This month’s storm caused record flows in rivers, streams

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — This month’s heavy rains set records for water flows in rivers and streams across South Carolina.

A preliminary report from the U.S. Geological Survey finds that river gauges in 17 places across the state recorded the highest water flows in the almost 90 years since records have been kept. Fifteen other gauges recorded flows that were among the highest ever recorded.

The storm which caused damage in Columbia and the eastern half of the state dumped more than 2 feet of rain in some areas along the coast.

The report says that early projections indicate damages will exceed $1 billion, although state officials have not yet released a firm damage estimate.