Heavy thunderstorms are dropping dangerous amounts of rain across parts of east central Georgia and central South Carolina this afternoon. A flash flood warning is in effect for northeastern Columbia County, and a broader flood advisory covers the wider region. Both expire at 6:45 p.m.
What’s happening: As of 4:51 p.m., radar and rain gauges confirmed thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1.5 and 2.5 inches had already fallen, and another 1 to 1.5 inches is possible before the warning lifts. Flooding is already happening in some spots or expected to start soon.
Where the flash flood warning applies: The warning covers northeastern Columbia County in Georgia, southwestern Edgefield County in South Carolina, and southeastern McCormick County in South Carolina. Specific locations under the warning include:
- Evans, Martinez, Riverwood, Woodbridge, Windy Ridge Estates
- Evans Towne Center Park, Savannah Rapids Park, Riverside Park, Blanchard Woods Park, Stevens Creek Public Park
- Evans Medical Center, Lost Wilderness Fire Station
- Fury’s Ferry Boat Ramp, River Island, Forks Campground, Westport, German Island, Ninety Nine Islands, Poverty Hill, Clarks Hill
The broader flood advisory: A flood advisory, which signals a lower level of risk than a warning, covers a wider area through 6:45 p.m. That includes Columbia, Lincoln, McDuffie, and Richmond counties in Georgia, and Aiken, Edgefield, McCormick, and Saluda counties in South Carolina. Up to 1.5 inches had already fallen there as of 4:47 p.m., with another 1 to 2 inches expected. Minor flooding is likely in low-lying areas and places where water drains poorly…