Bean Blast - Severe Weather Preparedness
The Midlands of SC is bracing for significant amounts of rain as the remnants of Hurricane Debby stall over our state this week. Please use the following information to help keep you and your loved ones safe if an emergency situation arises due to flooding or storm damage associated with this system.
Please be careful if you must go out over the next few days and stay alert for the possibility of rapidly changing situations around you. Monitor your local news stations and weather apps for the most up to date forecasts, watches and warnings.
Yvonda A. Bean, CEO Columbia Housing
Severe Weather Preparedness
Turn Around, Don't Drown
Never attempt to drive through standing water.
- 6 inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet
- 12 inches of moving water can carry off a small car
- 18 - 24 inches of moving water can carry off larger vehicles
Never take the risk and avoid flooded areas until waters have receded.
Be Alert
Please heed all safety barricades, cones, and signs before, during, and after a storm.
Standing water can hide chemicals and downed power lines. Wait for the "all-clear" before returning to an area that was impacted by flooding.
Stay Informed
Monitor local news stations for up to date information.
Keep electron devices charged and have a weather radio available if possible.
Please click here for more flood safety information.
Important Phone Numbers
- Emergency Calls: 911
- Non-Emergency Calls City of Columbia: 803-252-2911
- Non-Emergency Calls Richland County: 803-576-3439
- Report Downed Power Lines: 1-888-333-4465
- Report Gas Leaks: 1-800-815-0083
- Report Storm Drainage Issues: 803-929-6000
Know Your Weather Alerts
Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be Prepared!
Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action!
Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Take shelter in a substantial building. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a large hail or damaging wind identified by an NWS forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.
Flash Flood Warning: Take Action!
A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain. Flash Flood Warnings are changing to an Impact-Based format to improve public response. Please see the tips listed above for ways to stay safe during flash floods.
Flood Warning: Take Action!
A Flood Warning is issued when a hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
Flood Advisory: Be Aware!
A Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
Flood Watch: Be Prepared!
A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
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