Congaree River Flood Warning — Calhoun, Lexington & Richland SC

What’s happening now on the Congaree River?

NWS Columbia has a Flood Warning for the Congaree River at Carolina Eastman affecting Calhoun, Lexington, and Richland, in effect until Thursday afternoon. At 8:00 AM Monday, the river was 114.2 ft (bankfull 114.0 ft; flood stage 115.0 ft), is forecast to crest near 119.7 ft Tuesday morning, then fall below flood stage early Wednesday afternoon. A Flood Warning is also in effect for the Congaree River at Congaree National Park near Gadsden through Thursday evening, with minor flooding and a crest near 16.7 ft Tuesday morning. A Flood Advisory continues at the Columbia gauge until late Wednesday night; around 10.0 ft, parts of the Cayce and West Columbia Riverwalk flood, and near 12.5 ft, most of the West Columbia Riverwalk between Gervais Street and Cayce can flood. (Source: NWS Columbia flood statements)

Local reporting notes that river levels, including on the Congaree, may continue to rise for a time even if local rain tapers, as upstream runoff works through the watershed (WIS-TV First Alert).

What does this mean for property and access?

Impacts tend to focus on low-lying floodplain areas and river-adjacent paths. Near Congaree National Park, flooding begins in the park and on portions of the lower boardwalk around 15.0 ft; around 17.0 ft, the access road to the Sandy Run subdivision becomes flooded (NWS thresholds). In Columbia, parts of the Cayce and West Columbia Riverwalk flood around 10.0 ft, with broader West Columbia segments affected near 12.5 ft. Homes on higher ground or set back from the river may see little direct effect, while addresses nearer to low points or drainage outfalls may encounter temporary access limits or minor ponding.

Why can impacts vary widely by address?

Elevation, distance from the floodplain, and how local drains and culverts back up when the river runs high can change the picture from one block to the next. Two nearby homes can have very different outcomes based on lot height, grading, and how water is routed along streets and swales.

What should homeowners do over the next 24–48 hours?

• If it is safe to do so, move vehicles and outdoor items off low ground near riverfront parks, trailheads, and drainage outfalls.
• Avoid walking or biking on riverwalk segments with standing water; saturated banks and boards can be undermined.
• Check sump pumps and downspouts; clear leaves from neighborhood drains to improve flow as water recedes.
• Never drive through a flooded roadway. See the NWS overview of flood safety basics for reminders.

How to document damage and think about insurance

If water encroaches, document conditions before cleanup: wide photos of high-water marks, close-ups of affected materials, and short video walkthroughs. Keep receipts for temporary protection like sandbags or pump rentals. Coverage varies by policy, and homeowners insurance typically excludes riverine flooding; separate flood policies may apply. Review your policy or speak with a licensed insurance professional, and see Ready.gov’s guidance on flood preparedness and recovery steps.

What to watch as levels rise and then recede

Expect low-lying trails, park boardwalks, and riverwalk segments to be most sensitive as levels rise, followed by gradual improvement after the crest. As water drops, watch for soft ground and debris on paths and respect any posted detours while crews assess conditions.

Frequently asked questions

How high is the Congaree River expected to get, and when will it crest?

At the Carolina Eastman site, the river is forecast to crest near 119.7 ft Tuesday morning and fall below flood stage early Wednesday afternoon. At Congaree National Park near Gadsden, a crest near 16.7 ft with minor flooding is expected Tuesday morning.

What are the key impact thresholds around Congaree National Park?

Flooding begins in the park and on parts of the lower boardwalk around 15.0 ft. Around 17.0 ft, the access road to the Sandy Run subdivision becomes flooded.

Could the Cayce or West Columbia Riverwalk be affected?

Yes. Around 10.0 ft at the Columbia gauge, parts of the Cayce and West Columbia Riverwalk flood; near 12.5 ft, most of the West Columbia Riverwalk between Gervais Street and Cayce can flood. If you see water on a path, avoid the area and use higher routes until officials clear the trail.

How long will the Flood Warning last?

The warning for the Congaree River at Carolina Eastman remains in effect through Thursday afternoon, with the crest expected Tuesday morning and a fall below flood stage early Wednesday afternoon. Timing can change with upstream inflows, so monitor official updates until the warning is canceled.

Does homeowners insurance cover river flooding?

Often not. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude damage from river and overland flooding; separate flood insurance may apply. Coverage varies by policy, so review your documents or speak with a licensed insurance professional.

See what this means for your property

Enter your address in Hazard Clarity to explore your home’s flood exposure and nearby river and drainage context so you can plan next steps with better local insight.

— The Hazard Clarity Team

We’re continuing to watch official updates for this event and will revise if conditions materially change.