Columbia warns some streets could flood as severe thunderstorms near. What to know
Columbia is asking motorists to be mindful of streets prone to flooding as severe thunderstorms barrel toward the city Tuesday.
“The city of Columbia urges drivers to use caution when driving during severe weather,” according to a city statement.
The city noted that several Columbia streets and intersections are prone to flooding, including:
- Main and Whaley
- Gervais and Laurens
- Blossom and Henderson
- Blossom and Saluda
- Harden and Santee
- Monroe and Maple
- Two Notch and Read
- Wheat and Amherst
- Adger and Devine
- Wheat and Sumter
- Wheat and Pickens
- Heyward and Ravenel
- Pickens between Wheat and Green
- Barnwell and Pendleton
- Harden and Read
- Harden and Calhoun
- Franklin and Marion
- Franklin and Sumter
- Columbia College and N. Main
- Bull and Laurel
According to the National Weather Service, rain, damaging winds, tornadoes and flooding are possible in the Midlands as a line of storms move through South Carolina Tuesday. The storms are expected to last into the night.
Tornadoes and powerful wind gusts are most likely to affect the southern portion of the Midlands, National Weather Service meteorologists said in a briefing. Tornadoes could begin forming at 1 p.m., and remain a threat until 8 p.m., according to the briefing.
Damaging straight-line winds, which are the greatest threat of all the severe weather effects, along with flooding and hail are possible from 3-9 p.m., the NWS said.
Thunderstorms could form in the late morning but are most likely to occur in the afternoon, and peak hours for severe weather might be from 4-7 p.m., according to the briefing.
The city also offered several tips for motorists if they see any flooded streets.
- If you encounter a flooded street or intersection, turn around; do not attempt to drive through it. Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide many hazards (i.e. sharp objects, washed out road surfaces, electrical wires, chemicals, etc.). A vehicle caught in swiftly moving water can be swept away in a matter of seconds. Twelve inches of water can float a car or small SUV and 18 inches of water can carry away large vehicles.
- Stay away from storm-damaged areas to include damaged or downed trees and power lines to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of severe thunderstorms.
- Continue to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or to local radio and television stations for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community may be blocked.
- Help people who may require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or disabled.
- Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.
- To assist with keeping the storm drainage system working properly we would ask that yard debris and other items not be placed adjacent or next to drainage structures.
- If you notice a storm drain which is blocked by debris, please notify the Public Works Street Division at 545-3780 during regular business hours and Customer Care at 545-3300 after 5 p.m. and on weekends. An alternate non-emergency number is 252-2911. For emergencies please call 911.
- If trees are down in the public right of way or blocking roadways, call the Forestry Division at 545-3860. After 5 p.m., call the Customer Care Center at 545-3300.
This story was originally published April 5, 2022 at 11:20 AM.
