News Summary

A flood advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service for Aiken County due to excessive rainfall, warning residents of potential urban and small stream flooding. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to seek higher ground and avoid flooded roadways. Additionally, safety guidelines are provided to prevent flood-related incidents, emphasizing the risks associated with moving water. Ongoing flood management efforts are also underway to address the community’s long-standing flooding issues.

Aiken, SC – The National Weather Service (NWS) Columbia SC has issued a flood advisory for Aiken County, effective until 1:45 a.m. on Sunday. The advisory was put into place at 10:38 p.m. as the area is expected to experience urban and small stream flooding due to excessive rainfall.

Officials warn that minor flooding is likely to occur in low-lying and poorly drained areas. As a precaution, residents living in flood-prone zones should seek higher ground immediately. The NWS specifically cautioned against driving through flooded roadways or around barricades, highlighting the important safety message: “Turn around, don’t drown.”

Flood Safety Guidelines

Flood-related deaths mostly occur in vehicles. To ensure safety, the NWS advises residents to follow these guidelines during flooding:

• If evacuation is necessary, lock your home and disconnect utilities and appliances, if safe to do so.
• Avoid entering any areas where water covers electrical outlets or where cords are submerged.
• Look for signs of danger such as sparks or buzzing noises; evacuate if these are present.
• Stay away from water that might be electrically charged.
• Do not walk through floodwaters, as even 6 inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet, and 12 inches can carry away most vehicles.

In case of hydroplaning, which can happen when water builds up in front of tires, residents should remain mindful of their driving to avoid losing control of the vehicle.

Recent Weather Events

Prior to this advisory, a flood warning was issued on Friday at 7:10 p.m., lasting until 8:15 p.m. The warning reiterated concerns about potential urban and small stream flooding due to excessive rainfall.

Earlier in the week, on Wednesday at 3:27 p.m., the NWS also issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Aiken County effective until 4 p.m. This warning indicated the possibility of wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail. During severe weather events, individuals are advised to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building to protect themselves from hazardous conditions. Lightning, which is a notable risk during thunderstorms, sees approximately 25 million strikes across the United States annually.

Long-term Flood Management Efforts

In response to ongoing flooding issues, Aiken County Council has recently approved the Whiskey Road Corridor Drainage Easement Project, which aims to alleviate flooding in regions such as College Acres and the Wise Hollow Drainage Basin. This $42,600 project, funded by the Capital Projects Sales Tax, has been over 40 years in the making and reflects the community’s long-standing struggle with flooding.

The next steps for the project involve obtaining the necessary permits before commencing work, which is expected to start within the next 9 to 12 months. Residents, particularly those who have faced extensive flooding in their homes, have expressed relief at the forthcoming solution, marking hope for improved safety and infrastructure in the area.

In light of these events, all residents are encouraged to stay informed about weather advisories and reinforce safety measures to protect themselves and their properties during this critical time.

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Investigation Launched After Decomposed Body Discovered in Aiken County
Peaceful Resolution in Aiken County Barricade Incident
Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes Impact South Carolina
Aiken County Prepares for Upcoming Summer Events
Severe Thunderstorms and Tornado Impact South Carolina

Additional Resources

• WFXG News
• Wikipedia: Flood
• Fox Weather
• Google Search: Flood Safety Guidelines
• Herald Online
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
• Island Packet
• Google News: Flood Warnings
• The State

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken 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 Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.