Florence County Emergency Management officials provided an update on Tuesday morning on the possible flooding of Black Creek and Lynches River.
Black Creek is at a stage of about 16 feet and the waterway is forecasted to remain above 15 feet through Sunday, according to a press release from FCEM. Residents will be advised when the evacuation order has been lifted.
“There is concern for overtopping of Lake Prestwood dam in Hartsville, S.C. Florence and Darlington County officials are in constant contact to very closely monitor this situation,” states the release. “Should there be overtopping of this dam Florence County will immediately notify Black Creek residents.”
According to the release, flood stage of the Lynches River is 14 feet and the river is expected to reach flood stage by Saturday.
“The forecast currently shows a rise near levels reached during the 2016 Hurricane Matthew flooding event which was 18.7’. Residents who live in the areas in and around Lynches River should make plans now to evacuate as river levels rise,” the release says.
At 15.5 feet, floodwaters on Lynches River will impact portions of North Old Georgetown, Roundtree and Ben Gause Roads near Effingham, and New Hope, the release states. “The roads will be impassable in places. Locations downstream such as Half Moon Landing, and the Neck should expect flood waters later in the week.”
FCEM officials encourage citizens who live along these waterways to monitor river levels. “If at any time citizens feel they are unsafe, they are asked to leave their homes and go to a family members or friends home or go to the nearest open shelter.”
FCEM officials also ask residents to:
- “If time allows, prepare your home for a flood by moving essential items to an upper floor, bring in outdoor furniture, disconnect electrical appliances and be prepared to turn off the gas, electricity and water.”
- “Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.”
- “Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle could be quickly swept away. One foot of water can cause your car to float off the roadway.”
- “Make sure you double and triple check your preparedness kits and emergency plans.”
The SCDOT has installed temporary barricades along Hwy. 378 about a mile west of the bridge over the Lynches river. The barriers are an effort to keep flood waters from covering the highway.
