News Summary
The National Weather Service has declared a flood warning until March 30 due to heavy rainfall causing minor flooding in Greenwood, Newberry, and Saluda counties. The Saluda River’s rising water levels pose risks to farmland and nearby campers. Authorities warn residents to evacuate and avoid flooded areas as conditions worsen with ongoing rain. Motorists are advised to adhere to safety protocols and avoid driving through floodwaters.
Columbia, South Carolina – The National Weather Service (NWS) Columbia SC has issued a flood warning effective until Thursday, March 30, at 3:21 p.m., due to heavy rainfall resulting in minor flooding in several counties. The warning specifically affects Greenwood, Newberry, and Saluda counties, with the Saluda River near Chappells being a particular concern.
Currently, the Saluda River is experiencing rising water levels that are expected to flood lowlands around Chappells. At 14.0 feet, flooding impacts grazing cattle in the river bottomland, necessitating relocation to higher ground. Further increases in water levels correlate with enhanced flooding risks; at 16.0 feet, extensive farmland and additional river bottomland areas will be submerged, and at 18.0 feet, the Saluda River Campground, including the Campground Store, will experience flooding, requiring campers to evacuate.
The situation becomes even more critical at 21.0 feet, where extensive flooding will disrupt farmlands, river bottomlands, and potentially affect a significant portion of the Saluda River Campground downstream from Chappells. With rising waters becoming increasingly dangerous, the NWS warns motorists against driving through flooded roadways, adhering to the mantra: “Turn around, don’t drown.” Motorists should remain vigilant, especially as roadways may be difficult to see under floodwaters, particularly at night.
Residents and campers in flood-prone areas are strongly advised to move to higher ground immediately and to follow any evacuation orders without delay. It is essential that families securely lock their homes, disconnect utilities and appliances before evacuating, and avoid entering basements or rooms that may have submerged electrical outlets. Signs of electronic danger, such as sparks or buzzing noises, should prompt immediate evacuation.
In addition, individuals are cautioned to avoid contact with any floodwaters, as just six inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet. For those trapped by rising water, the best course of action is to seek out the highest possible point and to contact emergency services if it is safe to do so.
Forecasters indicate that the risk of flooding could increase further due to ongoing rainfall, particularly in low-lying areas. The NWS has noted that it only takes 12 inches of rapidly moving water to carry away most vehicles, with hydroplaning—where a vehicle loses contact with the roadway due to water pressure—posing a significant travel hazard. This highlights the potential dangers posed by weighty rainfall in the coming days.
Additionally, a flood advisory has been issued as of 2:33 AM on Wednesday, affecting Lexington and Richland counties until Sunday, April 2, at 8:00 AM. This advisory comes as the NWS cautions that flooding due to excessive rainfall is ongoing, particularly impacting regions near Columbia, Cayce, and West Columbia. As water levels rise, certain flood-prone areas near and downstream from Columbia will likely experience significant flooding, with roads in low-lying areas anticipated to become submerged rapidly. Residents near riverbanks are urged to exercise extreme caution as flooding impacts become evident.
Weather forecasts predict daily rainfall opportunities in the upcoming days, with Friday and Saturday marked as Weather Impact Alert days. The potential for severe weather continues to loom, necessitating ongoing awareness and preparedness among residents in affected areas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Investigation Launched After Abandoned Home Fire in Greenwood
McCormick, South Carolina Faces Flash Flooding Threat
Flash Flood Warning Issued for Abbeville and Greenwood Counties
McCormick, South Carolina Faces Severe Flood Risks from Heavy Rainfall
Flood Advisory Issued for Abbeville and Greenwood Counties
Tragic Drowning in Strom Thurmond Lake Raises Safety Concerns
Weather in Greenwood, SC: Thunderstorms Expected
Severe Weather Wreaks Havoc in Illinois with Tornado and Flooding Reports
Flash Flooding Causes Major Disruptions in Queens
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Upstate South Carolina
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Herald Online
- Google Search: flood warning SC
- WLTX
- Google Scholar: flood management
- WISTV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- WACH
- Google News: flooding in South Carolina
- Live 5 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood Science
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
