Charleston, September 22, 2025
News Summary
Charleston is grappling with severe flooding due to record rainfall over the past nine weeks. City officials are actively engaging with residents and discussing potential solutions, particularly in high-risk areas like Rosemont. They are considering various flood mitigation strategies, including natural barriers and improved stormwater management. The National Weather Service has issued flash flood warnings as the community seeks input through the ‘TIDEeye app’ to address ongoing flooding issues effectively. Swift action is critical as the city faces a growing flooding crisis.
Charleston is facing ongoing challenges with flooding on the peninsula due to record rainfall experienced over the past nine weeks. City officials convened a meeting to discuss surveys from affected neighborhoods and share updates on various improvement projects aimed at mitigating the impacts of flooding.
During the recent meeting, Robert Hauck, the city’s GIS Director, reported alarming data from the previous nine weeks, including 211 recorded road closures and 57 flooded vehicle responses. These figures indicate a concerning trend of severe weather events in a short timeframe, pointing to the need for immediate action to address flooding in the community.
A specific area of significant concern is Rosemont, which has been identified as a high-risk zone for severe flooding. The zoning and environmental characteristics make it a candidate for adaptation projects aimed at improving resilience against future flooding. Kasey Henneman, a resiliency and nature-based solution engineer, indicated that Rosemont faces considerable environmental justice flood risks and includes sites managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), making it even more crucial to implement effective solutions.
Project managers are currently engaging with Rosemont residents to discuss potential solutions. Options being considered include the installation of swales and rain gardens, which may impact available parking areas. Adam Clinch, a coastal engineer at AECOM, emphasized the importance of clear communication with local residents about how flood mitigation strategies could affect their parking spaces and overall community layout.
In addition to swales and rain gardens, suggested measures to combat flooding include elevating homes on stilts, creating natural barriers like trees or dunes, and enhancing stormwater management systems. Clinch expressed hope that the initiatives being explored could serve as a model for similar approaches in other parts of the city in the future.
To gauge the flood concerns of residents accurately, the city is actively soliciting public input to pinpoint other problem areas affected by flooding. Residents are encouraged to report flooding issues through the “TIDEeye app,” which is designed to streamline communication with city officials on these pressing matters.
As the city continues its efforts, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for parts of downtown Charleston, anticipating thunderstorms and further heavy rain. This warning highlights the urgency of addressing flooding issues, particularly since the flash flood warning is expected to remain in effect until approximately 6:45 p.m.
Areas at risk for flash flooding include downtown Charleston, Marion Square, the Medical University of South Carolina, I-26 near mile marker 221, Columbus Street Terminal, and The Citadel. Meteorologist Joey Sovine alerted residents that some areas could experience rainfall of up to two inches, potentially leading to additional road closures.
The North Charleston Police Department reported ongoing flooding problems, including complete impassability of Meeting Street Road and Little Avenue in both directions, underscoring the pressing nature of Charleston’s flooding crisis and the need for swift community engagement and improvement efforts.
In summary, Charleston is grappling with severe flooding challenges fueled by unprecedented rainfall. City officials are actively seeking resident input and exploring various strategies to tackle the issue, particularly focusing on high-risk areas like Rosemont.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Charleston doing to address flooding issues?
The City of Charleston is addressing persistent flooding issues on the peninsula following record rainfall over the past nine weeks.
How many road closures and flooded vehicle responses were reported?
Robert Hauck, the city’s GIS Director, reported 211 recorded road closures and 57 flooded vehicle responses during the last nine weeks.
Which area has been identified as a high-risk zone for severe flooding?
Rosemont has been identified as a high-risk zone for severe flooding.
What measures are being considered to combat flooding?
Suggested flood mitigation strategies include elevating houses on stilts, creating natural barriers like trees or dunes, and improving stormwater management.
What is the “TIDEeye app”?
Matthew Fountain, engineering manager for Charleston County Public Works, encouraged residents to report flooding issues using the “TIDEeye app.”
Are there any flash flood warnings currently in effect?
A flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service for parts of downtown Charleston, predicting thunderstorms and heavy rain.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4: Charleston Seeks Solutions to Peninsula Flooding Challenges
- Wikipedia: Flooding
- Wall Street Journal: Charleston SC Flooding
- Google Search: Charleston flooding
- Live 5 News: First Alert Flash Flood Warning in Charleston County
- Google Scholar: Charleston Flood Management
- Weather.com: Record Rain Causes Flash Flooding in Charleston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood Management
- Count On 2: Flooding Closes Some Charleston Roads
- Google News: Charleston Flooding News
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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