Charleston, SC, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Charleston, S.C. is bracing for significant coastal flooding on Thursday and Friday due to high tides, prompting a coastal flood watch. Water levels are expected to reach up to 8.5 feet. City leaders are urging residents to take precautions as flooding may disrupt commutes, enter homes, and impact local businesses. Preparations include clearing storm drains and offering free parking in city garages for those at risk of flooding. Residents are advised to avoid flooded areas and check on neighbors.
Charleston Prepares for Major Coastal Flooding During High Tides This Week
Charleston, S.C. is bracing for significant coastal flooding on Thursday and Friday around high tide, with the Live 5 Weather team declaring First Alert Weather Days due to the heightened flooding risks. The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood watch for Charleston and coastal Colleton Counties, set to remain in effect until 3 p.m. on Friday.
High tide in Charleston is anticipated at 10:06 a.m. on Thursday, with water levels expected to reach 8 feet, leading to flooding conditions at 7 feet. On Friday, the high tide forecast is approximately at 11:02 a.m., with water expected to rise to 8.5 feet. City leaders have emphasized the importance of taking this flooding threat seriously, particularly as it could severely disrupt the morning commute on both days.
The potential for flooding is serious enough that floodwaters may enter homes and businesses in vulnerable areas around Charleston. Wind gusts of 30 to 35 mph are also expected from Thursday night into Saturday, heightening the risk of hazardous conditions.
A small craft advisory has been issued for Charleston Harbor, urging boaters to exercise caution during this forecasted weather event. In anticipation of the flooding, the city is actively clearing storm drains and ditches in known flood-prone areas and pre-staging barricades for early street closures.
To assist residents in protecting their vehicles from potential floodwaters, two city-owned parking garages will provide free parking from 7 a.m. on Thursday until 4 p.m. on Friday. Residents utilizing this service are advised to notify the garage operator upon exiting that they took advantage of the storm parking option. The city’s recommendations also include avoiding ground-level parking, as lower levels could become submerged during peak tides.
With elevated tides predicted to cause flooding in low-lying areas, particularly on the mornings of Thursday and Friday, residents are encouraged to prepare accordingly. Steps include avoiding flooded streets, relocating vehicles from low-lying areas, and checking in on neighbors who may require assistance. This weather event coincides with the onset of King Tides, which could lead to an additional foot of flooding along shorelines and tidal waterways around Charleston Harbor, causing flooding levels to potentially reach between 7.5 to 7.7 feet above Mean Lower Low Water.
While King Tides are not storms, they are significant high tides influenced by the alignment of the moon and sun, occurring when the moon is at its closest point to Earth. These occurrences highlight the potential for more extreme high tide scenarios as sea levels continue to rise.
Flooding Timeline
- Thursday, 10:06 a.m.: High tide at 8 feet
- Friday, 11:02 a.m.: High tide at 8.5 feet
- Flood Watch: Through 3 p.m. on Friday
- Wind Gusts: 30-35 mph from Thursday night to Saturday
City Preparedness Measures
- Clearing storm drains and ditches in flood-prone areas
- Pre-staging barricades for early street closures
- Free parking in two city garages from 7 a.m. Thursday to 4 p.m. Friday
Recommendations for Residents
- Avoid flooded streets
- Move vehicles from low areas
- Check on neighbors needing assistance
What Are King Tides?
King Tides are significant high tides that occur when the moon is closest to Earth, indicating additional flooding potential due to rising sea levels.
FAQ Section
What are the dates and times of the expected high tides in Charleston?
High tide in Charleston is expected on Thursday at 10:06 a.m., and on Friday at about 11:02 a.m.
What is the coastal flood watch duration for Charleston?
The coastal flood watch for Charleston and coastal Colleton Counties is in effect until 3 p.m. on Friday.
What precautions is the city taking in advance of the flooding?
The city is clearing storm drains and ditches in known flood-prone areas and pre-staging barricades for early street closures.
Are there parking options available for residents during the flooding event?
Two city-owned parking garages will offer free parking from 7 a.m. Thursday until 4 p.m. Friday for residents needing to protect their vehicles from potential floodwaters.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
High Surf Advisory Issued for Charleston Area Amid Hurricane Erin
Tropical Storm Imelda Shifts Path Away from South Carolina
Rip Current Advisory Issued in Charleston Amid Hurricane Erin
Tropical Storm Imelda Brings Rainfall Concerns to Charleston, SC
Charleston City Council to Vote on Flood Protection Expansion
Charleston Declares Local State of Emergency Ahead of Tropical Storm Imelda
Charleston Considers Referendum to Extend Transportation Tax
Charleston Hosts Unique Fitness Event: Keep It Moving Tour
Charleston Confronts Severe Flooding Challenges
Charleston City Council Approves $2.5 Million for Flood Resilience
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Fox Weather
- Herald Online
- ABC News 4
- Greenville Online
- Wikipedia: Tidal flooding
- Google Search: coastal flooding charleston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flooding
- Google Scholar: King Tides
- Google News: Charleston flooding
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.
