Coastal Flood Advisory Issued for Charleston and Colleton Counties

Coastal Flood Advisory Issued for Coastal Colleton and Charleston County

A coastal flood advisory was released by the National Weather Service in Charleston, South Carolina, on Wednesday at 2:23 a.m., warning residents across Coastal Colleton and Charleston County of incoming saltwater inundation. Valid between 8 a.m. and noon, the advisory anticipates up to one foot of inundation above ground level along shorelines and tidal waterways, translating to roughly 7.6 to 7.8 feet Mean Lower Low Water at Charleston.

High tide is expected to peak around 9:57 a.m., with saltwater flooding possible one to two hours before and after the peak. According to globalincidenttracker.com, the incident has been classified with a moderate severity rating based on automated monitoring signals and regional media reports.

Road Closures and Rip Current Hazards

The National Weather Service cautions that some roads will become impassable, accompanied by minor flooding of properties.

Coastal Flood Advisory Issued for Charleston and Colleton Counties — Photo: globalincidenttracker.com

“Up to one foot of inundation above ground level expected along shorelines and tidal waterways,” notes the NWS Charleston SC advisory. “This will result in some roads becoming impassable and minor flooding of properties.”

Beyond the immediate shoreline flooding, marine hazards present severe risks. Rip currents are expected to be particularly dangerous, capable of sweeping even the best swimmers away from the shore and into deeper water. Authorities recommend that anyone needing to travel allow extra time for detours, strictly avoid driving around barricades or through unknown depths of water, and swim exclusively near lifeguards.

Vehicle Safety and Hydroplaning Risks

Wet weather driving conditions demand immediate adjustments for motorists driving through the Lowcountry. Driving through standing water not only risks stalling engines by damaging mechanical and electrical systems, but hidden depths can easily catch drivers off guard. Fast-flowing water as shallow as 12 inches can carry away most vehicles, while lower thresholds can trigger dangerous hydroplaning.

Hydroplaning occurs when water builds up in front of a vehicle’s tires faster than the car’s weight can displace it, lifting the tires onto a thin layer of water and causing a total loss of steering and traction. Drivers are advised to reduce speeds, avoid driving near large vehicles that kick up visibility-reducing spray, steer completely clear of pooled water at road edges, and make a safe U-turn if they encounter a flooded roadway.

Worth a look