Congaree River and Wateree River exceed major flood stages after Helene

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) – Rivers in the Midlands exceeded major flood stages Monday morning due to rising water levels from Hurricane Helene.

A flood warning is in effect for Calhoun, Kershaw, Lexington and Richland counties due to flooding in the Congaree and Wateree rivers.

As the Palmetto State works to deal with the aftermath of Helene, a major concern for residents is the possibility of further flooding due to rising river levels around the Midlands.

Although the storm has passed, rising water levels continue to be a concern as water from the mountains of North Carolina flows into rivers in the Midlands.

The WIS News 10 First Alert Weather team is monitoring rivers in three locations Monday morning: the Congaree River near Columbia, the Congaree River near Eastman and the Wateree River near Camden.

Congaree River

The Congaree River in Columbia crested at 30.58 feet around 10 a.m. Monday morning, exceeding the major flood stage of 30 feet. It is expected to reach a height of 31 feet by Monday afternoon, which is nearly 20 feet above its action stage.

For comparison, flooding occurs at a depth of 13 feet on the Cayce and West Columbia Riverwalk.

The last time we saw the river this high was during the historic flood in 2015 when the Congaree River crested at 31.8 feet.

The City of West Columbia is notifying Congaree residents of rising water levels so they can be prepared.

“The latest river forecasts are for the Congaree to reach the same level as in 2015 on Monday. “This had a direct impact on some homes along the river in Congaree Park and Quail Hollow Village (not Quail Hollow proper) in 2015,” West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles said. “If you are in these areas, please consider moving your belongings to higher ground and take all necessary measures to ensure safety. I have asked our city staff to go door to door in these areas to inform people about the rising water levels.”

Richland County officials said while there are no mandatory evacuations, “County and emergency officials encourage residents to stay safe, remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions now.”

All public access to local rivers is closed, county officials said.

The National Weather Service lists impacts down to 30 feet. They are listed below:

• At 10.0 feet, flooding will occur in flood-prone areas near and downstream of the Columbia. Flooding also occurred along portions of the Cayce and West Columbia Riverways.
• 13.0 feet, flooding occurring in flood-prone areas near and downstream of Columbia. Flooding is also occurring along much of the Cayce and West Columbia river basins.
• 14.0 feet, flooding roads in low lying areas and marshland downstream from Columbia. Most of the Cayce and West Columbia Riverway is flooded.
• 16.0 feet, Old State Road, SC 66, below Cayce is flooded.
• 19.0 feet, extensive wetlands and large crop and pasture areas downstream of Columbia will be flooded.
• 21.0 feet, extensive wetlands and large crop and pasture areas downstream of Columbia will be flooded.
• 24.0 feet, flooding is also occurring at Cayce Quarry.
• 28.0 feet of flooding beginning in low lying areas of the Riverland Park subdivision in Cayce.
• 30.0 feet, flooding Enclave Apartments along the Broad River and I-20.

Meanwhile, the Congaree River at Eastman has crested at 126.8 feet around 10 a.m. Monday morning, exceeding the major flood stage of 126 feet.

Wateree River

The Wateree River near Camden reached 37.4 feet at approximately 10 a.m. Monday morning, exceeding its peak flood level of 35 feet. The peak reached an elevation of about 38 feet before sunrise Monday morning.

According to the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office, Lake Wateree is expected to reach an elevation of 106.5 feet Monday afternoon as the Catawba-Wateree River Basin “is experiencing increased inflows and higher lake levels due to recent rainfall.”

According to the National Weather Service, the access road in the Wild Turkey Lane Community near Camden is flooded at 27.0 feet. The riverbed between Camden and Lugoff begins to flood.

• 29.0 feet, flooding portions of Invista Plant property in Lugoff.
• 32.0 feet: Livestock separation may occur on small islands downstream of Camden.
• 35.0 feet, Fairview Plant Road near river flooding. Floodwaters are backing up in Five and Twenty Mile Creek west of Camden.
• 39.0 feet, Southern Railroad service downstream of Camden and in the Eastover area may be affected.

How do I know if I live in a flood zone?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has a map of all flood zone designations that can be searched through this website.

There are also instructions on how to read the map on the website. The most dangerous flood zones begin with the letters A and V, as shown in the map below.

According to FEMA, just an inch of flooding can cause up to $25,000 in damage to your home.

Boat ramps, road closures

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department, along with the Richland County Sheriff's Department, announced that all boat ramps were closed on the Congaree and Broad rivers will be closed due to rising river levels.

“Citizens are urged to follow this order and stay away from the water,” the fire department said in a statement.

Only local traffic is permitted from Broad River and Hollingshed. Lost Creek Drive is closed from Pond Oak Lane to Lake Front Drive due to flooding, according to a news release from the fire department.

Additionally, all of the city's greenways are closed, including Riverfront Park North, South and the Saluda Riverwalk.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation said Monday morning that it is closely monitoring conditions but does not currently anticipate major bridge closures across the state.

The department is sending road and bridge inspection teams across the state to investigate conditions.

If you encounter a problem or have questions on a state highway, you can contact SCDOT at 855-467-2368.

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