A flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 4:46 a.m. valid from Thursday 5 p.m. until further notice for Horry County.
The weather service describes, “Minor flooding is forecast for Waccamaw River at Conway.”
“At 12.0 feet, Flooding will worsen in Lees Landing, Riverfront South, Pitch Landing, and Savannah Bluff. Flooding will also worsen along Waccamaw CIR, Riverside DR, and in low areas along Gray Oak DR. Flood waters will begin to affect Black Moss DR and Cypress Flat. Depot RD, New RD, and Jackson Bluff RD may begin to flood. The lowest homes on Riverside DR north of Conway may be affected. Witch Golf Course may begin to flood. Swamps will be heavily flooded,” says the weather service. “Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas. The next statement will be issued by this evening.”
Your guide to weather alerts: advisories, watches, and warnings
Flash flood warning: Take action!
A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area, move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
Flood warning: Take action!
A flood warning is declared when flooding is on the verge of happening or is already underway.
Flood advisory: Be aware:
A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning. Nonetheless, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that threaten life and/or property.
Flood watch: Be prepared:
A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It doesn’t guarantee that flooding will occur, but it signifies that the possibility exists.
When floods strike: Guidelines from the weather service for your protection
In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver:
Seek higher ground:If you’re in a flood-prone area, or if you’re camping in a low-lying spot, move to higher ground as a first step.
Follow evacuation orders:When local authorities issue an evacuation order, promptly comply. Before leaving, secure your home by locking it.
Disconnect utilities and appliances:If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.
Avoid basements and submerged areas:Avoid basements or rooms submerged in water with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.
Swift evacuation for your safety:If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge.
Refrain from walking in floodwaters:Never attempt to walk through floodwaters, even if they appear shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can forcefully sweep you off your feet.
Seek high ground if trapped:Should you become trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and dial 911 to contact emergency services.
When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods. It is crucial to never drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of fast-flowing water can carry away most vehicles. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.
Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain
Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of rapid water flow:Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.
Maintain safe driving distances:Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.
Slow down and stay cautious:On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
Prioritize visibility:Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
Watch out for slippery roads:Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.
