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On Saturday at 4:36 p.m. the NWS Columbia SC released a flash flood warning in effect until 6:30 p.m. for Aiken and Edgefield counties.
“At 4:36 p.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 3 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly,” explains the NWS. “Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.”
Locations impacted by the warning include North Augusta, Grovetown, Evans, Fort Gordon, Augusta, Martinez, Clearwater, Belvedere, Hephzibah, South Augusta, Augusta Regional Airport, Augusta Mall, Glendale, Daniel Field, Summerville, Midtown, McBean, Village Plaza Shopping Center, Augusta National Golf Club and Gloverville. This includes the following highways: Interstate 520 in South Carolina between mile markers 16 and 23. Interstate 20 in South Carolina between mile markers 0 and 7. Interstate 20 in Georgia between mile markers 192 and 201. Interstate 520 in Georgia between mile markers 1 and 15.
The NWS states, “Most flooding deaths occur in vehicles. Never drive through a flooded roadway or around barricades. Turn around, don’t drown. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.”
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This warning is in effect until 6:30 p.m.
Recommendations from the NWS for staying safe during a flood
For either residents or campers of flood-prone, low-lying areas, take immediate action and seek higher ground. Follow evacuation instructions without delay. If time permits, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances. Avoid entering basements or rooms where electrical outlets or cords are submerged in water. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate the area immediately. Refrain from entering water that may have electricity in it and avoid walking through floodwaters. Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet. If you find yourself trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and contact emergency services, and dial 911.
When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods. It is crucial to never drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the NWS, as little as 12 inches of fast-flowing water can carry away most vehicles.
What to do in the rain on the road?
- Turn on your headlights – Even when it’s light outside, using headlights can improve visibility and alert other drivers to your presence.
- While driving – Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground. Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.
- Keep clear of puddles – Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control
- Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles – Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
- Avoid flooded zones – If you encounter a flooded road, make a U-turn and go back. The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road. Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle’s weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. Hydroplaning is primarily caused by three factors:
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- Vehicle speed – When a vehicle’s speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
- Water depth – The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. It doesn’t matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to hydroplaning.
- Tire tread depth – Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here’s what to know:
- Ease off the accelerator – Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.
- Turn into the skid – Turning into the skid can help the vehicle’s tires realign to regain control.
- Make sure the tires reconnect with the road – During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
- Brake gently as needed – Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
Source: The National Weather Service
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