Flash Flooding and Flooding in South Carolina, August 9 to 10, 2014

Three to six inches of rain falling in a couple of hours caused an extreme urban flash flood and stream flooding event in the Greenville metro area. The flooding initially began on the east side of the city in the Haywood Rd/downtown airport area, where several cars were stalled in deep, rushing water due to an overflowing culvert on Byrdland Dr (3 E Downtown). A 39-year-old man and 36-year-old woman who abandoned their vehicles to seek higher ground drowned after being swept into the fast-moving water and nearby culvert which drained into Laurel Creek. A tributary of Richland Creek flooded several dozen apartment homes along Villa Rd between Pleasantburg Dr and Pelham Rd (2.5 ENE Downtown). The most severe flooding occurred on the east side of downtown, near the Stone Ave/I-385 intersection, due to a combination of Richland Creek overflowing its banks by several feet and major urban flooding. Multiple vehicles were stalled in high water in this area. The high water caused a gas leak and explosion at a restaurant on Stone Ave, causing significant damage to the exterior of the building. Richland Creek and the Reedy River overflowed their banks and flooded much of Cleveland Park, which remained closed for two days. This was the worst flooding along this portion of the Reedy in almost 10 years. Additionally, a small tributary of Langston Creek flooded the intersection of Langston Dr and Highway 276 (3 NNW Downtown). Finally, Rocky Creek, or a culvert draining into Rocky Creek overflowed along I-85 near the Pelham Rd exit (7 E Downtown), sending water over the southbound lane and forcing closure of the interstate for several hours.

A major flash flood event developed in the Greer and Taylors area when 3 to 6 inches of rain fell in only a couple of hours. The primary problem area was Brushy Creek, which produced its worst flooding in recent history. A stream gauge on Brushy Creek between Hudson Rd and East North St reached its highest level (13.4 ft) since August 1995 (Tropical Storm Jerry). Water entered multiple residences along Edwards Rd in Taylors. Brushy Creek also flooded portions of Boiling Springs Rd and adjacent side streets. In addition, a small tributary washed out a bridge on Memorial Dr Ext near Tryon St (1.5 NW Greer). Two vehicles drove into the resulting hole and each driver received minor injuries. Other small tributaries overflowed their banks throughout the Greer and Taylors area, flooding roads and some homes.

Highway Patrol reported flooding at Acorn Dr and Highway 101 (1.5 SSE), likely due to a tributary of Maple Creek overflowing its banks. Public reported water entering homes on Maple Dr, likely due to flooding along Maple Creek.

Clemson University DPS reported multiple buildings were damaged by flood waters after 3 to 5 inches of rain fell in the area in just a couple of hours. In addition to the flooding resulting from drainage issues, some buildings were damaged by rainwater pouring through leaky roofs.

Although heavy rain ended by around midnight, excessive runoff flowing from Brushy Creek and other tributaries caused flooding to develop along the Enoree River during the early morning hours, continuing until late morning. Multiple roads were flooded along the river between Hammet Bridge Rd and Highway 14. This was the worst flooding along the Enoree since 2005, and among the worst since Tropical Storm Jerry in 1995.

Although the torrential rainfall ended across the Greenville area by midnight, flooding continued in the Reedy River basin near downtown through the night. The stream gauge near Westfield St did not fall below the established flood stage until late morning on the 11th. The main impact was to Cleveland Park, which remained closed due to damage for two days after the flood water receded.

Heavy rainfall and flash flooding that developed late on the 9th along small streams in the Tyger River basin resulted in flooding developing along the Middle Tyger River during the morning hours. Mount Lebanon Church Rd was flooded, as were some side roads near Lake Lyman.