Ridgeville Prepared for Major Flooding as Edisto River Rises
Hey Ridgeville residents! As we settle into the cozy groove of November, it seems that nature has a different plan in mind. After a series of heavy rainfalls, the Edisto River is gearing up to flood the area, with predictions suggesting it could reach major flood stage by November 12. Yup, you heard that right!
What to Expect
According to the National Weather Service, as the Edisto rises, parts of the floodplain stretching from Canadys to Highway 17 will soon become completely inundated. Travel in and around Ridgeville could turn tricky, and many homes near the river may be feeling the squeeze from those overflowing waters.
For a bit of context, remember the distressing scenes we witnessed back in August? The Edisto hit a staggering peak of just over 17.2 feet after Tropical Storm Debby rolled through, marking the third highest level on record. This was right after days of relentless rain that left vehicles stranded on Huckleberry Hill Lane. Sadly, it’s about to happen again!
Upstream Struggles
Now, it’s not just Ridgeville facing the brunt of nature’s wrath. Further up, near Orangeburg, the North Fork Edisto Basin is also dealing with significant rainfall, recording over a foot in some areas. This deluge, compounded by several small dam failures, has pushed the river to a record-high level since November 7. Talk about a one-two punch!
Preparing for the Flood
In light of these rising waters, local officials have decided to step up and lend a helping hand. A shelter has been opened at the Colleton County Recreation Center, located at 280 Recreation Lane in Walterboro, and the great news is, they are welcoming pets too! It’s always nice to have our furry friends by our side when times get tough.
The local Sheriff’s Office has been quite proactive, reaching out on social media to encourage residents to take precautionary measures and evacuate if necessary. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, right?
A Wait for Relief
Here’s a little silver lining for you—forecasters are saying that the Edisto River will begin to recede on November 13. However, it might take until the weekend before we see the waters drop back to a “minor” flooding stage. Reports suggest washouts can often linger for days, if not weeks—a totally frustrating situation for folks in the area.
Wider Impact Across the Region
But Ridgeville is not the only one in the pickle pot! Rivers across neighboring areas, including the Ohoopee, Canoochee, and Savannah, have also experienced rising waters, inching toward a flood stage. With water levels surging, Governor Henry McMaster issued a state of emergency on November 7 to assist communities across the eastern Midlands and Lowcountry as they grapple with the fallout of this storm system.
What You Can Do
So, what can you do during this tense time? Stay tuned to official updates, make sure you have an emergency kit ready, and keep in touch with your neighbors. It’s the classic “Neighbors helping neighbors” scenario that rings especially true in tough times like these.
Hold tight Ridgeville! We’ll be keeping a watchful eye as the waters rise, and we’re here to keep you updated with any developments. Stay safe, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance as the Edisto River continues its climb.