Charleston, South Carolina – Flooding and heavy surf are anticipated to worsen throughout the South Carolina coast until Friday, with the National Weather Service warning of severe rip currents and saltwater inundation in coastal Colleton and Charleston counties. As high tide reaches its height late Friday morning, streets near the shoreline might flood by one to two feet.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a Coastal Flood Warning is in force from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, with water levels forecast to reach 8.4 to 8.6 feet at Charleston Harbor. A High Surf Advisory is also in effect until early Sunday, with waves of five to six feet expected, and a High Rip Current Risk extends through Friday evening.
Forecasters warn that saltwater flooding could occur up to two hours before and after high tide, rendering some routes unusable. Beach erosion and property flooding are probable. Swimmers are advised to avoid the water owing to heavy waves and dangerous rip currents.
Residents should store their valuables in flood-prone regions and avoid driving through standing water. Additional warnings may be issued if seas rise higher than expected.
Warnings are in effect until Friday afternoon, with improvements expected by the weekend.
