Waccamaw River hits major flood stage Saturday, forecast predicts second highest on record

The Waccamaw River hit major flood levels Saturday as Hurricane Matthew drenched the region faster than predicted.

The Waccamaw River near Conway rose rapidly on Saturday and will reach 14 feet, well above the 11-foot flood stage. Forecasters predicted the river will reach 16.5 feet by Thursday, according to a chart released by the National Weather Service on Saturday.

However, the river is forecasted to rise above 16 feet by Monday. No crest has been set, but if the forecast holds true, it will exceed last year’s level making it the second highest on record.

The areas expected to be affected are downtown Conway, the Conway Marina, Riverfront South, Lees Landing, Savannah Bluff, Pitch Landing, Jackson Bluff and Bucksville.

The Little Pee Dee River near Galivants Ferry is expected to rise to 11 feet by Wednesday, 2 feet over the flood stage. Flood waters are expected to affect the Fork Retch community near Nichols. Swampland flooding will increase significantly.

This story was originally published October 8, 2016 at 6:33 AM with the headline "Waccamaw River hits major flood stage Saturday, forecast predicts second highest on record."