Conway, South Carolina, September 15, 2025

News Summary

Conway, South Carolina is currently dealing with severe flooding issues exacerbated by the cancellation of a federal grant intended for flood resilience. The grant’s termination affects plans for the Chestnut Bay Resiliency Project, which aimed to create a Carolina Bay to mitigate flooding risks. With recent rainfall pushing the Waccamaw River to record levels, local officials have advised evacuations, highlighting an urgent need for solutions to protect the community against future flooding.

Conway Faces Flooding Challenges as FEMA Cancels Key Grant

Conway, South Carolina is grappling with ongoing flooding challenges seven years after Hurricane Florence, following the recent cancellation of a key federal grant aimed at improving the city’s flood resilience. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) terminated the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program earlier this month, which included a crucial $2.17 million grant for the Chestnut Bay Resiliency Project.

The Chestnut Bay project was designed to create a Carolina Bay to help absorb rainwater and alleviate flooding in the city. Residents have expressed significant concern regarding the effects of flooding, especially after experiencing severe water levels during Hurricane Florence in September 2018, when over three feet of water inundated homes.

In addition to the challenges posed by the grant cancellation, Conway and surrounding areas continue to face flooding issues as recent rainfall has pushed the Waccamaw River to crest at 21.2 feet, shattering previous records. The elevated water levels are expected to persist, creating further risks for residents. More than 250 roads have closed in Horry County, and hundreds of evacuations have taken place as floodwaters rise. Additional rain—forecasted to bring between 1-1.5 inches over the next five days—could worsen the situation as floodwaters recede slowly.

The Aftermath of Hurricane Florence

Hurricane Florence was a significant weather event that struck the Carolinas in September 2018. It was classified as a Category 4 storm but weakened to a Category 1 before making landfall in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. The storm dumped record-breaking rainfall over the course of three days, leading to catastrophic flooding in areas across both states.

Florence set a rainfall record for tropical systems, dropping totals of 24 inches in Loris, 20 inches in Marion, and up to 35 inches in other North Carolina regions. The extensive flooding from the storm resulted in over 1,500 homes being damaged or destroyed, significant agricultural losses, and an estimated $17 billion in damages in North Carolina and $600 million in South Carolina. The storm also caused at least nine fatalities in South Carolina.

Current Flooding Conditions

The waters of the Waccamaw River, which affect Conway, are currently at critical levels, prompting local officials to advise evacuations in flood-prone areas. The U.S. Highway 501 bridge has been reduced to one lane in each direction due to concerns over rising waters. As conditions worsen, residents remain anxious about their safety and the future of their homes, particularly given the recent setback with the cancellation of the BRIC grant.

The City of Conway released a statement addressing the uncertainties that the community faces in light of the grant cancellation and the continued threat of flooding. As officials work on addressing immediate flooding concerns, residents are reminded to stay alert to the potential dangers presented by the ongoing weather conditions.

Conclusion

Conway’s struggle with flooding serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impacts of Hurricane Florence and the significance of federal support in resilience-building projects. The cancellation of the FEMA grant leaves the community with unresolved challenges and the daunting task of seeking alternative solutions to protect against future flooding risks.

Flood Impact Overview

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Additional Resources

• ABC News 4
• Wikipedia: Flood
• Myrtle Beach Online
• Google Search: Hurricane Florence
• Greenville Online
• Google Scholar: Hurricane Florence
• WMBF News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Florence
• WPDE News
• Google News: Conway South Carolina flooding

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.