Charleston Coastal Flooding Returns Wednesday Evening

Charleston, South Carolina – Minor coastal flooding could return Wednesday evening, with high tides capable of flooding roads along the Charleston and Colleton county coastlines.

According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, minor coastal flooding is possible around Wednesday evening's high tide and could recur with high tides into the weekend. Flooding can develop one to two hours before and after high tide.

The greatest impacts are expected in Charleston and coastal Colleton counties. The Weather Service's coastal flooding outlook places Charleston Harbor at minor flood stage Wednesday evening, meaning up to a half-foot of saltwater inundation is possible in affected locations.

Some road closures are expected where saltwater reaches low-lying routes. Drivers should avoid flooded streets and never drive around barricades.

Conditions farther south are expected to remain just below minor flood stage for now. The Weather Service is closely monitoring the Thursday and Friday evening high tides from Beaufort, South Carolina, south toward Darien, Georgia.

Those areas include Beaufort and coastal Jasper counties in South Carolina, as well as coastal Chatham, Bryan, Liberty and McIntosh counties in Georgia. The outlook keeps the Fort Pulaski area below minor flood stage through Friday evening, although Thursday and Friday evening tides could come close to that threshold.

Residents in Charleston and Colleton counties who normally encounter saltwater flooding during elevated tides should account for the Wednesday evening high-tide window when planning travel or parking vehicles.

The coastal flooding threat does not end Wednesday. Additional high tides will need monitoring through the weekend, with particular attention on Thursday and Friday evening as water levels approach minor flood thresholds farther south.