News Summary
Charleston, SC, faced severe thunderstorms and record rainfall over the weekend, prompting widespread flooding and road closures. The Charleston International Airport recorded nearly two inches of rain, breaking historical records. Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued, and localized heavy rainfall created hazardous conditions across the area. Local agencies are responding to the flooding while forecasts predict more rain in the coming days, emphasizing the need for residents to remain vigilant and prepared for possible flooding emergencies.
Severe Thunderstorms and Record Rainfall Lead to Flooding in Charleston, SC
Charleston, SC experienced severe thunderstorms and record rainfall over the weekend, leading to widespread flooding and road closures across the city. The Charleston International Airport recorded 1.99 inches of rain since midnight on May 11, surpassing the previous record for that date of 1.93 inches set in 1952. Additionally, downtown Charleston received 2.06 inches of rain, breaking the record of 1.57 inches established in 1899.
Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for Jasper and Beaufort Counties during the day but expired by 3:45 p.m. A second warning for a portion of Orangeburg County was lifted at 4:30 p.m., although strong to severe thunderstorms remained a possibility into the evening hours, particularly between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m..
The weather marked by high temperatures reaching 79°F was accompanied by east winds at 10 to 20 mph. Rainfall totals remained high, with certain areas receiving localized heavy rainfall after the initial storms. Reports indicated a short burst of rain at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport where 0.75 inches fell in eight minutes, equating to a remarkable rainfall rate of 5.63 inches per hour.
Impact and Response
The flooding created hazardous conditions across Charleston, rendering many roads impassable. Communities throughout the Southeastern U.S. were braced for potentially over 4 inches of rain, prompting flash flood warnings across several counties, which were later lifted. On Sunday and Monday, a Level 2 flood threat was declared for parts of the region. Expected rainfall totals over the coming days are projected to reach between 3 to 5 inches, with isolated areas possibly experiencing up to 7 inches of rain.
As local agencies worked to address the flooding, concerns also grew over the impact of saturated ground conditions that could exacerbate flooding risks. With unsettled weather predicted through Wednesday, isolated storms are likely to develop each afternoon and evening, keeping the area’s situation precarious.
Future Forecast
A strong cold front is expected to move through Charleston on Wednesday, bringing renewed rain, thunderstorms, and winds gusting up to 35 mph. Following the passage of the front, a significant cooldown is anticipated, with daytime highs dropping to the upper 60s to lower 70s and nighttime lows settling in the 50s.
The storm system that caused the heavy rainfall was lingering along the Gulf Coast, impacting not only South Carolina but also parts of Florida and Georgia. Residents in the affected areas are urged to remain vigilant as the weather conditions continue to evolve.
Conclusion
The severe weather event in Charleston serves as a reminder of the powerful effects of thunderstorms and the potential for rapid and dangerous flooding in densely populated areas. Local authorities recommend that residents stay updated on the weather forecasts and have a plan in place for potential flooding emergencies.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Weather News
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Live 5 News: First Alert Storms
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorms Charleston
- Fox Weather: Flash Flood Threat
- Google Scholar: Flooding Impact Charleston
- WYFF4: Storms and Tornado Threat
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Count on 2 News: Severe Storms in Charleston
- Google News: Severe Weather Alerts Charleston
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
