISTV: Storms and Flash Floods Soak Midlands
• Google Search: Columbia South Carolina Weather
• Kentucky.com: Weather Updates
• Google Scholar: Weather Forecast
• WLTX: Weather Impact Alert for Columbia
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Meteorology
• Fox 56 News: Knox County Flooding
• Google News: Flood Warning Columbia SC

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.