Following the morning flooding, I-26 reopened both westbound lanes and one eastbound lane about 4:30 p.m. on Friday.
Debby’s final gasp, which dumped even more rain on already overflowing South Carolina rivers and streams, has halted traffic on a major expressway, officials said Friday.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation blocked I-26’s eastbound lanes near mile marker 190 shortly before 8 a.m. due to flooding on the route.
According to the SCDOT, the freeway remained closed between mile markers 189 and 197 at 1 p.m.
One of the signs reads, “Following additional significant rainfall overnight, I-26 in both directions near MM 189 east of Cypress Campground overpass is currently flooding.”
According to WYFF Meteorologist Griffin Hardy, 8 to 12 inches of rain occurred in that area over the last 24 hours, with the majority falling between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
A detour is in place, which takes cars off the highway, around Judburg Road, and back onto I-26.
SCDOT cameras reveal miles of backed-up traffic.
Officials advised cars to avoid the area if possible.
“If you must travel through this corridor, slow down and stay alert for detour signs and first responders directing traffic,” says SCDOT.
