The National Weather Service in Columbia has issued a flood warning for the Congaree River at Congaree National Park-Gadsden and the Congaree River at Carolina Eastman, affecting Richland, Lexington and Calhoun counties. The latest flood warning was issued at 2:39 p.m. Monday.

At Congaree Swamp National Park-Gadsden at 2 p.m. Monday, the Congaree River was at 17.3 feet, according to the NWS. Flood stage is 15 feet. The forecast is for the river to continue rising to near 17.3 feet early Tuesday afternoon.

The river will remain steady over the next couple of days before a slow fall through the end of the week. The river is expected to remain above 15 feet through the end of the week.

At Carolina Eastman at 2 p.m. Monday, the Congaree river was at 121.6 feet, according to the NWS. Flood stage is 115.0 feet. The forecast is for the river to continue rising to near 121.8 feet after midnight. The river will begin to gradually fall over the next several days. The river will fall below flood stage Thursday night.

Rainfall amounts of 2-to-4 inches across the Upstate and Midlands will continue producing minor to moderate flooding along the Enoree River at Whitmire, the Saluda River at Chappells, and the Congaree River. The Congaree River will remain elevated over the next several days with minor to moderate flooding occurring downstream from Columbia through the end of the week.

The NWS reminds motorists not to drive vehicles through flooded areas. The water may be too deep to allow safe passage. Never allow children to play in or near flood waters. Stay tuned to NOAA weather radio, local media or the internet for further statements and updated forecasts.

https://www.facebook.com/289093707965601/videos/309714912973569/