Ridgeville Faces Major Flooding as Edisto River Swells
Ridgeville, SC – As the sun rises over Ridgeville, local residents are bracing for major flooding along the Edisto River. After several days of heavy rainfall, officials warn that the river is expected to reach a significant flood stage today, November 12, potentially impacting many homes and making travel in the area quite challenging.
The Calm Before the Storm
This morning started with some clouds, but fear not! The weather is predicted to clear up as the day goes on, with sunny skies shining through by the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to reach a pleasant 74°F with gentle winds from the North-Northeast blowing at 5 to 10 mph. However, the temporary calmness is misleading as flooding looms just around the corner.
Major Flood Alert
According to the National Weather Service, the Edisto River at Givhans Ferry State Park is predicted to surpass the major flood stage of 15 feet, pushing the water to nearly 17 feet—marking a dangerous situation reminiscent of Tropical Storm Debby back in August. During that storm, the river crested at 17.2 feet, becoming one of its highest levels on record.
This isn’t just another rainy day; once the floodwaters rise, the floodplain from Canadys to Highway 17 will be completely inundated. That means that residents nearby face difficult conditions, making evacuation and travel very difficult.
Preparation is Key
In light of the upcoming flooding, local officials are taking proactive measures. A shelter has been set up at the Colleton County Recreation Center, located at 280 Recreation Lane, Walterboro. Pet owners can breathe a sigh of relief as pets are welcome at the shelter. The local Sheriff’s Office has also made it clear on social media that residents should consider evacuating if they live in high-risk areas.
As the situation develops, it’s essential for residents to have a safety plan in place. Floods can occur rapidly, and road conditions may deteriorate before you know it. The emergency services are here to help, but staying informed and prepared is key.
Impact Beyond Ridgeville
It’s worth noting that the Edisto River isn’t the only body of water swelling from the recent downpours. Other rivers throughout South Carolina, including the Ohoopee, Canoochee, and Savannah, are also seeing elevated water levels. Just last week, over a foot of rain combined with dam failures near Orangeburg caused some rivers to reach levels that are greater than historical records.
On November 7, Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency to assist communities dealing with the flooding crisis, especially those in the eastern Midlands and parts of the Lowcountry. The public’s safety is a priority, and more support will be rolled out as needed.
What’s Next?
The Edisto River’s waters are expected to start receding by November 13, but don’t expect things to dry out too quickly. Forecasters believe it will take until the weekend for the river levels to drop back into what is considered a minor flooding stage. Historically, it can take days or even weeks for the water to fully recede and the roads to return to normal conditions.
As always, the community urges everyone to stay safe, stay informed, and lend a hand to neighbors who may need help during this challenging time.
