News Summary
Residents in Pee Dee are warned as the National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Great Pee Dee River, which has crossed into minor flood stage. Current levels are at 19.16 feet and are projected to rise, potentially cresting at 22.40 feet. Minor flooding is expected in local areas, necessitating caution and preparedness among residents and campers, especially in Georgetown County where additional minor flooding is anticipated. Safety tips emphasize avoiding floodwaters and seeking higher ground, as heavy rainfall is forecasted due to an approaching tropical storm.
Flood Warning Issued for Great Pee Dee River
As residents of Pee Dee prepare for potential floodwaters, the National Weather Service (NWS) has stepped in and issued a Flood Warning for the Great Pee Dee River. It’s certainly a nerve-wracking time, with the river currently at 19.16 feet, having crossed into what is considered the minor flood stage that begins at 19 feet. And here’s the kicker: River levels are not expected to stop there. They are projected to keep on rising as we move through the weekend and into the start of the new week.
What Do Numbers Mean?
So, what’s the forecast for the Great Pee Dee River? Well, predictions say it could crest at around 22.40 feet next week. Luckily, that’s just shy of the moderate flood stage, which kicks in at 24 feet. However, don’t let your guard down yet—this means we could see some minor flooding affecting local areas.
Be Aware in Georgetown County
A flood warning has been updated for Georgetown County as of Sunday evening. To make matters even more interesting, minor flooding is also projected for the Santee River near Jamestown, specifically impacting several dirt logging roads when the water reaches 12.0 feet. It sounds serious, doesn’t it?
Advice for Residents and Campers
If you live or camp in a flood-prone area, it’s high time to think about seeking higher ground and heeding any evacuation orders that may be issued. The NWS recommends that you take time to lock up your home when leaving and—if there’s time—disconnect your utilities and appliances. It is important to prioritize safety, so steer clear of basements or rooms where electric outlets may be submerged. If you hear any sparks or buzzing sounds, evacuate immediately.
Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
Floodwaters can be deceptively dangerous. Just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, which is unsettling to say the least. If for any reason you find yourself trapped due to rising waters, the best course of action is to find the highest point possible and reach out to emergency services by dialing 911.
Always remember, the risk of flooding goes up significantly during heavy rainfall, especially in those low-lying areas, which we know can fill up fast. A key reminder for drivers: steer clear of flooded roadways, as it only takes 12 inches of rushing water to sweep a vehicle away.
Weather Warnings and the Cyclone Effect
Surf’s Up with Caution
Plus, folks heading to the beach should prepare for rough surf conditions, with waves likely reaching 2 to 6 feet and a high risk of rip currents. For those in North Myrtle Beach, there’s even a marginal risk of tornadoes to keep on the radar, while flash flooding remains a valid concern. On Saturday, North Myrtle Beach recorded nearly .83 inches of rainfall—more is likely to come.
Other Areas in the Danger Zone
Just to keep everyone informed, there’s also a separate flood warning in effect for Greenwood and Newberry counties, particularly for the Saluda River at Chappells, where minor flooding is forecasted at a height of 14 feet.
Now that you’ve got the heads up, stay safe, keep those boots handy, and if you sense danger, be proactive and escape to higher ground. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News
- Wikipedia: Flood warning
- AOL News
- Google Search: flooding in Myrtle Beach
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Scholar: floods and emergency management
- WBTW News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google News: Myrtle Beach weather
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.
