News Summary
Aiken County has been placed under a flood advisory following severe thunderstorms that resulted in heavy rainfall. The National Weather Service warns residents of potential urban and small stream flooding, urging caution and advising against driving through flooded areas. Emergency measures have been emphasized, including relocating to higher ground and avoiding low-lying spaces. The Aiken County Council is also making progress on a drainage project to reduce flooding issues in local neighborhoods.
Aiken, South Carolina – The National Weather Service (NWS) Columbia, SC, issued a flood advisory for Aiken County on Friday at 7:10 p.m., set to remain in effect until 8:15 p.m. This advisory comes amidst severe thunderstorms that have brought excessive rainfall to the region, prompting concerns about urban and small stream flooding.
The NWS has warned that minor flooding is expected in low-lying areas and places with poor drainage systems. Residents are advised to exercise caution during this period, as floodwaters can present serious risks. The advisory strongly reiterates an important safety message: “Turn around, don’t drown.” Most flooding-related deaths occur in vehicles, emphasizing the need for caution when approaching flooded roadways.
In addition to driving safety, the advisory recommends that residents in traditional flood-prone areas or those camping in low-lying regions should proceed to higher ground. If evacuation is necessary, residents are urged to respond promptly, locking their homes and disconnecting utilities as time permits.
For those in homes where flooding is a potential risk, staying away from basements and rooms associated with electrical outlets is critical. In the event of sparks or unusual noises, immediate evacuation is advised. The NWS states that even 6 inches of swiftly moving water can knock individuals off their feet, and just 12 inches can sweep away most vehicles.
The risk of hazardous conditions extends beyond flooding, as hydroplaning can also pose significant danger. This occurs when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads, often due to water buildup in front of the tires. Motorists should remain vigilant during heavy rainfall, and it is advisable to stay indoors during thunderstorms and take refuge in the lowest interior room of a structure.
As thunderstorms continue to bring heavy downpours to the region, the threat of flash flooding rises. Every year in the United States, around 25 million lightning strikes occur, resulting in approximately 20 fatalities from lightning-related incidents. Residents and officials alike are reminded of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared and informed.
Locally, the Aiken County Council is actively addressing longstanding flooding concerns, particularly along Whiskey Road. Many residents have expressed frustration over past flooding mitigation efforts, having to install personal drainage systems to protect their properties. In response to these ongoing issues, the Council has approved the Whiskey Road Corridor Drainage Easement Project, which aims to alleviate persistent flooding in nearby neighborhoods. This project comes as a result of over 40 years of discussions and planning, secured by funding from the Capital Projects Sales Tax amounting to $42,600.
The NWS previously issued severe thunderstorm warnings this week, including one on Wednesday at 3:27 p.m. which lasted until 4 p.m. These warnings indicated potential wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph and the possibility of quarter-sized hail. Areas affected included the Aiken Municipal Airport and Citizens Park, highlighting the widespread nature of the severe weather impacting the county.
As Aiken County faces the prospects of heavy rainfall and flooding, residents are encouraged to remain alert and take proactive measures to ensure their safety. By staying informed about weather advisories and implementing emergency plans, individuals can better navigate the challenges posed by severe weather conditions.
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Additional Resources
- WFXG: Aiken County Approves Drainage Fix
- Wikipedia: Flood
- The State: Weather News
- Google Search: Aiken County Weather
- WRDW: Cedar Creek Road Floods Again
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- SC Daily Gazette: Death Toll Climbs in Tropical Storm Helene
- Google News: Flooding in Aiken County
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.
