Charleston, South Carolina – A high tide of more than eight feet caused tidal flooding in numerous portions of Downtown Charleston.
Charleston City officials reported 36 traffic closures around the peninsula. The city’s police, fire, public works, and stormwater departments collaborated before and during high tide. It arrived at 11:02 a.m. and peaked about 11:30 a.m.
“We had a tidal incident yesterday, and today was slightly higher. We peaked over eight feet today; it was around 8.4 by the time we crested,” said Mike Julazadeh, deputy head of the Charleston Fire Department.
High water rescue vehicles were also on standby. The city implemented its flood prevention strategy, which included opening two free parking garages for anyone who needed to relocate their cars to higher ground, positioning pumps in low-lying areas, and installing barricades on flood-prone routes. One resident told News 2 that he frequently struggles with Hagood Avenue closing regularly.
“I’m downtown every day picking up my children from school and bringing them to school,” Michael Miller, a resident, explained. “This is just — it’s really hard. It’s an ugly; nature is right.”
While Hagood Avenue was not the only road restriction, more than 30 were reported at one point, causing traffic delays on the peninsula.
“It’s very troublesome for parents and obviously people who live in this community all their life and are having to deal with the flooding issue that doesn’t seem to get any better,” according to Miller.
The city is preparing for another high tide on Saturday. They are warning people to keep careful and never drive on flooded roads.
“Another thing people sometimes forget is that they also protect our first responders because if you enter that roadway and your vehicle stalls or you become caught in flood water, they must come get you, and we are now putting their lives in danger as well. So, please be aware of restricted roads and do not drive around barricades,” Julazadeh advised.
Officials advised people to use Waze or Google Maps for guidance before leaving the city, as road statuses are updated there, as well as TideEye. The free parking garages at Charleston Tech Center and 99 WestEdge are open till Saturday.
