Waccamaw, Little Pee Dee Rivers could return to flood stages next week

The Waccamaw and Little Pee Dee rivers were originally predicted to hit major flood levels for the second time in 2018. But according to an update an hour later, the predictions changed.

The predictions for how many homes might be affected remains unchanged between the two releases.

Steve Pfaff, the emergency warning coordinator for the National Weather Service, said the original press briefing had old information on it.

“I am sending a new River Flood Briefing for your review. In particular slide 3 was from an older briefing,” he wrote in a follow-up email.

The second press release downgraded the degree to which the rivers were expected to flood. Now the Little Pee Dee is expected to reach the moderate flood stage, while the Waccamaw will reach the minor flood stage.

The National Weather Service sent out predictions that the rain forecast will cause some flooding for areas along both of Horry County’s rivers. There are four flood stages, with the major stage being the most severe category and the action stage being the least severe.

The weather forecast for the weekend calls for rain all three days.

Along the Waccamaw, the National Weather Service said homes close to the rivers could be affected by the flooding. These areas include Bucksville, Pitch Landing, Lees Landing and other waterfront communities.

“Flooding will occur in residential areas off Business 501, Highway 905 and Highway 90. Water levels one foot deep will surround approximately 20 homes in the Savannah Bluff area. Flood waters will also surround homes in the Lees Landing, Pitch Landing and Riverfront South communities. Flooding will occur near a few homes on Oak Street as well as at Punch Bowl and Pitch Landing,” the release said.

Residents along the Little Pee Dee could also see flood waters threatening their property. Thirty to 40 homes in the Nichols area could be affected by flooding, according to the release.

The Little Pee Dee is expected to crest near 11.5 feet deep next week. The release did not have a depth prediction for the Waccamaw River at this time. Swamp areas surrounding the two rivers could also see flooding. During Florence, the Little Pee Dee crested at 17.20 feet deep.

The Intracoastal Waterway was not mentioned in the press release.

This story was originally published December 12, 2018 at 1:28 PM.