The National Weather Service in Columbia reports that the Flood Warning has been extended until 7:30 PM EDT Monday evening for Kershaw, Orangeburg, Saluda, Calhoun, Richland, Fairfield Newberry, Lee, Lexington, Northeastern Aiken, Clarendon and Sumter Counties.
The National Weather Service reports that as of 9:56 AM EDT, light to moderate rains continue to fall over the already flooded area and “saturated ground”. While the rain is expected to be light, significant flooding continues.
It should be noted a flood warning means that flooding is imminent or has been reported.
As the natural disaster continued into the evening hours, many remain trapped in their homes, according to The Weather Channel. Rescue crews are currently moving from door to door throughout the Columbia area. Wyatt Coleman, the City of Columbia Fire Chief, expects that around 100 people in West Columbia are still confined to their residences.
Unfortunately, officials maintain that event is far from over. The Weather Channel reports that Charleston’s National Weather Service office offered that catastrophic flooding will continue, and wind advisories taking effect create the possibility for further trees and power lines blocking road ways making situations even more dangerous for drivers.
The State has been providing minute-by-minute updates, and says that Kershaw County emergency responders reported the seventh flood-related death this morning. Rescue groups recovered the body near Piney Grove Road and were able to rescue another.
Over 389 roads and 158 bridges throughout the state remain closed. Again, drivers are reminded to avoid roadways at all costs.
Another major issue facing Columbia residents is the city water problems. Residents are expected to be without or with less water for the next 3-4 days and that water is still under a boil before use advisory. Water lines have broken creating significant damage and outages. The University of South Carolina, where class remains canceled, has set up port-a-potties outside of residence halls for students, and a bottled water delivery is expected some time on Monday.
Stay tuned to Palmetto Scene for up to date coverage, and more information when Gov. Nikki Haley addresses the media at 11:30 A.M.
Multiple water distribution sites are being set up in Richland County to help people get safe water to drink.
Columbia City Manager Teresa Wilson said the following four distribution sites will be open from 5-6:30 p.m. Monday:
Columbia Convention Center - 1100 Lincoln Street
Walmart - 5424 Forest Drive
Lower Richland High School -2615 Lower Richland Boulevard
Landmark Square - 6600 block of Garners Ferry Road
The centers will be open again at Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Two additional sites will open Tuesday at Dutch Square Mall and the Midlands Shopping Center.
Curfew is at 7 pm this evening