Severe Thunderstorms Hit Columbia, SC, Causing Concern for Flooding

Columbia, SC, August 14, 2025

News Summary

Columbia, SC, experienced severe thunderstorms, leading to major flooding concerns along the Congaree River. The National Weather Service has issued ongoing flood warnings for Richland and Lexington counties, as heavy rain continues to pour, and water levels rise dangerously. Residents are advised to avoid flooded roads and prepare for possible evacuation. While additional thunderstorms are expected, drier conditions are anticipated by Sunday, offering some relief to the affected areas.

Severe Thunderstorms Hit Columbia, SC, Causing Concern for Flooding

Columbia, SC, is under the weather spotlight as severe thunderstorms rolled in on Thursday afternoon, bringing heavy rain that could further impact areas already grappling with flooding along the Congaree River. The forecast from the National Weather Service paints a picture of hazardous conditions lingering through Saturday morning.

Flooding Warnings in Place

The National Weather Service has issued updated flood warnings for the region, stating that ongoing rainfall could worsen the already troubling conditions in low-lying areas, including sections of the Congaree National Park and the industrial site at Carolina Eastman. The Congaree River is already well above its flood stage and anticipated to rise even more as rain continues to fall.

As of now, minor to moderate flooding is being reported in Richland and Lexington counties. Some roads, including Old State Road (SC-6) located near Swansea, are experiencing water covering the pavement, making navigation tricky. Water levels at Carolina Eastman peaked at 113.7 feet this past Tuesday and are on track to hit roughly 119.4 feet before the storm subsides.

Precautions for Travelers and Residents

Motorists are being urged to steer clear of flooded roadways and respect any barricades in place. It’s essential to remember that even 12 inches of moving water can sweep vehicles off the road, leading to dangerous situations and even rescues. Hydroplaning is a real threat with wet roads, potentially compromising vehicle control.

Residents living in flood-prone neighborhoods should be on high alert and prepare for the possibility of additional flooding. If you’re in an area that typically sees rising waters, it might be wise to have an evacuation plan at the ready. During this time, outdoor events and activities along the riverfront are discouraged until floodwaters recede.

What’s Next for the Weather?

More thunderstorms are expected to develop, particularly on Thursday afternoon and into the evening. Scattered showers could linger into Friday, keeping the risk of flooding elevated. The forecast does show a glimmer of hope, with drier weather expected to return by Sunday.

The National Weather Service has extended flood warnings for Calhoun, Lexington, and Richland counties until Sunday at 1 a.m., with moderate flooding already occurring at Carolina Eastman. Residents are advised to keep a close watch on water levels and adhere to any evacuation instructions issued by local authorities.

Safety First!

Safety tips abound during these times. If you have a basement and it starts to flood, avoid entering if there are submerged electrical cords present. If you hear any sparks or buzzing sounds, evacuate immediately. Always remember: most flooding deaths occur in vehicles. Never drive around barricades or through flooded zones.

As an additional note, another flood warning was issued early Thursday morning impacting Greenwood, Newberry, and Saluda counties, predicting minor flooding for parts of the Saluda River. If you live or camp in low-lying areas, taking action swiftly and seeking higher ground is strongly recommended.

FAQs About the Flooding and Thunderstorm Situation

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Additional Resources

• Herald Online: Severe Thunderstorms Hit Columbia, SC
• Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
• Island Packet: Latest Weather Updates
• Google Search: Flood Weather South Carolina
• WIS TV: Storms and Flash Floods Soak Midlands
• Google Scholar: Flood Management South Carolina
• ABC Columbia: SC Team to Join Texas Flood Response
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Flooding
• WLTX: Columbia City Pays Over $5 Million
• Google News: South Carolina Weather Alerts

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.