News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for Abbeville and Greenwood counties due to severe weather conditions. Heavy rainfall, totaling between 2 and 4 inches in just 90 minutes, poses a significant threat to residents. Additional precipitation is expected, and small streams are likely to rise rapidly, potentially leading to flash flooding. Residents are urged to seek higher ground and follow safety precautions as the situation evolves.
Abbeville, SC – On Monday, October 9, 2023, at 10:58 p.m., the National Weather Service (NWS) Greenville-Spartanburg office issued a flash flood warning for Abbeville and Greenwood counties, effective until 4:45 a.m. on Tuesday. This warning comes in response to severe weather conditions and the potential for significant rainfall that poses a danger to residents in the affected areas.
Doppler radar and automated rain gauges have detected heavy rainfall due to training thunderstorms impacting eastern Abbeville and western Greenwood counties. Within a short span of just 90 minutes, rainfall totals reached between 2 and 4 inches. Forecasts indicate additional precipitation of 1 to 2 inches, further escalating the risk of flash flooding in the region.
The NWS warns that several small streams in both counties are expected to rise rapidly, which could lead to Minor to Moderate flash flooding, particularly in urban locations such as the cities of Abbeville and Greenwood. Residents are urged to heed these warnings, as flash flooding has the potential to affect roadways and structures located near streams, creating hazardous conditions.
The flash flood warning emphasizes that inundation of low-lying areas, including parks and campgrounds, could reach several feet deep. Residents and campers in flood-prone areas are strongly advised to seek higher ground immediately. The importance of acting quickly to protect lives is stressed, particularly at night when visibility is decreased, making flood dangers less apparent.
As precautionary measures, the NWS recommends avoiding basement entries where electrical outlets may be submerged. In the event of sparks or unusual electrical noises, individuals should evacuate the premises immediately. It is critical for those caught in moving water to find higher ground and contact emergency services by dialing 911.
Travel during flooding conditions poses significant risks; even a small amount of flowing water—about 12 inches—can sweep away most vehicles. Driving through floodwaters is not only dangerous but can result in hydroplaning, where vehicles lose control due to water pressure under the tires. Caution is advised regarding flooded roadways, as these conditions can change quickly.
On Tuesday, at 3:55 a.m., the NWS issued an updated flood advisory effective until 8:00 a.m. This advisory includes warnings about nuisance flooding from excess rainfall and emphasizes the continued danger in low-lying areas. Residents are urged to avoid flooded basements and to use flashlights rather than candles to reduce fire hazards.
In addition to flooding concerns, the storm has triggered power outages in the area, impacting the operation of gas stations and other services due to electrical issues. The overall estimated damage from the flooding has reached approximately $16 million. Efforts are ongoing to assist homeowners who have been affected by these severe weather conditions.
Local officials, along with the NWS, reiterate the importance of following evacuation instructions and monitoring the evolving weather situation closely. Safety precautions should remain a priority as the community navigates the immediate effects of the flooding and prepares for the recovery process ahead.
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Additional Resources
- The State: Flash Flood Warning in SC
- Wikipedia: Flash Flood
- Myrtle Beach Online: Severe Weather Updates
- Google Search: Severe Weather South Carolina
- WFXG: Storms Possible This Evening
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather South Carolina
- WYFF4: Helene Flooding Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flooding
- SC Daily Gazette: Helene Deaths Rise
- Google News: Helene Flooding South Carolina
