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February 2020 Flooding

Feb 13, 2020

On February 6th, a frontal system crossed South Carolina, bringing severe thunderstorms and dropping 2-3 inches of rain across the Midlands, and even higher rainfall amounts in the Upstate and North Carolina.

The Congaree River forms at the confluence of the Broad and Saluda Rivers, and the rain that falls in these watersheds eventually works it way down to Columbia.

On the morning of Sunday, February 9th the Congaree River at Columbia crested at 29.19 ft (149,000 cfs). This is the 10th highest crest recorded at this gage. You can view a list of historic crests here.

Also, check out this video of a log launching at the Broad River diversion dam. pic.twitter.com/vwTONh01o3
— Congaree Riverkeeper (@congareervrkpr) February 8, 2020

Some video of the Congaree River #flooding taken from one of our meteorologists during the crest on Sunday. #scwx https://t.co/fUsNuFWmy4
— NWS Columbia (@NWSColumbia) February 10, 2020

There was also significant flooding downstream at Congaree National Park.

"How high is the water, Ranger?" Very high! The Congaree River crested earlier at 19.54 feet and is currently at 19.23 feet. Cedar Creek crested at 16.02 feet and is currently at 15.84 feet. Most of the Elevated Boardwalk is under water... (1/3) pic.twitter.com/56Blw7l7LL
— Congaree Natl Park (@CongareeNPS) February 10, 2020

Impacts

Several neighborhoods experienced flooding, including Congaree Park in West Columbia and Riverland Park in Cayce, as well as Chestnut Hill Plantation along the Broad River.
Multiple Sewer spills were reported, impacting the Broad River, Lower Saluda River, Kinley Creek, Swygert Branch, Lake Katherine, and Crane Creek.
The City of Columbia also experienced an "unanticipated bypass of partially treated effluent" at the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant near I-77, impacting the Congaree River. The access road to the wastewater plant, Simon Tree Lane, was also flooded, and apparently vehicles have been stranded in the water.
The 120 ft floating dock at the Columbia Rowing Club on the Broad River near I-20 was washed away. If you happen to find it, please let us know so we can help them try to retrieve it.
The Vulcan Quarry on the Broad River flooded, and the Norfolk Southern railroad line was washed out.
There was also a train derailment on Friday, February 7th, near Columbia International University and the Broad River. Three engines and eight cargo cars derailed. According to DHEC and the US Coast Guard National Response Center database there was no significant release into the environment.

We were finally able to get out on the Broad River today with our volunteer Len and do a patrol.

Norfolk Southern has repaired the RR line at the Vulcan quarry & added several culverts. It’ll be interesting to see what that means for Nipper Creek, which flows through that spot. pic.twitter.com/90TtjHkFWD
— Congaree Riverkeeper (@congareervrkpr) February 17, 2020