COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Severe thunderstorms that dumped several inches of rain over the Midlands has flooded local roadways. The National Weather Service released reports that several roadways were flooded around the Five Points and Columbia areas.
Columbia:
-Main and Whaley: blocked and flooded.
-Key Rd and George Rogers Blvd: vehicle submerged
Five Points
-Santee and Harden: flooded
-Gervais and Laurens (near Greyhound Bus Station): flooded
-Rosewood and Assembly: flooded
A week that has been marked by dangerous heat, possible tropical threats and pop-up thunderstorms is far from over.
Flooding rains are currently soaking parts of the Midlands. Newberry, Fairfield and Kershaw Counties battled Urban and Small Stream Advisory inducing storms while Richland County endured flash flooding. Drivers traveling along I-77 and US 21N encountered hazardous roadway.
A significant amount of moisture is in the atmosphere which is adding extra fuel for heavy rain producing storms. These storms also have a history of producing frequent lightning and winds over 30 mph. It's important to always remember the phrase, 'turn around, don't drown,' when it comes to driving on flooded roadways.
Low lying areas, like Five Points, Whaley Street and highway 601 are notorious flood areas. Please exercise caution if storms develop there.
A little father north, flooding rains dumped more than two inches of rain per hour in the Charlotte area. Numerous roads and communities as battling flash flood conditions. Local fire officials were attempting numerous vehicle rescues for stranded motorists.
The weekend is setting up to be a mix of miserable heat and scattered thunderstorms. If you have outdoor plans, it's advised to hydrate as well as keep an eye to the sky.
SCDOT cameras across the state are showing areas of slowed traffic. Plan ahead before traveling along local interstates.
As for the former Tropical Storm Emily, she may reform, but is not expected to have an influence on South Carolina's weather. Emily officially weakened to a trough of low pressure 5 pm Thursday. The National Hurricane Center dropped all watches and warnings as a result.
For more information on the ever-changing weather situation follow the SkyWACH Weather Team on twitter, facebook and midlandsconnect.com.
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