Minor to moderate river flooding is possible this week as Tropical Storm Idalia nears
The Myrtle Beach area is expecting heavy rain due to Tropical Storm Idalia.
The National Weather Service’s Wilmington Office predicted six inches of rain falling on the Grand Strand region.
The storm is projected to reach Horry County sometime Wednesday evening, and the National Weather Service is warning that river flooding could happen.
Currently, the threat level for river flooding is “limited,” while flooding rain is between “elevated” and “limited.”
The National Weather Service briefing puts threat levels in order of severity from:
- none
- limited
- elevated
- significant
- extreme
National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Steven Pfaff said August had been relatively dry.
“We have some room in the basins to account for that rainfall,” Pfaff added. “While we do anticipate heavy rains from Idalia as it moves by Wednesday night into Thursday, we think at this time the river flood impacts will be minimal.”
Of the three rivers that pass through the Pee Dee region— the Waccamaw River, the Pee Dee River and the Little Pee Dee River— none are currently projected to reach flood levels this week.
According to the National Weather Service Wilmington Office, low-lying areas throughout southeast N.C. and northeast S.C. could be susceptible to flooding Wednesday into Thursday.
The National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service projects the coast at Springmaid Pier could see minor flooding sometime Wednesday.
Flash flooding is also a concern due Idalia, with road ponding a possibility.
What to do if you come across flood waters while driving
Pfaff added that driving during storms creates the most danger for residents.
“When you look at tropical storms and hurricanes, in the Carolinas, most of the fatalities are associated with freshwater flooding, from the rainfall,” he said. “It’s one of the few where it’s the hazard, you have to go out and find.”
As most flood deaths are vehicle-related, Pfaff said residents should avoid driving through flooded roadways or roads blocked off by barricades.
“Find another way,” Pfaff added. “It might take you longer, but it’s going to be the safer option.”
This story was originally published August 28, 2023 at 12:36 PM.
