Lexington County, August 16, 2025
News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for Lexington County, warning residents of potential flooding from excessive rainfall. Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas are urged to seek higher ground and follow safety precautions. Evacuation plans should be executed promptly as river levels rise, particularly around the Congaree River, which is projected to crest at 13.5 feet. Authorities emphasize critical safety messages to prevent dangerous situations during flooding.
Columbia, SC – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an updated flood advisory for Lexington County, effective until 3:15 a.m. on Saturday. This advisory warns of potential flooding due to excessive rainfall, particularly in low-lying and poorly-drained areas. Officials emphasize that residents should not drive through flooded roadways, highlighting the critical safety message, “Turn around, don’t drown.”
According to the NWS, flooding is expected to be particularly significant in areas that are prone to such events, and residents in these zones, as well as individuals camping in low-lying locations, are urged to seek higher ground immediately. Furthermore, if evacuation is ordered, residents are advised to leave their homes promptly, ensuring all doors and windows are locked before they depart.
Prior to leaving, it is prudent for residents to disconnect utilities and appliances if circumstances allow. Safety guidelines strictly warn against entering basements or any areas submerged in water, particularly if electrical outlets are covered. Any unusual sounds or sparks should prompt an immediate exit from the premises.
As conditions persist, authorities remind the public that it is dangerous to walk through floodwaters. Just six inches of moving water can sweep a person off their feet, potentially leading to life-threatening situations. In instances where one might be trapped by moving water, it is crucial to find the highest point possible and call 911 when it is safe to do so.
Heavy rainfall increases the risk of flooding significantly in regions known for low-lying terrain. The NWS highlights that merely 12 inches of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles, and this risk is compounded by the danger of hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when water builds up in front of tires, making it difficult for cars to maintain traction.
Conditions in Lexington County are expected to remain perilous as heavy rains continue and river levels rise. River flood warnings have already been issued for several local rivers, including the Enoree, Pee Dee, Saluda, Wateree, and Congaree Rivers. Furthermore, forecasts predict historic flooding levels as a result of excessive rainfall connected with Hurricane Helene.
Specifically, the Congaree River is projected to crest at 13.5 feet by early Wednesday morning, with flooding effects beginning at just 10 feet, impacting flood-prone areas near Columbia. Residents in these regions are urged to stay updated on the evolving conditions and follow guidelines set by emergency officials.
Safety Precautions for Residents
- Avoid driving through flooded areas.
- Seek higher ground if in a flood-prone location.
- Evacuate when instructed and secure your home.
- Disconnect utilities before leaving, if safe to do so.
- Do not walk or stand in flowing water.
Flood Advisory Summary
| Advisory Issued | 12:07 a.m., Saturday |
|---|---|
| Effective Until | 3:15 a.m., Saturday |
| Impacted Areas | Lexington County |
| Safety Reminder | Turn around, don’t drown |
| Expected River Crest | 13.5 feet, Congaree River early Wednesday |
FAQs
What should I do if I’m instructed to evacuate?
You should evacuate immediately, securing your home by locking all doors and windows. Disconnect utilities if possible and head to a pre-designated safe area.
How can I stay safe during a flood?
Avoid driving or walking through any flooded areas. Move to higher ground if you are in a flood-prone area, and stay informed through official channels for updates and instructions.
What is hydroplaning and how can it happen?
Hydroplaning occurs when water builds up in front of a vehicle’s tires, causing the vehicle to lose traction and slide uncontrollably on wet roads. It can happen due to excessive water accumulation that surpasses the vehicle’s weight capacity to disperse that water.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Flood Advisory Update
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
- Google Search: Flood Safety
- WFXG: Weather Video Update
- Google Scholar: Flood Management
- Cola Daily: Flood Advisory Issued
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.
