Columbia River Levels Drop, But Safety Remains a Priority
Columbia, SC – After the fierce rains and winds brought on by Hurricane Helene last week, Columbia’s river levels are finally starting to settle down. But as conditions improve, local officials are sending out strong reminders to residents about the dangers that still lurk in our beloved rivers.
On Thursday night, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins made an important announcement regarding river access in the county. They emphasized that even though river levels are down, the rivers are still not safe for people to be enjoying. The duo stated, “It is not safe for residents to be in the rivers; Dominion and Santee Cooper have structures in the river which makes it extremely dangerous.” This warning came as a result of ongoing safety assessments and the presence of hazardous debris from the storm.
Stay Off the Water
This brings us to a crucial point: stay off the river! Officials are urging everyone to respect the closures and not to cross or move any barricades. If you thought about dipping your toes into the water or even just taking a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, it’s time to rethink those plans. The Congaree Riverkeeper reported a concerning incident earlier this week; a transmission tower from Santee Cooper collapsed into the Congaree River downstream of Interstate 77. The organization advised, “People should avoid this area as the lines and structure may cause a navigation hazard.” So, it’s definitely best to steer clear until it’s confirmed safe.
Cleanup Continues
As the cleanup efforts progress, you may have noticed that some of the riverwalks in Cayce and West Columbia are currently closed. Following the heavy rains, these areas were submerged, and it may take some time before they are cleaned up. The riverwalks, which run through the cities on the Lexington County side of the Congaree, were reported as “all a mess” and will require extensive effort to restore their beauty. After all, we want these spots to remain inviting once it’s *completely* safe to go back.
In the heart of Columbia, there’s some good news! Columbia’s Riverfront Park and its elevated riverwalk trail along the Columbia Canal have reopened after the waters receded. Those trails sit higher than others and were spared the worst from the storm, making them a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh air.
River Levels Update
As of Friday morning, the river levels have noticeably decreased. The Congaree was measured at just a little over nine feet, a significant drop. Meanwhile, the Saluda River at Riverbanks Zoo observed the level dropping to a little above six feet after previously pushing above seven feet from the spill gate at Lake Murray being opened. Even the Broad River is showing positive signs, having dropped more than ten feet compared to its peak earlier in the week.
What’s Next?
The authorities, including Santee Cooper, will be working diligently to remove the collapsed tower and ensure that the rivers return to normal as quickly as possible. They will also be replacing any damaged infrastructure in the coming weeks. Safety is definitely a top priority, so bear with us as these clean-up operations take place.
As our beautiful rivers bounce back from Hurricane Helene, let’s all do our part to stay safe and heed caution. Whether you’re planning a family outing or just taking a stroll, remember that the rivers will still be here waiting for us once everything is cleared up. Stay tuned for updates, and let’s keep Columbia safe!
