Charleston, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Charleston will hold a meeting on September 18 to discuss flood mitigation strategies and groundwater monitoring projects. The Basin Flood Action Committee will present updates and data on ongoing flood tracking initiatives. Meanwhile, a flooding advisory is in effect for the Church Creek Area due to rising water. In response, the city is offering free storm parking during the weekend. Charleston plans to allocate $500,000 for a Comprehensive Water Plan to enhance flood mitigation efforts as the National Weather Service prepares to update flood advisory criteria.
Charleston will hold a meeting on September 18 at 4 p.m. to discuss its flood mitigation plans and groundwater monitoring projects. The meeting will feature presentations from members of Charleston’s Basin Flood Action Committee, who will share data and updates on ongoing flood tracking initiatives throughout the city. Those who cannot attend in person can view the meeting via live stream on YouTube.
In reaction to current weather conditions, officials have issued a flooding advisory for the Church Creek Area of West Ashley, warning residents about rising water levels that may affect first floors and garages. In light of this advisory, motorists and pedestrians are cautioned against traversing floodwaters. The City of Charleston is actively providing live updates regarding road closures and their causes on city platforms.
As part of its response to flooding concerns, the city is offering free storm parking from 1 p.m. Friday until noon on Sunday at the 99 West Edge Street garage and the Charleston Tech Center Garage located at 997 Morrison Drive. This parking service will permit cars only, and drivers are advised to notify attendants of their reason for parking, which should relate to flooding.
Currently, all previously closed roads in Summerville have been reopened, and residents are strongly encouraged to steer clear of flooded areas. However, Bear’s Bluff Road on Wadmalaw Island has been reported as washed out, redirecting traffic to Liberia Road.
Looking ahead, Charleston has proposed to allocate $500,000 for a Comprehensive Water Plan designed to establish a cohesive strategy for flood mitigation projects throughout the city. This allocation is part of the proposed 2022 budget and will utilize federal pandemic relief funds. The aim is to assess flood mitigation needs while improving water storage effectiveness rather than merely focusing on rapid drainage. The plan also intends to address issues concerning subsidence due to groundwater movement.
On a broader scale, changes to flood advisory criteria are imminent, as the National Weather Service prepares to implement new criteria intended to enhance public communication about flood risks. The revised system will align with national standards, which is expected to result in a decrease in advisories while increasing flash flood warnings, particularly in flood-prone urban areas.
Officials have emphasized that these changes are not indicative of an increased risk of flooding; rather, they aim to provide the public with more actionable information. Over the past year, the National Weather Service issued approximately 95 Flood Advisories and 19 Flash Flood Warnings in Charleston. The city has recorded a four-fold increase in flooding events over the last 30 years, underscoring the necessity for clear communication regarding flash flooding threats. These updates, which have been in development for over a year, are not a response to recent flooding events elsewhere in the country.
FAQ
When will the meeting on flood mitigation plans take place?
The City of Charleston will hold the meeting on September 18 at 4 p.m.
Where can residents stream the meeting?
The meeting will be available for streaming on YouTube.
What areas are currently under flood advisories?
Officials have issued a flooding advisory for the Church Creek Area of West Ashley.
What financial allocation is Charleston making for flood mitigation?
Charleston plans to allocate $500,000 for a Comprehensive Water Plan aimed at creating a citywide strategy for flood mitigation projects.
What recent changes are being made by the National Weather Service?
The National Weather Service will soon implement changes to flood advisory and warning criteria to improve public communication about flooding risks.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Meeting Date | September 18 at 4 p.m. |
| Streaming | Available on YouTube |
| Current Advisories | Flood advisory for Church Creek Area of West Ashley |
| Storm Parking | Free parking from 1 p.m. Friday until noon Sunday at designated garages |
| Financial Allocation | $500,000 for Comprehensive Water Plan |
| Weather Service Changes | Revised flood advisory and warning criteria |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charleston Faces Record-Breaking Flooding Challenges
Charleston Leaders Seek Grant for Flood Prevention Project
Charleston Residents Prepare to Address Climate Change
Charleston Prepares for Tropical Storm Debby
Additional Resources
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.
