Congaree River Flood Warning — Calhoun, Lexington, Richland SC Property Guidance

What’s happening and why it matters for homeowners

The National Weather Service has active river flood alerts on the Congaree River, including a Flood Warning at the Carolina Eastman gauge and a Flood Advisory at the Columbia gauge. The Warning explicitly covers Calhoun, Lexington, and Richland counties, while the Advisory cites impacts for Lexington and Richland. These statements also translate river stages into real places — such as when portions of the West Columbia and Cayce Riverwalk begin to take on water — giving homeowners a concrete way to think about access, low areas, and documentation needs. See the current advisory and county coverage in the NWS listings and statement texts. NWS CAE hazard list. NWS Flood Statement with stage impacts.

What do the current river alerts say in plain language?

At the Columbia gauge (site COLS1), NWS reported the river around 11 feet late Tuesday morning, which is above Action Stage (10 feet) but below Flood Stage (19 feet). The Flood Statement explains that at 10 feet, parts of the Cayce and West Columbia Riverwalk begin to flood, and by 12.5 feet most of the West Columbia Riverwalk between Gervais Street and SC‑12 is underwater. That is a location‑specific threshold — not a guarantee of flooding away from the river — but it’s a practical cue for nearby low areas and access points. NWS Advisory text with observed stage and thresholds. NWS Flood Statement for COLS1.

Where is the river being monitored?

Two gauges anchor the current alerts: - Congaree River at Columbia (COLS1), which maps to the USGS gauge 02169500 used for stage observations and forecasts. - Congaree River at Carolina Eastman (CEAS1), downstream toward Calhoun County, where the Flood Warning is in effect. These are the points NWS uses to define local risk and timing. You can confirm the Columbia gauge site here: USGS 02169500 — Congaree River at Columbia. County coverage for the Carolina Eastman Warning is listed on the NWS CAE hazard page.

Property exposure: why one address can be different from the next

River flooding tends to be highly local. Elevation changes of a few feet, distance from the main channel, local drainage, and man‑made grading can all shift outcomes between neighboring blocks. Along the west bank in Lexington County, public greenway segments sit close to the river — the City of Cayce’s Riverwalk is one example — so those paths often reflect rising water levels earlier than inland neighborhoods. That visibility can help homeowners nearby think about access, parking, and where water might pool on their lots, even if homes themselves remain dry. City of Cayce Riverwalk information.

What to do now (if it is safe to do so)

- Near the river: Note any low driveways, parking pads, crawlspace vents, or sheds close to grade. Temporary water around these features can leave sediment lines worth photographing later for your records. - Along creeks and ditches: Rising main‑stem rivers can slow local drainage. If you see water lingering after rain, consider simple documentation — wide shot, then detail — before cleanup. - Access planning: If your usual route uses river‑adjacent paths or low underpasses, have an alternative ready while alerts remain active. - After water recedes: Walk the perimeter for new erosion, settled soil near foundations, or debris against fences. Document first, then clean.

Documentation and insurance basics

- Photos and notes help later, even when damage seems minor. Capture dates, approximate times, and where on the property each image was taken. - Keep receipts for any immediate materials you buy to protect the property (tarps, sandbags). Coverage varies by policy; for questions about how your policy treats river flooding versus wind‑driven rain or sewer backup, review your policy or speak with a licensed insurance professional.

Frequently asked questions

Which parts of Calhoun, Lexington, and Richland are actually under the river Warning/Advisory?

NWS ties the Flood Warning to the Congaree River at Carolina Eastman (covering Calhoun, Lexington, and Richland), and the Flood Advisory to the Congaree River at Columbia (Lexington and Richland). These alerts are defined by specific gauges rather than blanket countywide flooding. Check the NWS CAE hazard list and the NWS Flood Statement for COLS1.

What do “Action Stage” and “Flood Stage” mean for my neighborhood?

Action Stage is an early threshold where impacts near the river often begin (like riverwalk segments taking on water). Flood Stage is where defined minor flooding begins at that gauge. At Columbia, Action Stage is 10.0 feet and Flood Stage is 19.0 feet, with riverwalk flooding described between 10.0 and 12.5 feet. Those thresholds are tied to the gauge and nearby low spots, not all neighborhoods. See the NWS Advisory/Statement details.

I’m near the riverwalk — should I expect closures?

Closures depend on local managers and exact water levels. The NWS statement explains that portions of the West Columbia and Cayce Riverwalk begin to flood around 10.0 feet at the Columbia gauge and are mostly underwater by 12.5 feet between Gervais Street and SC‑12, which helps anticipate access changes. Always follow posted signs from local agencies. NWS Flood Statement impact thresholds.

Where can I confirm the river stage I’m seeing mentioned in alerts?

For the Columbia site, USGS station 02169500 provides the underlying stage observations used in forecasts. It’s the quickest way to confirm the latest level at that point on the river. USGS 02169500 — Congaree River at Columbia.

Does homeowners insurance cover river flooding?

Often, standard homeowners policies exclude overland flood from rivers; separate flood insurance may be needed for that hazard. Coverage details vary by policy and insurer, and some water‑related damage (like wind‑driven rain entering through a storm‑damaged roof) is treated differently. Review your policy or speak with a licensed insurance professional if you’re unsure how your coverage handles this type of loss.

— See what this means for your property. Enter your address in Hazard Clarity to explore nearby flood exposure and elevation context.

We’re continuing to monitor verified public updates tied to this event and will revise the story if conditions materially change. — The Hazard Clarity Team