Parts of Horry County flooded again as Waccamaw River rises

The Waccamaw River continues to rise as some low-lying areas around Horry County are experiencing flooding.

Forecasters expect the river to hit almost 13 feet by Friday, and the Little Pee Dee River should crest at 11 feet on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington. The Intracoastal Waterway in Socastee is also rising, which may impact area roads.

“The river flooding will continue to create some flooding of the roads in the usual areas along the river and mainly around the Conway area,” said Lisa Bourcier, Horry County spokeswoman.

Neighborhoods around the Waccamaw River are no stranger to flooding, especially after heavy rains. Parts of Lee’s Landing Circle, River Road and Waccamaw Drive were flooded up to a foot Tuesday, and more is expected as the river rises.

Larry Sanders, who lives in the Savannah Bluff community off Waccamaw Drive, was still cleaning up the damage from October’s historic floods when this past week’s heavy rains hit.

The river is backed up to his porch but hasn’t yet made its way into his home this time.

“It’s very inconvenient every time it happens,” Sanders said. “It’s getting kind of old.”

Sanders bought his home in July 1999, just months before Hurricane Floyd destroyed thousands of homes and caused millions of damage on the Grand Strand. Sanders’ home was destroyed by the storm, but luckily he had enough flood insurance to cover the damage. In preparation for another hurricane, Sanders lifted his home and enclosed the ground floor in drywall.

His home hadn’t flooded again until October 2015.

“When the water is not so high it’s pretty nice here,” he said. “But the winter is rough.”

Sanders said the Waccamaw shouldn’t reach him home during this bout of flooding, but he’s watched the water levels rise and fall over the past several months from heavy rain along the Strand and in North Carolina. Even if the flooding damages his home again, he’s staying put.

“I truly love it here,” Sanders said.

County officials are keeping an eye on flooding and will close roads to the public as needed, Bourcier said.

The following roads were closed as of Tuesday afternoon: Punch Bowl Road in Conway, River Road in Nichols, and River Loop Road in Nichols. Conway city police have not closed any roads as of Tuesday night.

The National Weather Service forecasts temperatures in the mid- to upper-40s, which will dip into the 20s at night. There’s only a 20 percent chance of rain on Friday, and forecasters expect the weekend to be mostly clear.

“The weather forecast shows clear skies through Monday, which will be very helpful,” Bourcier said.

To stay safe during floods, Bourcier advises residents to monitor local media and be aware of any road closures.

“Avoid flood waters at all costs and obey all barricades/signs regarding street closures,” she said.

This story was originally published February 9, 2016 at 6:12 PM with the headline "Parts of Horry County flooded again as Waccamaw River rises."