News Release

Congaree National Park Closing Ahead of Tropical Storm Debby

Date: August 5, 2024
Contact: Jon Manchester, 803-647-3964

HOPKINS, SC –Staff at Congaree National Park are currently preparing for the expected impacts of Tropical Storm Debby. Currently located over the Florida panhandle, the current forecast is calling for the storm to travel through southeastern Georgia and move offshore and remain off the coast before turning back towards land and travelling over eastern South Carolina late this week. This storm is expected to begin impacting our area as early as late Monday evening and will move slowly through our area, creating a high likelihood of excessive rainfall.

Due to the slow-moving nature of this storm, the National Weather Service has placed much of the region around Congaree National Park under a moderate to high risk of excessive rainfall Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. Current projections are calling for the area in the immediate vicinity of the park to receive between 10-15 inches of rain through Friday of this week, and there is a moderate to high probability that flash flooding will occur, especially within the next 24-36 hours.  

The park and all visitor facilities, including the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, and all hiking and paddling trails, will close to entry on Monday, August 5 at 5:00 p.m. until the storm has passed. The park will reopen once conditions permit park staff to assess conditions to ensure visitor and staff safety. The Longleaf and Bluff Campgrounds are closed to reservations through Friday, August 9. The park is scheduled to reopen at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, August 9 if conditions allow.

Additional details and updates on park status will be posted on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/cong/planyourvisit/conditions.htm, as well as on the park’s social media channels.