Hey Jamestown! The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the Santee River, which is still running high and showing no signs of slowing down. While this isn’t expected to be a huge flood, the river’s levels are still elevated enough to cause some local flooding. If you live near the river or in low-lying areas, it’s time to start preparing—better safe than sorry.
Why Should You Be Concerned?
The Santee River is still above normal levels and could rise even more if the rain keeps coming. Though it’s not a catastrophic flood event, localized flooding is a real concern. Roads near the river might become impassable, and water could make its way into properties that are close to the banks. The flood warning is in effect for the time being, so it’s important to keep an eye on the water levels.
Even though things might seem okay now, more rain could change that quickly. So, it’s crucial to stay alert and be ready.
What You Need to Do Right Now
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Stay Updated: Things can change fast with flooding, so make sure to stay on top of the latest news, weather apps, or social media updates. You want to know if there are any changes to the flood warnings or rising water levels so you can react quickly if needed.
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Avoid Flood-Prone Areas: If you live near the river or in areas that tend to flood, it’s smart to avoid traveling near those spots. Roads near water can quickly become dangerous, and it’s better to be cautious. If you do encounter water on the road, turn around and find another route. It’s never worth the risk of driving through flooded areas.
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Move Your Valuables to Higher Ground: If you’re in a flood-prone area, now’s the time to move your important belongings. Electronics, important documents, and things you can’t replace should be moved to higher ground or upstairs. Flooding can happen fast, and this simple step can save you a lot of trouble later.
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Prepare Your Home: Check that your sump pump is working (if you have one) and clear out your gutters so water can drain properly. If you have sandbags or other barriers, now’s a good time to put them in place around doors and windows. If you have outdoor furniture, trash cans, or anything that could get swept away, move it to safety.
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Plan for Potential Evacuation: While it’s not expected to be a massive flood, it’s always smart to have a plan. Know the quickest routes to higher ground, and make sure your car has enough gas in case you need to leave quickly. Also, keep an emergency kit ready with essentials like food, water, medications, and important documents.
What’s Coming Next?
The river is still elevated and could stay that way for a while. If more rain hits, the water levels might rise again. Some areas could stay flooded for longer than expected, so it’s best to stay prepared for a few days. The flood warning will remain in effect until things calm down, but be ready for possible delays and disruptions until the waters recede.
The Santee River’s water levels are still high, and there’s a real chance of localized flooding. Even if this doesn’t turn into a major flood, it’s important to be prepared. Stay informed, protect your belongings, and be ready to adjust your plans. The key is staying ahead of the situation.
