Aiken County Faces Flood Watch: Heavy Rain Ahead!

News Summary

Aiken County residents are advised to prepare for severe weather as a flood watch is in effect until Thursday evening. Heavy rainfall is predicted, with some areas potentially receiving up to 6 inches. Residents are urged to seek higher ground and avoid traveling through floodwaters. Emergency services are on alert, assisting with cleanup efforts from the recent Tropical Storm Helene and addressing power outages. Community shelters and resources are available for those in need as the county braces for another bout of extreme weather.

Aiken County Faces Flood Watch: Heavy Rain Ahead!

Residents of Aiken County, brace yourselves! With a flood watch issued that will last until 7 p.m. Thursday, the weather forecast is looking quite stormy. In the coming days, heavy rainfall is expected to hit the area, and some spots, particularly in southeastern regions like New Ellenton and Jackson, could be drenched with as much as 4 to 6 inches of rain!

What to Expect

Most of Aiken County isn’t getting off easy, either! Most areas are projected to receive 3 to 4 inches of rain. If you’re living in the far western part of the county, you might see slightly less, with estimates of around 2 to 3 inches for you. This much rain can lead to some serious flash flooding, especially in the southern Midlands and southern CSRA.

Stay Safe

It is extremely important for residents to heed safety warnings during this time. If you find yourself in an area prone to flooding, it’s wise to seek out higher ground. And whatever you do, if flooding occurs, please avoid traveling through any floodwaters. Not only can it be dangerous, but it can also lead to unpredictable situations. Stay alert and safe!

Aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene

This upcoming storm isn’t the first that Aiken County has faced. Just a short while ago, about 40 days back, Tropical Storm Helene left its mark, bringing with it high winds and widespread damage. Now, as we prepare for heavy rains, many residents are still dealing with the aftermath.

Visibility Issues

In addition to the heavy rain, last night the area experienced patchy fog that reduced visibility on roadways to less than a quarter-mile. The fog advisory has since cleared, but be mindful of less than ideal driving conditions.

Emergency Preparations

The Aiken County Department of Emergency Management is on high alert, working diligently on several areas of concern stemming from the previous hurricane. While clean-up crews tackle storm debris, residents are urged to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.

Power Outages

Unfortunately, power outages have occurred throughout the county, which means many traffic signals are not functional. If you come across these intersections, treat them as four-way stops. For those who are still without power, you can contact either Dominion or the Aiken Electric Co-op to report outages. Remember to turn off your main power box at home to help restoration efforts.

Community Support

Need assistance cleaning up your property? Don’t hesitate to reach out to Crisis Cleanup for help. And if you’re wondering about debris pickup, restrictions on the collection program have been suspended! Just make sure to cut up materials into six-foot sections for easier pickup.

Facilities Available

The American Red Cross has set up a community shelter at Merriweather Elementary School for any residents who need a safe place to stay. If you’re looking for non-potable water, head over to the New Holland Volunteer Fire Department, which is offering supplies for flushing toilets. Horse owners can even find help at the Windsor Volunteer Fire/Rescue, which is providing water for horses in need.

Keep Emergency Lines Clear

In these trying times, please remember to limit 911 calls to true emergencies only. For non-emergency questions, use the 211 contact number instead. Stay safe, Aiken County, and keep an eye on the weather as we face these challenges together!