SOUTH CAROLINA
— Intense thunderstorms prompted the
National Weather Service (NWS) Columbia SC
to issue a
flash flood warning
late Monday afternoon, covering several counties in South Carolina. The warning, effective until 9:15 p.m., includes
Bamberg, Barnwell, and Orangeburg
counties, where torrential rainfall has already dropped
1 to 3 inches of water
, with more on the way.
According to the
Hilton Head Island Packet
, radar data showed rainfall rates between
0.5 and 1.5 inches per hour
, threatening urban areas, underpasses, small creeks, and low-lying drainage zones with flash flooding.
Flooding Already Impacting Multiple Towns
Communities currently under threat include
Denmark, Blackville, Ehrhardt, Neeses
, and areas surrounding
Rivers Bridge State Park
. The
NWS
warns that
“flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.”
This is part of a broader system of storms that has drenched the region in recent days, compounding ground saturation and runoff dangers.
Urgent Public Safety Guidance
Residents are being reminded that
most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles
. The
NWS strongly advises
:
“
Never drive through a flooded roadway or around barricades. Turn around, don’t drown.
”
If you’re in a flood-prone area or camping in a low-lying zone, officials urge you to move to higher ground
immediately
. If told to evacuate, leave quickly, and if time allows,
disconnect electrical appliances and utilities
to prevent fire or electrocution risks.
How to Stay Safe in Dangerous Flood Conditions
As noted by the
NWS flood guidance
:
-
Avoid flooded basements or rooms
where electrical outlets may be submerged. -
Do not walk through water
, even if it appears shallow. Just
6 inches of moving water can knock you down
, and
12 inches can sweep away most vehicles
. -
If trapped
, climb to the highest point available and
call 911
.
Driving During Storms: What to Know
If you’re on the road when severe weather hits:
-
Use
headlights
even in daylight for visibility. -
Stick to middle lanes
where water tends not to pool. -
Avoid puddles
— they can hide hazards and cause hydroplaning. -
Stay away from
larger vehicles
, as spray from trucks can blind drivers. -
Never enter flooded roads
. Water may be deeper than it looks and could sweep your vehicle away or ruin its electrical systems.
Understanding Hydroplaning and How to React
Hydroplaning
occurs when tires lose contact with the road due to a thin layer of water, leading to loss of control. This happens when:
If your car hydroplanes:
- Ease off the gas.
-
Steer into the skid
— don’t jerk the wheel. - Wait until traction is restored.
- Brake gently only if necessary.
Stay Updated and Be Prepared
South Carolinians are urged to
monitor updates
from the
National Weather Service
and local emergency officials. Flash flood warnings can escalate quickly, and staying alert can be life-saving.
This warning remains active through 9:15 p.m. Monday night
, but conditions may shift depending on storm patterns.
Have you experienced flooding in your area this week? Share photos or tips with our newsroom — your input could help neighbors stay safe. Contact us anytime through the SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com contact page.
