Flood warning still in effect in the Midlands days after Helene swamped South Carolina

The remnants of Hurricane Helene caused death and destruction across South Carolina, and threats remain in its wake.

A flood warning is in effect in the Midlands, the National Weather Service said. It will run through 11:45 a.m. Thursday in Columbia, but does not have an expiration date for other areas along the Congaree River in South Carolina that are also above a flood stage level, according to a forecast issued by the National Weather Service.

Moderate flooding is occurring along the part of the Congaree River that flows through Columbia, the National Weather Service said. More moderate flooding is possible in Columbia, but other areas near the Congaree River, including Congaree National Park, are forecast to have major flooding, according to the National Weather Service.

The river is expected to continue to rise for at least another day, if not longer. It could impact Richland, Lexington and Calhoun counties, the National Weather Service said.

Helene flooding in SC

The Congaree River is not the only body of water in South Carolina affected by the flood warning. The National Weather Service said other areas include:

▪ 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

In addition to flood damage, items in the water could also pose a threat.

“Remember, flood water is not clean water, it contains debris, sewage, and other pollutants,” the Congaree Riverkeeper said on its Facebook page. “More than 10 sewer overflows have been reported in (the Columbia) area since Thursday.

Flood precautions

▪ Most flooding deaths occur in vehicles, never drive through a flooded roadway or around barricades

▪ Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks

▪ Residents and those with interests near the river should monitor rising water levels and take action if necessary

Source: National Weather Service

This story was originally published September 29, 2024 at 10:06 AM.

Noah Feit

The State

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Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999. Support my work with a digital subscription