(City of Columbia) - City of Columbia officials are urging residents to closely monitor the weather forecasts and use extreme caution on the roadways.
The City of Columbia's Inclement Weather Center opened Friday at 7 p.m., in partnership with United Way of the Midlands, The Salvation Army, The COMET and Midlands Housing Alliance. Adult men and women who need to use the Inclement Weather Center can be picked up between 7 - 8 p.m. at Transitions, 2025 Main Street (Calhoun Street side). Guests are not required to register in advance, however, they must be transported from Transitions.
The following streets and intersections are prone to flooding during heavy rain events. Actual flooding locations will depend on storm strength, duration and location. Please avoid these areas during and immediately after heavy rains.
Adger and Devine
Harden and Santee
Barnwell and Pendleton
Heyward and Ravenel
Blossom and Henderson
Main and Whaley
Blossom and Saluda
Monroe and Maple
Bull and Laurel
Oakland and Randall
Columbia College and N. Main
Pickens between Wheat and Green
Franklin and Marion
Two Notch and Read
Franklin and Sumter
Wheat and Amherst
Gervais and Laurens
Wheat and Pickens
Harden and Calhoun
Wheat and Sumter
Harden and Read
If you encounter a flooded street or intersection, turn around; do not attempt to drive through it. Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide many hazards (i.e. sharp objects, washed out road surfaces, electrical wires, chemicals, etc.). A vehicle caught in swiftly moving water can be swept away in a matter of seconds. Twelve inches of water can float a car or small SUV and 18 inches of water can carry away large vehicles.
Stay away from storm-damaged areas to include damaged or downed trees and power lines to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of severe thunderstorms.
Columbia Animal Services
The Columbia Animals Services reminds citizens to take extra care of outdoor pets. All pets must be provided with proper shelter that will protect them from the rain and wind and placed out of low lying areas where flooding might occur. Please contact Columbia Animal Services at 776-7387 for more information about pet safety.
Severe Weather Tips
• Continue to listen to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio or to local radio and television stations for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community may be blocked.
• Help people who may require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or disabled.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.
• To assist with keeping the storm drainage system working properly we would ask that yard debris and other items not be placed adjacent or next to drainage structures.
Columbia-Richland 911 Communications
Effective immediately, Emergency Standby Status is activated for all Columbia-Richland 911 Communications personnel. CRC 9-1-1 will be staffed at appropriate staffing levels to accommodate the anticipated increased call volume. Adjustments to staffing levels will be made (up or down) as the weather dictates. 911 should be called for emergencies only.
Public Works
If you notice a storm drain which is blocked by debris please notify the Public Works Street Division at 803-545-3780 during regular business hours and Customer Care at 803-545-3300 after 5:00 p.m. and on weekends. An alternate non-emergency number is 803-252-2911.
