Charleston, July 25, 2025
News Summary
The National Weather Service in Charleston has issued a coastal flood statement effective until 9 p.m. on Thursday, predicting tide levels to peak at 7.0 feet Mean Lower Low Water. Low-lying areas, especially Downtown Charleston and roads like Fishburne Street and Hagood Avenue, may experience shallow coastal flooding. Residents in affected areas should prepare for potential evacuations and avoid flooded roadways. Additionally, the NWS will unveil a new flash flood warning system starting August 1, aimed at enhancing public safety regarding flood risks in the region.
Charleston, South Carolina – The National Weather Service (NWS) Charleston has issued a coastal flood statement for Charleston County, which is effective until 9 p.m. on Thursday. Tide levels in Charleston Harbor are projected to peak around 7.0 feet Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW), coinciding with high tide shortly after 8:43 p.m. As a result, shallow coastal flooding is anticipated in low-lying areas such as Downtown Charleston, including Gadsden Creek.
Motorists are advised to exercise caution, especially on Fishburne Street and Hagood Avenue, as saltwater may accumulate on the roads. Residents living in flood-prone areas are urged to seek higher ground and prepare for possible evacuations. The NWS cautions against driving through flooded roadways, reminding the public that just 6 inches of moving water can sweep a person off their feet.
In addition to the immediate flood statements, the Charleston NWS is scheduled to hold a briefing on Tuesday to discuss significant updates to the flash flood warning criteria. Starting from August 1, the NWS will implement a new “Base” Flash Flood Warning system, which will replace the existing Flood Advisory and will address higher-end flooding events specifically.
New Flash Flood Warning Criteria
The criteria for issuing a Base Flash Flood Warning will now include situations where multiple roads are flooded, vehicles are stranded, and structures are surrounded by or experiencing water ingress. While these warnings will not activate the Wireless Emergency Alert system, they will trigger the Emergency Alert System and NOAA Weather Radio tone alerts, providing more substantial communication about flooding risks.
This policy update stems from an increase in nuisance flooding events over the past 30 years, with tidal flooding occurrences becoming more frequent in Charleston. The update is not a direct reaction to a recent deadly flooding incident in Texas, where more than 130 fatalities were reported, but rather an effort to enhance public safety regarding flood risks. Previously, Charleston experienced approximately 95 advisories and 19 flash flood warnings annually, and experts expect shifts in this ratio following the policy update.
Ongoing Public Safety Recommendations
Officials recommend residents stay informed through multiple platforms during severe weather events. By staying vigilant and prepared, communities can reduce the risk to lives and property. The revised flash flood warning policy aims to improve clarity in messaging without suggesting an increase in flooding events. For long-term safety, citizens are encouraged to plan ahead and monitor conditions closely, especially during high tide periods when flooding is most likely to occur.
Conclusion
As Charleston gears up for increased flood risk, both residents and city officials must adapt to new protocols designed to enhance safety and preparedness. Following the precautions set forth by the NWS will be vital in ensuring public awareness and action during floods.
FAQ
What is the coastal flood statement issued by NWS Charleston?
The National Weather Service Charleston issued a coastal flood statement for Charleston County, effective until 9 p.m. on Thursday, warnng of expected tide levels of 7.0 feet MLLW and potential shallow coastal flooding in low-lying areas.
What areas are likely to experience flooding?
Shallow coastal flooding is expected in normal low-lying areas, particularly Downtown Charleston including Gadsden Creek, as well as on roads like Fishburne Street and Hagood Avenue.
What are the new changes to flash flood warning criteria?
Starting August 1, NWS Charleston will adopt a new “Base” Flash Flood Warning, which replaces the Flood Advisory for higher-end flooding events. Criteria include flooding of multiple roads, stranded vehicles, and structural water ingress.
How should residents prepare for potential flooding?
Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to seek higher ground, prepare for possible evacuations, and avoid driving through flooded roadways for safety.
Key Features of Flash Flood Updates
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coastal Flood Statement | Effective until 9 p.m. Thursday with 7.0 feet tidal level expected. |
| Flood-Prone Areas | Downtown Charleston, Gadsden Creek, Fishburne Street, and Hagood Avenue. |
| New Flash Flood Warning | Base Flash Flood Warning begins August 1, replaces existing advisory. |
| Warning Criteria | Includes multiple flooded roads, stranded vehicles, and structures with water ingress. |
| Public Safety Advice | Seek higher ground, avoid flooded roadways, stay informed through various channels. |
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Coastal Flood Statement in Charleston
- Wikipedia: Flooding
- ABC News 4: New Flash Flood Warning Criteria
- Google Search: Flash Flood Warning
- Fox Weather: Flood Alerts in Charleston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- Spectrum Local News: Flash Flood Criteria Changes
- Google News: Charleston Flooding
- Herald Online: Flood Warnings in 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.
