Cayce Residents Monitor Congaree River Flooding with Live Camera Access

Cayce Residents Keep an Eye on Congaree River Flooding

Hey there, Cayce! If you’ve been looking for ways to stay updated on the rising water levels of our beloved Congaree River, you’re in luck. Thanks to the U.S. Geological Survey, you can now check out a live, interactive camera set up right below Cayce. This handy tool lets you see real-time conditions, so all you need is a smartphone with an internet connection to stay informed.

Conditions Getting Serious

This past Sunday, some residents received a strong word of caution regarding the rising waters at Congaree River, which were affected by rains brought by the recent storm named Helene. In light of the situation, local authorities urged some folks to evacuate their homes as a safety measure. It’s pretty serious out there—so if you were thinking of checking the river, it’s best to do so from the comfort of your home.

Because of the flooding, the Cayce Riverwalk and Timmerman Trail are both closed for the time being, and you won’t be able to use the 12th Street Extension near the Amazon Distribution Center either. Safety first, folks! Plus, keep in mind that the Gervais Street Bridge and other bridges in Columbia that cross over the Congaree have also been closed due to the rising waters.

Current Water Levels

As of Monday morning, the Congaree River had reached a crest of just over 30 feet. That’s definitely getting up there! For some perspective, that’s just shy of the towering 32 feet we experienced during the infamous “1,000-year flood” in 2015 that really disrupted our community. So, it’s safe to say that we’re keeping a very close eye on things, and the changes can happen swiftly.

Want to Check the Camera? Here’s How!

Now, if you’re wondering how to access that nifty live camera, it’s pretty straightforward. Simply click on the link provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, and you’ll be directed to their website. From there, you’ll see a big “play” button right in the middle of the screen. Click it, and you’ll have the chance to take temporary control of the camera. How cool is that?

Once you click the “control” button at the bottom of the screen, you can utilize the slider bar at the top to maneuver the camera left and right. If you’re eager to see more of the flood’s effect from different angles, the left slider can tilt the camera up and down, while the one on the right will zoom in and out, giving you a customizable view of the rising waters. There’s even a box with preset positions if you just want a quick look at specific areas.

A Little Note on the Camera

But before you dive into checking the camera too late in the evening, keep in mind that to save battery power, the camera automatically turns off at night. So, make sure to catch those day-time updates while you can!

As We Move Forward

So there you have it, Cayce! The U.S. Geological Survey’s live camera is here to help keep us all in the loop about the Congaree River’s current conditions. Stay informed, stay safe, and let’s keep looking out for one another as we navigate this tricky weather together.