Columbia, South Carolina – Heavy rain and flooding threaten much of central and eastern South Carolina this afternoon as slow-moving thunderstorms drench the Midlands and CSRA. Residents in Columbia, Orangeburg, and Sumter should prepare for rapidly rising water on roads and in low-lying areas by Tuesday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, showers and thunderstorms will develop across the region from noon through 10 p.m., bringing 1-3 inches of rain in some neighborhoods. A yellow-shaded “Slight Risk” for excessive rainfall covers Richland, Lexington, Aiken, and Orangeburg counties, with localized flooding possible on I-20, I-26, and secondary roads. The heaviest rain is expected between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., raising concerns for commuters and anyone traveling during rush hour.
Emergency officials urge drivers to avoid flooded roadways—turn around, don’t drown. Residents should charge devices, clear storm drains, and monitor local alerts. Small streams and urban areas are especially vulnerable, as saturated soils can’t absorb much more water. The risk mirrors several flash flood events seen in the Midlands during recent summers.
The excessive rainfall threat continues until midnight, with more rounds of storms possible into Wednesday. Stay tuned for updates as watches or warnings may be issued if conditions worsen.
