By HEATHER RUPPE
The Edisto River is flooding her banks, as water levels have already surpassed the flood stage and are quickly reaching the 12-foot “moderate” flood range.
The Edisto River has risen past 11.2 feet, as of press deadline on Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), who monitors the rivers’ flood stage with a gauge at Givhans Ferry.
The river has already broken past the minor flood stage, which begins at 10 feet. A major flood stage begins at 15 feet.
In one part of the river near the Highway 61 bridge, waters are being recorded at 16.3 feet, according to the NWS.
With some parts of the river being higher and lower depending on where you are, much of the Edisto River is already considered to be, on average, under a “major flooding event,” according to the NWS, who is reporting that the entire flood plain from Canadys to Highway 17 is saturated with water.
“Extensive damage occurs to homes and cabins throughout this area … most river access roads are impassible,” the NWS reports. Additionally, home owners along the Edisto and motorists in the area are being warned that “major roads” could soon be closed because of high waters. These roads include Parkers Ferry Road, Camp Buddy Road and Wire Road.
Already, numerous homes on Happiness Lane are flooded and driveways in the Harts Bluff community are covered with water. Weeks Landing is also underwater at intermittent times.
According to Colleton County Fire-Rescue Chief Barry McRoy, one Colleton County woman was rescued by boat last week from her house along the Edisto River. The woman was having a medical emergency and had to be rescued by medical personnel in a boat and then taken to a hospital for treatment. The woman’s house was impassable by vehicle because of the current flood.
McRoy says the Edisto River can often flood in April, as rain tends to be heavier in this time frame. “The people who live along the Edisto River are generally well-prepared for these events,” he said.
According to Colleton County Sheriff’s Office Spokeswoman Shalane Lowes, the sheriff’s office has not received any calls for flood-related assistance on the Edisto River.
“The CCSO is monitoring the increased height of the water,” she said. “The State Emergency Management System also notifies the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office regarding water level height and projected increase.”
Lowes said the sheriff’s office acquired a High-Water Vehicle in 2020 that can operate in water more than 7-feet high. “This vehicle allows us to assist in response for service on flooded roads in the county’s Hwy 61 area along the river,” she said. “All watercraft are routinely serviced to be ready for any call. The CCSO is in constant communication with the SCDNR to stay on top of rising waters and work in conjunction with them on water operations/rescues.”
According to the NWS, the river is expected to drop back toward the 8-foot mark by the coming weekend. However, this is dependent upon rain fall. Weather forecasters are predicting recent rain fall will diminish in coming days, helping to stall Edisto’s rising waters.
The Edisto hit her highest flood stage of 17.5 feet on Feb. 1, 1925.
The lowest she has ever been was .56 feet deep. This occurred on August 17, 2002.
