News Summary
Following heavy rains and thunderstorms, flood warnings have been issued across Hilton Head. Town officials advise drivers to exercise caution due to flooding risks and malfunctioning traffic lights. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning, urging residents to avoid driving through flooded areas and reminding them of safety protocols like ‘Turn Around, Don’t Drown.’ With significant standing water noted on local roads, officials are coordinating with the South Carolina Department of Transportation to enhance safety measures.
Hilton Head – Following a weekend of heavy rains and thunderstorms, town officials have issued warnings for motorists to exercise caution on the roads. The extraordinary weather conditions have raised concerns about flooding throughout the area, leading drivers to be vigilant while commuting, especially during the morning rush hour.
Officials have advised against driving through flooded areas, stressing the importance of safety and awareness. As some traffic lights may malfunction, drivers might encounter difficulties at intersections with flash mode settings, which will require them to treat these signals as stop signs. Motorists should be prepared for potential delays due to vehicle detection issues at several intersections.
Particularly notable is the large pool of water accumulating in the westbound lane of Marshland Road near Jessica Drive. As standing water may be present at other locations throughout Hilton Head, residents have been reminded of the crucial safety message “Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” urging them to avoid floodwaters that can pose significant risks.
In light of the severe weather, a flash flood warning was issued early Tuesday morning by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville-Spartanburg. This warning will remain effective until 6:30 a.m. for Laurens County, indicating possible flash flooding in urban areas, along highways, and in locations with insufficient drainage, particularly in low-lying zones. Municipal authorities are proactively working alongside the South Carolina Department of Transportation to identify and address flood-prone regions by installing necessary warning signs.
Residents experiencing flooding issues, downed tree limbs, or traffic signal malfunctions can report these problems using the MyHHI app, facilitating quicker responses from town staff. Drivers are especially cautioned about the dangers of navigating roads at night, where recognition of flooding hazards becomes significantly more challenging.
In flood-prone or low-lying communities, citizens are urged to seek higher ground immediately when flooding is suspected and to evacuate if instructed to do so. As water safety is paramount, individuals should remember to lock their homes before leaving and, when possible, disconnect utilities and appliances to prevent further hazards.
People are specifically warned against entering basements or any rooms where electrical outlets or cords may be submerged. Warning signs of potential electrical hazards include sparks or unusual noises like buzzing, crackling, or popping. If these signs are observed, it is recommended to evacuate the premises promptly.
Furthermore, it is important to avoid walking through floodwaters, as just 6 inches of moving water can unbalance a person. In emergencies where individuals find themselves trapped by moving water, they should move to the highest possible point and, if feasible, call 911 for assistance. According to the NWS, even 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can sweep away most vehicles, and hydroplaning is likely to occur when water accumulates faster than a vehicle’s weight can displace it, leading to a loss of control.
In conjunction with the flash flood warnings for Hilton Head, a separate flood warning was issued on Monday evening at 10:22 p.m. for Calhoun, Lexington, and Richland counties, effective until Saturday at 4:15 a.m. This announcement projects both minor flooding and moderate flooding forecasted for the Congaree River at Carolina Eastman, affecting low-lying areas of the Carolina Eastman Facility and parts of Congaree National Park. Drivers are prohibited from circumventing road barricades or flooded areas, which can be difficult to identify, particularly at night.
The NWS has advised against traveling in areas affected by flooding, reiterating the important message: “Turn around, don’t drown.” This guidance is essential for ensuring the safety of all residents as they navigate these challenging weather conditions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Thunderstorm Alert Issued in Laurens and Union Counties
Strong Thunderstorms Roar into South Carolina
Charleston Issues Severe Thunderstorm Warnings as Storms Approach
Charleston, SC Issues Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Watch Issued for Savannah
Heavy Rain and Flooding Ahead: Prepare for an Atmospheric River!
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Lowcountry
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Charleston and Nearby Counties
Wild Weather Week Ahead for South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorms Forecasted for Hilton Head Area
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Flash Flood Warning in Hilton Head
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Island Packet: Hilton Head Weather Update
- Google Search: Flash Flood Safety
- Island Packet: Severe Weather Alerts
- Google Scholar: Flash Floods
- Island Packet: Weather Conditions Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood Warning
- Island Packet: Weather Impact Analysis
- Google News: Hilton Head Weather
