From the City of Columbia Public Relations Department:
Due to impending inclement weather that is expected for Thursday, September 17th and Friday, September 18th, the City of Columbia wants to urge motorists to be cautious while driving. Please be advised of the following safety tips. 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
Gervais and Laurens Blossom and Henderson Blossom and Saluda Harden and Santee Monroe and Maple Two Notch and Read |
Wheat and Amherst
Adger and Devine Wheat and Sumter Wheat and Pickens Heyward and Ravenel Pickens between Wheat and Green Barnwell and Pendleton |
Harden and Read
Harden and Calhoun Franklin and Marion Franklin and Sumter Columbia College and N. Main Bull and Laurel |
*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.
If you notice a storm drain which is blocked by debris, please notify the Public Works Street Division at 545-3780 during regular business hours and Customer Care at 545-3300 after 5 p.m. and on weekends. An alternate non-emergency number is 252-2911. For emergencies please call 911.
If trees are down in the public right of way or blocking roadways, call the Forestry Division at 545-3860. After 5 p.m., call the Customer Care Center at 545-3300.