COLUMBIA, S.C. — Parts of the Midlands continue to experience river flooding in the aftermath of Helene. Meanwhile, local law enforcement advises people to stay away from the rivers in the Columbia area.
“We don't want people to get in this water because it's very choppy and because it's so high," Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins said. "You really can't see the rocks up under this water.”
The waters in rivers near Columbia, Cayce and West Columbia are at some of the highest levels ever seen, according to officials.
Jenkins says law enforcement is advising people in the area to stay away from the Broad, Saluda and Congaree Rivers as water levels remain high.
“Our concern is coming down the Broad River, but also when it turns into the Congaree because the Broad River and the Saluda join together to make the Congaree, so that will make the Congaree River even more dangerous with flooding downstream," Jenkins said. "We already got some flooding off of the Broad River area. We got crews out right now, just assessing flooding.”
Officials from the City of Cayce tell News19 that Cayce police officers went door-to-door to inform over 100 residents in the Riverland Park neighborhood that a voluntary evacuation was being issued due to rising water levels on Sunday.
Residents like John Epps say they’re concerned as water levels remain high.
“Mainly, just like the bridges and all that. I drove earlier past Cayce over there, and it was flowing like crazy, and I wouldn't be surprised if they closed down the bridges here soon,” Epps said.
Others say they anticipate this to stay in the area for awhile.
“It's definitely going to be rough. There's definitely gonna be debris in the river for a long time. Definitely not gonna be safe for a couple weeks at least,” Marshall Greene said.
The Richland County Sheriff's Department, along with the Columbia-Richland Fire Department, made the decision to close local boat ramps due to flooding.
“This might be enticing to some people to get out on the water because they see the water moving and all that good stuff, but it's all in an effort to keep everybody safe," Jenkins said. "Let's give it a few days, let it calm down somewhat, and then let's get back out and have fun. The main thing is we want to make sure everybody stays safe.”
The fire department encourages residents to stay away from the water. They say the fast current can make rescuing very difficult.
As of now, SCDOT doesn't plan to close the Blossom Street Bridge or the Gervais Street Bridge.