Lake Greenwood, SC
Calm waters and a beautiful sunset. This is what is directly in front of me.....a far cry from what was going on just a few days ago. The waters in the upstate have started to recede. Recovery efforts are starting to take place. However, back home, they are bracing for what's coming. The first wave was the heavy rains and flash floods. The second wave is happening now. My hometown of Andrews is under secondary flood warnings. The waters from the upstate are headed for the sea by way of rivers that run through the Low Country. The already swollen rivers are at historical flood stages.
I feel blind.
I am still at the lake and can only imagine what my hometown is going through. I see a few pictures of the flood and homes that have succumbed to the rising waters and I hear the stories, but it's all so surreal. I want to be at home to see what's going on in my neighborhood. But with all the road closures, it would be like traveling through a maze to get there. For safety's sake, it's better that I stay put for now.
Johnson Swamp at Highway 521, Andrews, SC
Black River is still rising and spilling into the swamps and low lying areas around it. The water is expected to crest by tomorrow. A friend posted this on Facebook, today. This flooded road is only a mile or so from my home, which is still safe. As I've said, it's on higher ground.
My heart goes out to all those affected by the floods. I just wish I could be there.
Laurie
Hang in there Laurie...you'll be home soon and hopefully all the recovery will be well underway and I've found that the true kindness and togetherness of neighbors comes out when it's the worst of times. I'm sure there will be many stories of heroes and help that comes in droves....hugs again to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, YaYa! You are so right.....there are all kinds of stories circulating about neighbors helping neighbors. The outpouring of love is remarkable.
DeleteBest stay put is right! Hope you can go home soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Betsy....me, too!!
DeleteI feel for you, Lorie. Here in Greenville, SC, we are about back to normal -- we had lots of rain but little flooding. I hope all is well when you return to the coast. I have a botanical field trip planned for the Francis Marion National Forest (Berkeley County, SC) at the end of October. I hope something is left of the place...
ReplyDeleteJim Fowler, Greenville, SC
www.jfowlerphotography.com
Thank you, Jim. I hope something is left of FMNF, too. They've been hit hard over that way. The Santee River is at 19+ feet. They're expecting it to crest at 24 feet. If I'm not mistaken, the flood stage is around 13 feet. Be careful, when you go. Look forward to seeing your photos of the area.
DeleteBetter to do as they tell you, girl, hard as that may be. Word to the wise, if you suffer from allergies at all...the WORST I've ever been was AFTER the floodwaters receded in St. Louis, from the muck that was left behind. Jump on it beforehand if you're a sufferer! Stay safe, my friend - my heart goes out to you all! XOXO
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tanya! That is good advice! I do suffer from allergies. I'll make sure to start on my meds.
DeleteLaurie, I am so sorry to hear that things are so uncertain for you right now. I am praying that the waters will not go higher than they already have and that you and those you love will not suffer damage from the flooding. It has been somewhat cloudy and foggy here in Aiken today, but no more rain. Glenn actually mowed our lawn today and he said it sprinkled a little while he was out there. As if she needs one more thing to worry about, our daughter's roof began to leak all over the place Sunday morning. We had a roofer go over there to look at it this week and it is a mess, to say the least. I can see why it has been called The Thousand Year Storm! I am so glad your house at Lake Greenwood didn't flood and I hope, sweet friend, that things are alright in Andrews when you go back to your home there. We will continue to pray for you and yours.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lynn for your kind words and concern...and most of all, your prayers. I pray also for your daughter. It seems that old saying rings true....when it rains it pours. I hope she can get back to some sort of normalcy, soon. Although, I know that the loss of her husband can never be a normal thing. We are ok at my home in Andrews, but there are so many that have lost everything. The out pouring of love is amazing, though. People are helping by the droves. As sad as their loss is, the help is restoring their spirits. I am also glad to hear that you guys were ok. It's raining this morning. I hope it's not enough to cause any more problems. Thank you for your continual prayers.
DeleteI know it is hard to stay away.....but sounds like you are doing the right thing. So sad for so many.
ReplyDeleteYes it is, Janey. I feel blind....just like the title of this post. I want to be home so bad to see with my own eyes what's going on. But, traveling there is challenging and could be dangerous because of compromised roads and bridges. So, I'll be here at the lake at least through Monday. Thank you for your concern and kind words.
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