Park to close ahead of Impacts of Tropical Storm Debby

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– Congaree National Park is closing on Monday afternoon due to the expected weather conditions that Tropical Storm Debby will possible create, said park officials.

The park will close at 5 p.m.

Jon Manchester, Chief of Visitor Services, Congaree National Park says the park is located within the area in which the National Weather Service is predicting a possibility of 10 to 15 inches  of rain and a moderate to high risk of dangerous flash flooding.

Staff at the park are preparing for the expected impact of the storm.

According to the National Park Service, the storm is expected to begin impacting the area late Monday evening and will move slowly through the Midlands, creating a high likelihood of excessive rainfall.

Also, all visitor facilities, including the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and all hiking padding trails will also close on Monday until the storm passes.

Park officials said the park will reopen at 7 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, as long as conditions permit it.

Longleaf and Bluff Campgrounds are closed to reservations through Friday, Aug. 9.

For updates on the park, click here.