The City of Columbia urges drivers to use caution when driving during severe weather. The following streets and intersections are prone to flooding during heavy rain events. Please avoid these areas during and immediately after heavy rains.
| Main and Whaley | Wheat and Amherst | Harden and Read |
|---|---|---|
| Gervais and Laurens | Adger and Devine | Harden and Calhoun |
| Blossom and Henderson | Wheat and Sumter | Franklin and Marion |
| Blossom and Saluda | Wheat and Pickens | Franklin and Sumter |
| Harden and Santee | Pickens between Wheat and Green | Columbia College and N. Main |
| Monroe and Maple | Heyward and Ravenel | Bull and Laurel |
| Two Notch and Read | Barnwell and Pendleton |
*Disclaimer: Locations above are places known to be flood prone. Actual flooding locations depend on storm strength, duration and location.
If you encounter a flooded street or intersection, turn around; do not attempt to drive through it. Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide many hazards (i.e. sharp objects, washed out road surfaces, electrical wires, chemicals, etc.). A vehicle caught in swiftly moving water can be swept away in a matter of seconds. Twelve inches of water can float a car or small SUV and 18 inches of water can carry away large vehicles.
Stay away from storm-damaged areas to include damaged or downed trees and power lines to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of severe thunderstorms.
Continue to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or to local radio and television stations for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community may be blocked.
Help people who may require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or disabled.
Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.
To assist with keeping the storm drainage system working properly we would ask that yard debris and other items not be placed adjacent or next to drainage structures.
For additional safety tips on driving when streets are flooded, click here.
If you notice a storm drain which is blocked by debris, please notify the Public Works Street Division at 803-545-3780 during regular business hours and Customer Care at 803-545-3300 after 5 p.m. and on weekends. An alternate non-emergency number is 803-252-2911. For emergencies please call 911.Â
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