The Carolinas are under a Flood Warning until midweek, and the most recent weather forecast indicates risks of moderate flooding leading to road closures.
Flood Warning, Roads Closed in Carolinas
North Carolina
A Flood Warning is in effect until late tomorrow morning in some areas of North Carolina, including Neuse River At Smithfield for the minor flooding occurring, which is forecast to progress to moderate flooding.
The National Weather Service announced a flood at the Neuse Riverwalk at the US70 bridge and Smithfield town park.
Minor flooding is forecast for Lumber River Near Lumberton and the Flood Warning in the area will be in effect from Monday morning until further notice, as low land flooding will occur along the river. As water backs up into the city's drainage ditches, some residential properties may be impacted by the flood waters.
South Carolina
The ongoing Flood Warning is extended for rivers in South Carolina, namely, the Congaree River At Carolina Eastman affecting Calhoun, Lexington, and Richland Counties; the Pee Dee River At Cheraw affecting Marlboro, and Chesterfield Counties; Saluda River At Chappell's affecting Saluda, Greenwood, and Newberry Counties; North Fork Edisto River At Orangeburg affecting Orangeburg County; Congaree River At Congaree National Park-Gadsden affecting Calhoun and Richland Counties.
The Flood Warning will remain in effect until Wednesday afternoon as minor flooding is expected to continue at Pee Dee River in Cheraw.
The National Weather Service says that at 20.0 feet, the River bottomland downstream from Cheraw will begin to flood, as will the higher bank at 30.0 feet. The Service also issues a flood warning for sizable farmland and river bottomlands close to Cheraw.
In addition, Southeast of Wallace, Old River Road between Community Road and Highway 912 will become flooded and may need to be closed.
At 36.0 feet, the left bank will experience extensive overflow, flooding vast stretches of farmland close to Cheraw. Farms are advised by weather experts to move their livestock and agricultural machinery to higher ground.
Health and Weather in Cheraw, South Carolina
Data from Pollen.com shows that tree pollen is up at high levels until Thursday. Those who are sensitive to this allergen and are located in an area where oak, poplar, and maple trees are present, should take proper precautions.
Grass pollen will also remain at high levels until Friday as ragweed pollen, mold, dust, and dander will have moderate levels for a few days, according to AccuWeather.
Meanwhile, outdoor and indoor pests are forecast to be at extremely high levels for the coming days as floods threaten most of the area. AccuWeather warns that outdoor pests breed in standing water while spiders and roaches may increase indoors as they search for dry and warm areas.
On the scale of air quality data, Cheraw receives a 25 rating, which is equal to a "Fair" rating and is generally considered acceptable by most people. Still, sensitive groups may experience light to moderate symptoms from prolonged exposure, and proper precaution must be practiced.
According to AccuWeather, ground-level ozone can exacerbate pre-existing respiratory conditions and also cause headaches, chest pain, and throat irritation.
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