Aiken County on Flood Alert: Prepare for Heavy Rains

News Summary

Aiken County is under a flood watch as significant rainfalls are expected in the coming days. With warnings of potential flash flooding, residents are advised to prepare, especially in flood-prone areas. The National Weather Service forecasts up to 6 inches of rain in some regions, urging safety precautions. Some community events have been rescheduled, and assistance programs are available for those affected. Remember to stay safe and only dial 911 for emergencies.

Aiken County on Flood Alert: Prepare for Heavy Rains

Residents of Aiken County should brace themselves as local weather forecasts predict significant rainfalls over the next few days. Currently, the skies are cloudy with a slight chance of rain and the temperature hovers around a chilly 51°F, accompanied by winds from the east-northeast at 10 to 15 mph. However, this is just the calm before the storm!

Flood Watch in Effect

Gather your umbrellas and find your rain boots because a flood watch has been issued for Aiken County until 7 p.m. on Thursday. Folks in southeastern regions like New Ellenton, Jackson, and the Savannah River Site are at risk of getting soaked with expected rainfall amounts soaring between 4 to 6 inches. Other areas in Aiken can expect 3 to 4 inches while far western parts will likely see 2 to 3 inches of rain. Yes, you read that right; it’s shaping up to be quite the deluge!

Risks of Flash Flooding

The National Weather Service is warning residents about the potential for flash flooding, particularly in the southern Midlands and southern CSRA. It’s crucial to stay informed and vigilant during this weather situation. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider heading to higher ground as a precautionary measure. Do avoid traveling through floodwaters, since what looks harmless could actually lead to dangerous situations. Remember, safety comes first!

Community Events Rescheduled

In light of the severe weather threats, some community events are changing plans. The National Night Out, a special day aimed at fostering community-police partnerships, has been moved to August 20. This event would have included bounce houses, snow cones, and exciting kickball games, plus a fire safety smoke trailer! The North Augusta police chief has been stressing the importance of these partnerships, especially during tumultuous times.

Storm Clean-Up Continues

Following the high winds and damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene just a month ago, Aiken County residents are still in recovery mode. Emergency services and public works are busy clearing debris and restoring power, making roads safe for travel. As traffic signals remain down due to outages, please treat intersections without power as four-way stops until further notice.

Power Outages and Assistance Programs

If you experience any power outages, don’t hesitate to report them to your local utility company. Dominion and Aiken Electric Co-op are awaiting your calls. For residents who have lost service, consider turning off the main power box in your homes to prevent potential damage. Help is also available through Crisis Cleanup, offering assistance in tree removal and tarping for private properties. If you’ve got any yard debris you need collecting, remember that size restrictions have been lifted, so long as each piece is cut into sections no larger than 6 feet.

Are You Affected? Resources Available

If you or someone you know is feeling the impact of the storm, an American Red Cross shelter has been opened in North Augusta specifically for affected residents. Meanwhile, volunteer fire departments are reaching out with non-potable water for toilet flushing and watering horses.

A Final Tip: Calling 911

Lastly, residents are urged to limit calls to 911 for emergencies only. For questions or non-emergency matters, please feel free to reach out to 211. As rain begins to pour, it’s essential that the community works together and looks out for one another!