Columbia Grapples with Flooding Risks as Hurricane Helene’s Impact Unfolds

Columbia Faces the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s Impact

Columbia, South Carolina, is waking up to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene as residents begin to assess the damage that has swept through the area. Just when we thought we could breathe a sigh of relief, the remnants of this storm are reminding us that Mother Nature doesn’t always play nice. The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings for the Midlands area, sparking concern as locals prepare for what lies ahead.

Flood Warnings in Effect

The flood warning is officially in effect until 11:45 a.m. on Thursday for parts of Columbia, but there are no clear expiration dates for other affected regions. The Congaree River, in particular, has been leading the charge on the flooding front, currently experiencing moderate flooding. And here’s the kicker: more minor flooding is likely to occur right in the heart of Columbia, while our friends at Congaree National Park might be hunkering down for major flooding to come.

What’s more alarming is that the river is expected to keep rising for at least another day—if not longer. This could create challenges for neighboring counties like Richland, Lexington, and Calhoun, which are already feeling the pressure from the relentless rainfall.

Other Affected Areas

Columbia isn’t the only city in South Carolina feeling the effects of Hurricane Helene. As the floodwaters continue to swell, several other rivers are under scrutiny:

• Wateree River near Camden affecting Kershaw County
• Pee Dee River at Cheraw affecting Chesterfield and Marlboro counties
• North Fork Edisto River at Orangeburg affecting Orangeburg County
• Saluda River at Chappells affecting Saluda, Greenwood, and Newberry counties
• Stevens Creek near Modoc affecting Edgefield and McCormick counties
• Wateree River at Lake Wateree affecting Lancaster, Fairfield, and Kershaw counties

Beware the Dangers of Flooding

While it’s easy to get caught up in the breathtaking beauty of a river, the aftermath of heavy rain is nothing to take lightly. Floodwaters can be incredibly dangerous, harboring all sorts of debris, pollutants, and just plain icky stuff. The Congaree Riverkeeper highlighted that, as of Thursday, over ten sewer overflows have been reported in the Columbia area. This means that the water you might be tempted to wade through is not just high—it’s potentially hazardous.

Authorities are urging everyone to stay vigilant. Did you know that most flooding-related deaths occur while folks are in their vehicles? It’s true! Please, never drive through flooded roadways or around barricades, and use extreme caution when walking near riverbanks.

Stay Informed and Stay Safe

As the situation continues to evolve, local officials are doing everything they can to spread the word and keep residents informed. If you’re living or working near the rivers, make it a priority to stay updated on rising water levels and be ready to take action if needed. While the aftermath of Hurricane Helene is tough for our beautiful city, sticking together and looking out for each other makes all the difference.

As we navigate these challenges, let’s keep the lines of communication open and share what we can to help each other during these wet and wild times. Be sure to check for updates regularly, as this is a developing situation that could change quickly.

Take care out there, Columbia. We’re all in this together as we ride the waves of change!