Severe Flooding Hits Lowcountry Area as Edisto and Ashley Rivers Set New Records
It’s been a rough few days here in Charleston and surrounding areas, with the city and residents grappling with the onslaught of Tropical Storm Debby. This bad boy dumped relentless rain on us, resulting in some pretty serious flooding. These rising water levels have forced officials to start shouting out warnings and even evacuation orders across a few counties. So yeah, it looks like we’re in for a good soaking.
Flood Warnings in Surrounding Counties
Heads up folks in Dorchester, Colleton, and Berkeley counties – keep your eyes open and your boots on with water levels still on the rise. Major concern is lurking around the Edisto River basin and areas close to the Ashley River. These rivers seem set on breaking their banks further, putting nearby homes and properties at some serious risk. Folks in Dorchester County around these areas, do consider packing up and moving to safer ground.
Record-breaking Rise in the Edisto River
The Edisto River’s making a pretty impressive show in this storm, surging to a whopping 17.19 feet, that’s higher than the 2015 flood level of 16.06 feet! Comparing notes with older records, it even tops the third-highest crest recorded in 1904 at 17.0 feet. At this pace, the river’s nearing its historic peak of 17.5 feet set in 1925. So with the river at its highest point since 1945, the folks in charge are keeping a close watch.
Evacuation Orders and Rescues
Evacuation notices are hitting mailboxes in vulnerable areas in Dorchester County as this situation keeps brewing. We can tally 46 rescues of people and their furry friends in the Edisto River basin area so far. Way to go, rescuers!
Ashley River on a Steady Rise
It’s not just the Edisto River putting on a show, the Ashley River is also cranking up its level. This mighty river has been measured at a record-busting level of 25.29 feet, knocking the previous record of 22.7 feet out of the park. Neighborhoods near the river, including the Ashborough area and Ashley River Park, better buckle up for some possible flooding. “Very high. Extremely high. So high that it’s coming into areas that it doesn’t traditionally come into,” so says Jason Ward, the Dorchester County Administrator, about the Ashley River water level.
Teamwork in Action
Right now, Dorchester and Colleton County are playing good neighbors. They’re assisting each other in performing rescues and evacuations along the Edisto River. But the cavalry doesn’t stop there, crews from as far as Tennessee have also come down to lend a hand in Dorchester County.
Safety Reminders and Road Closures
You know the drill, folks. Don’t be a hero in these dangerous conditions. Keep in mind a bunch of roads can’t handle the pressure and are now impassable with overflowing streams and creeks. So for heaven’s sake, don’t try to drive through flooded roads. Remember the mantra – “Turn around, don’t drown.”
While this saga continues to unfold, it’s vital to stay informed and heed all warnings from our county officials. The primary focus here is the safety of residents and looking after properties. So let’s stay safe and get through the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby together.
