News Summary
Central and southeastern South Carolina are under flood warnings as excessive rainfall leads to rising river levels. Affected areas include parts of Bamberg and Orangeburg counties, with local communities urged to heed evacuation warnings. Over 120 roads in Orangeburg County are closed, causing school closures and power outages. Officials are advising residents to avoid flooded roadways as FEMA is dispatched to assist with recovery efforts. Continuous monitoring of river levels is underway as weather conditions remain dynamic.
Columbia, South Carolina – Flood warnings have been issued across central and southeastern South Carolina due to excessive rainfall and rising river levels. The warnings remain in effect until 2 PM EDT Saturday, as small stream flooding continues to impact local communities.
Affected areas include portions of central South Carolina, particularly east central Bamberg County and south central Orangeburg County. Residents are facing imminent or occurring flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying locations. Many areas are currently experiencing slow-moving or standing water. As of 10:10 AM EDT, river gages reported slowly rising water levels south of Orangeburg along the North Fork of the Edisto River and southeast of Bamberg along the South Fork of the Edisto River.
Elevated floodwaters are expected to flow through the Edisto River in the coming days, potentially causing flooding along and near the river. While major flooding is unlikely, some properties may be affected, with water possibly reaching homes, structures, and roadways. Specific locations such as Branchville and Rowesville are among those predicted to experience flooding.
A flood warning has also been extended to southeastern South Carolina, affecting Colleton and Dorchester counties, which is valid until 2 PM EDT Saturday. Excessive rainfall is leading to rising stream levels in these areas as well, resulting in additional concerns for flooding.
Impact on Communities and Infrastructure
Residents living near the Whetstone Crossroads community, along with others in the impacted areas, are urged to heed evacuation warnings due to the potential for hazardous conditions. Local authorities are continuously assessing the situation while working to establish safe transportation routes, especially for school buses in Orangeburg County, where significant road closures have occurred.
Currently, over 120 roads in Orangeburg County are closed because of flooding. This has led to school closures and power outages affecting various educational institutions in the region.
Precautionary Measures
Officials are advising residents against driving through flooded roadways or around barricades, emphasizing the importance of the adage “turn around, don’t drown.” It is crucial for individuals to be aware that riverbanks and culverts may become unstable and unsafe due to the rising water levels.
Government Response and Assistance
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been dispatched to conduct damage assessments in the aftermath of the flooding. This assistance is expected to aid flood victims and help them recover from the adverse effects of the heavy rains. Residents are encouraged to report any damages to local authorities to facilitate recovery efforts.
Background Context
This series of flood warnings comes after significant rainfall in the region, which has been exacerbated by runoff flow into local rivers and waterways. Continuous monitoring of river levels remains a priority as authorities manage safety and transport in affected areas. The situation is dynamic, and updates on conditions are expected as weather patterns evolve throughout the day.
In summary, residents in central and southeastern South Carolina are facing a challenging situation due to flooding caused by recent excessive rainfall. It is crucial for individuals to take safety precautions and remain informed about local developments as authorities prepare to address the ongoing impacts of these weather conditions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Flooding Hits Central and Southeastern South Carolina
Flood Warning Issued for Central and Southeast South Carolina
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Flood Warnings Issued in South Carolina
- Google Search: Flood Warnings South Carolina
- WFXG: Bamberg Murder Investigation
- Wikipedia: Bamberg County, South Carolina
- WRDW: Road Closures Due to Flooding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- WISTV: Flooding in Bamberg County
- Google News: South Carolina Floods 2024
- WLTX: FEMA Assistance for Flooding
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Flooding 2024
