Flash Flood Warning in Charleston as Heavy Rain Hits City

Charleston, September 8, 2025

News Summary

Charleston is currently under a flash flood warning due to persistent thunderstorms and heavy rainfall affecting downtown areas. The warning, issued by the National Weather Service, is anticipated to remain in effect until the evening. Residents are warned of possible significant rainfall and urged to avoid flooded roads. Key areas affected by flooding include downtown Charleston, Marion Square, and specific locations along I-26. Travel disruptions have been reported due to road closures across the city, prompting safety advisories for residents and travelers.

Charleston is under a flash flood warning issued by the National Weather Service due to consistent thunderstorms and heavy rain affecting downtown areas. The warning was activated at 3:53 p.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2025, and is anticipated to remain in effect until 6:45 p.m. During this period, certain areas are predicted to receive significant rainfall amounts, with some locations possibly experiencing up to two inches of additional rain. This could lead to heightened risks of flash flooding across several key locations in the city.

Areas particularly vulnerable to flooding include:

• Downtown Charleston
• Marion Square
• Medical University of South Carolina
• I-26 near mile marker 221
• Columbus Street Terminal
• The Citadel

As a result of the ongoing weather conditions, numerous road closures have been enacted across the city. The North Charleston Police have reported that Meeting Street Road and Little Avenue are currently impassable. The Charleston Police Department has closed various downtown roads, including:

• Ashley Avenue
• Barre Street
• Bennet Street
• Fishburne Street
• Hagood Street
• Huger Street
• King Street
• Meeting Street
• Morrison Drive
• N Nassau Avenue
• Ogier Street
• Romney Street
• Rutledge Avenue
• Simons Street

Residents are strongly advised to avoid driving through flooded roads and to steer clear of any barricades. A coastal flood advisory has also been issued from 7 to 10 p.m., predicting water levels will rise approximately 6 inches above normal along shorelines and tidal waterways. This could exacerbate flooding conditions as the high tide in Charleston Harbor peaks at around 8:30 p.m., with estimates suggesting levels may reach up to 7.2 feet.

The National Weather Service has noted that just 12 inches of swiftly moving water can carry off a small vehicle, while 18 inches can sweep larger vehicles away. The potential for dangerous conditions is underscored by recent flash flooding events that occurred just two weeks ago, which resulted in significant vehicle damage across the city. Previously in August, Charleston experienced nearly 16 inches of rainfall, which already led to extensive flooding; this latest round of storms adds to the already precarious situation.

Residents and travelers in Charleston should remain vigilant, adhere to all safety advisories, and prepare for potential travel disruptions as the city responds to these ongoing weather challenges.

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Charleston Adjusts Criteria for Flash Flood Warnings
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Additional Resources

• Live 5 News: Flash Flood Warning Issued in Charleston
• Count on 2: Flooding Closes Some Charleston Roads
• The State: Flash Flood Warning and Weather Conditions
• ABC News 4: Flash Flood Warning for Charleston
• Island Packet: Flash Flooding in Charleston Area
• Wikipedia: Charleston, South Carolina
• Google Search: Charleston Weather
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston
• 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.