Flash Flood Warning For Richmond, Burke And Aiken Counties
A flash flood warning has been issued for Richmond, Burke and Aiken Counties tonight, in addition to Bamberg and Barnwell Counties.
Dopplar radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain in those areas.
Up to 3 inches of rain have fallen in some areas and those in the flash flood warning areas could get another inch with the thunderstorms.
Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin tonight. Flash flooding could occur in small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as poor drainage and low-lying areas.
Some locations that are expected to have flash flooding are Aiken, Orangeburg, Waynesboro, Barnwell, Bamberg, Denmark, Savannah River Site, Aiken Mall, Plant Vogtle, Brookdale, Williston, Blackville, New Ellenton, St. Matthews, Jackson, Sardis, Barnwell State Park, Aiken State Park and Citizens Park.
Minor flooding has been reported in Screven County. Numerous roads are closed due to flooding. The county has recorded rainfall amounts ranging from 6 to 15 inches so far.
Due to deteriorating road conditions, a curfew will be in effect from 10 pm tonight to daylight to ensure public safety.
Jenkins County also has a curfew that went into effect at 9 pm due to deteriorating road conditions. A flood warning is in effect there until Saturday morning.
Flash Flood Watch
A flash flood watch remains in effect for Columbia and McDuffie Counties through Friday morning.
Excessive runoff from the rain could result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible.
Turn Around Don’t Drown
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. Many of the deaths occur in vehicles swept downstream.
Remember, never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road. The road may have collapsed under that water.
A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks.
