In Idalia’s wake, several South Carolina rivers at risk of flooding. What to know.
Tropical Storm Idalia’s heavy rainfall left rivers around the Grand Strand at greater risk of flooding over the next several days, creating potentially hazardous conditions in low-lying areas.
According to the National Weather Service, the Lumber, Little Pee Dee and Waccamaw rivers are at either minor or moderate flood stages, as are waters off the Atlantic coast at Springmaid Pier in Myrtle Beach.
Nichols could see localized flooding from the Lumber River
The Lumber River isn’t expected to drop below 20 feet until Monday night, keeping it at minor flood stage. At those levels, minor flooding along River Road east of Nichols on the Horry County side is possible.
The Little Pee Dee unusually high for several more days
Conditions are bit more serious along the Little Pee Dee River near Gallivants Ferry, which is set to flow at 11.6 to 11.2 feet through Monday, putting it about two feet over its flood stage.
At nine feet, flood waters start to impact yards in the Fork Retch community upstream of Gallivants Ferry near Nichols, with noticeable flooding of swamp lands and natural boat launches.
When the Little Pee Dee hits 11 feet, homes within Fork Retch could begin taking on water and swamp lands get even more inundated.
The Waccamaw River will rise to nearly 12 feet this week
As its upstream tributaries fill, the Waccamaw in Conway is forecast to gradually rise from its current level of 10.5 feet as of Sept. 2 to nearly 12 feet by Sept. 7, putting it just a few inches short of moderate flood stage levels.
That means swamps along the river and a few boat landings will begin taking on water. As it gets closer to 12 feet, expect minor flooding of yards and a few roads in the Lee’s Landing, Pitch Landing, Savannah Bluff and Riverfront South communities.
Atlantic waters receding from peaks but remain high
A National Weather Service gauge at Myrtle Beach’s Springmaid Pier caught a high water mark of 9.13 feet on Aug. 30 — noticeably above its 7-foot flood stage.
The area will fluctuate between normal levels and minor flooding based on tidal activity through Sept. 4.
A city spokesman told The Sun News on Sept. 1 that all streets remain open and that flooding isn’t expected to have any impact through the busy Labor Day weekend.
