Columbia Faces Flood Advisory Amid Heavy Rainfall

Columbia Faces Flood Advisory Amid Heavy Rainfall

Columbia residents, brace yourselves! On Friday evening, the National Weather Service (NWS) made an important announcement about flooding in our area. As of 8:26 p.m., a flood advisory has been issued, warning us that heavy rainfall is causing significant flooding in low-lying areas, particularly along the Congaree River. This advisory is in effect until Monday, January 1st, 1 a.m., so let’s take a closer look at what this means for us.

What’s Happening?

According to the NWS, the Congaree River at Columbia is currently at a critical level. When the river hits **10.0 feet**, flooding starts to happen in areas that are prone to it, especially downstream from Columbia. Unfortunately, this also affects Cayce and West Columbia river walk areas. The situation calls for caution! If you’re planning on taking a stroll near the riverbanks, please be careful and keep an eye out for rising water levels.

Safety Should Be Your Priority

This is not the time to take chances. The NWS strongly urges residents and campers in flood-prone areas to take immediate action and seek higher ground. If you live in a low-lying zone, pay attention, especially if you hear that evacuation might be necessary. Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind:

• Act fast: If you receive evacuation instructions, do not hesitate.
• If time permits, lock your home as you leave and disconnect utilities and appliances.
• Avoid basements or rooms where electrical outlets could be waterlogged.
• If you hear strange sounds like buzzing or popping, evacuate the area immediately.
• Stay out of water that could be electrically charged, and steer clear of floodwaters—just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet!

What if You Get Caught in Moving Water?

In case you find yourself stranded by rising waters, remember to move to the highest possible point right away. Then contact emergency services by dialing 911. Stay calm; help is on the way!

Driving Precautions

We water-loving folks know how enticing a drive through the rain can be, but under heavy rain conditions, please be advised: do not drive through standing water. Even if it looks shallow, it can be deceptively dangerous. Just a foot of rapidly flowing water has the potential to carry away most vehicles. Keep in mind that hydroplaning is also a risk—you might lose control if your tires start skimming over water instead of gripping the road.

What is Hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning happens when water builds up in front of your tires faster than your vehicle can push it out of the way. Essentially, your car floats on the surface of the water rather than making contact with the pavement, leading to loss of control. The best advice during these conditions is to slow down and avoid sudden movements with the steering wheel.

Stay Informed

The NWS plans to issue its next update on the flooding situation tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m. It’s a good idea to stay informed. With conditions changing rapidly, make sure you have a reliable source of information at hand.

In summary, stay safe, plan ahead, and don’t take unnecessary risks during this inclement weather. Columbia, let’s look out for one another and stay dry until the storm passes!