Congaree rises into Cayce neighborhood

A Cayce police officer watches as floodwaters cross Riverside Ln. on Saturday evening, Feb. 9, 2020 in Cayce, SC. Photos and words by Sean Rayford — A Cayce police officer watches as floodwaters cross Riverside Ln. on Saturday evening, Feb. 9, 2020 in Cayce, SC. *Photos and words by Sean Rayford*

On Saturday, I made a trek northeast from Columbia to Lake Wateree, where water levels were expected to rise to record heights. My loop took me around Great Falls and then south along the Wateree to Highway 601 past Eastover, over the Congaree, through Fort Motte, Sandy Run and back into Cayce — when forecasts called for flooding in the Riverland Park subdivision.

“I can tell you, the water wasn’t here 30 minutes ago,” says an officer after I inquire late afternoon. Floodwaters are expected to rise until Sunday morning.

Fishing Creek Reservoir near Great Falls, SC

Dutchman Creek Marina / Lake Wateree, SC

Resource: Southeast River Forecast Center

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About the author:

Sean has been photographing South Carolina since 1997 when he joined the Gamecock Newspaper at the University of SC. He came to school to study computer science — but those classes sucked. After receiving a degree in Media Arts, Sean worked as an assistant manager at a record store, and began freelancing with the local daily newspaper. After a few years and multiple gun-point hold-ups, Sean found himself tending bar at a small live music venue, balancing the service industry with freelance photography for over a decade. He lost his job after telling his boss off at the bar one night, and took on photography full time in 2015. Since then, Sean has become a regular contributor to Getty Images, The Associated Press, The New York Times and many others. You can see more of his work at www.seanrayford.com.

weather, Photojournalism, Photography, LifeSean RayfordFebruary 9, 2020flooding, flooding cayce sc, river flooding, weather, after the rain