News Summary
The Irmo Police Department is warning drivers to avoid flooded areas due to heavy rains from Hurricane Helene. Major flooding has been reported in critical locations, leading to numerous road closures. While some areas show signs of improvement, authorities emphasize the need for caution. Residents are reminded of the mantra ‘If you see standing water, turn around, don’t drown’ to ensure safety during these hazardous conditions. Ongoing monitoring and updates on road conditions will continue as the situation evolves.
Irmo – The Irmo Police Department is alerting drivers to avoid flooded areas as heavy rains from Hurricane Helene continue to impact the region. Flooding has been reported in critical areas, including the 7800 and 7900 blocks of Broad River Road, and the intersection of North Woodrow Street and North Royal Tower Drive. Authorities emphasize the importance of safety, urging residents and travelers to exercise caution while navigating local roads.
The advice to drivers comes amid significant rainfall and the effects of Hurricane Helene, which is expected to bring additional heavy rain and strong winds to South Carolina. The mantra “If you see standing water on the roadway, turn around, don’t drown” has been highlighted as crucial for ensuring safety when encountering flooded routes.
While flooding in the Chestnut Hill Plantation area of Irmo has shown signs of decrease, several main routes remain impacted. Lost Creek Road, a vital access point for residents, is currently closed due to flooding. At one point during the storm, water levels were so high that access to the neighborhood’s clubhouse was completely submerged. Local authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and provide updates on road conditions.
Heavy rains initially originating from North Carolina are feeding the Broad River, which has seen levels rise to approximately 29 feet. This is in contrast to the 31 feet reached during the severe flooding events of 2015. Historical records indicate that the bridge on Lost Creek Road collapsed in 2015 due to flooding and took six months to repair, marking a significant concern for local infrastructure during heavy rain events.
Residents of the area are accustomed to dealing with flooding but have expressed gratitude for ongoing improvements made in flood management since previous incidents. The current scenario has necessitated numerous road closures as authorities aim to ensure public safety in light of the hazardous conditions.
As of 3:30 p.m., Richland County officials are advising drivers to steer clear of several roads facing imminent flooding threats or already rendered impassable. Roads under advisory include Clamp Road in Blythewood, Alcorn and Olin Sites Roads in Irmo, Waterford Drive in Columbia, Jessie Stoudemayer Road in Irmo, and Riley and Barnes Streets in Columbia, among numerous others.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is particularly emphasizing the need for drivers to remain off the roads, especially during the morning commute due to extensive flooding and obstructions caused by downed trees and power lines. The town of Lexington has reported multiple road closures, including South Lake Drive and Elm Street, further complicating travel in the area.
West Columbia has announced the identification of 25 road closures and is actively working to remove fallen trees and other debris from the roads. The South Carolina Department of Transportation is maintaining an interactive map that tracks road closures statewide, offering a resource for drivers seeking to navigate the affected areas safely.
Additionally, U.S. 1 and U.S. 23 near Batesburg-Leesville have been reported completely blocked by large trees, adding further complications to local travel. Authorities continue to monitor conditions closely and provide updates on the evolving situation as Hurricane Helene approaches.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about weather conditions and heed warnings from local authorities to ensure safety during these challenging weather events.
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Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia: Irmo Police Warning
- The State: Storm Impact
- WACH: Lost Creek Rd Closure
- WLTX: Hurricane Helene Live Blog
- Post and Courier: Tropical Storm Helene
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
- Google Search: Hurricane Helene South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Helene
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Helene
- Google News: Hurricane Helene Flooding
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, 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 Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
