Charleston, October 12, 2025
News Summary
Charleston is currently grappling with significant coastal flooding, causing road closures and impacting downtown areas. A coastal flood warning remains active as high tides are expected to peak at around 8 feet. Flooding has reached residential areas, with reports of standing water and saltwater intrusion affecting properties. Local authorities are managing traffic disruptions, while residents express concerns over the city’s response to worsening flood conditions.
Charleston is experiencing significant coastal flooding, leading to road closures and widespread impact in the downtown area. A coastal flood warning is currently in effect for Charleston and coastal Colleton Counties until 3 p.m. on Saturday. This precaution comes as high tide is expected around noon, with water levels anticipated to peak around 8 feet, which is half a foot below Friday’s high tide.
Charleston Harbor reached its major flood stage of 8 feet shortly before 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, with flooding typically initiating when water levels reach 7 feet. By 1:54 p.m. on Saturday, several roads were closed due to flooding, with downtown Charleston seeing tides reaching three feet above average levels. As a result, residential areas are also facing saltwater intrusion, affecting properties.
A resident reported that her property was flooded, with standing water approximately eight inches deep, presenting risks to her vehicle. To manage the disruption, Charleston police are overseeing traffic in inundated areas while the city’s emergency response team is developing improvement strategies to address the ongoing flooding challenges.
The city’s emergency manager emphasized the importance of establishing prevention measures to reduce the reliance on rescue operations. Longtime residents expressed frustration over increasingly severe flooding conditions compared to previous years. Locals on Gadson Street took matters into their own hands by erecting barriers to deter vehicles from driving through flooded zones, stating they feel neglected by the city’s responses.
Many storm drains remain clogged with mulch from gardens, exacerbating the flooding situation. Weather forecasts indicate continued rainfall and storm conditions throughout the weekend, with high temperatures around 65°F and an 80% chance of rain.
Amid the flooding, some residents decided to make the best of the situation. A local diver was seen swimming in floodwaters on Lockwood Drive while waiting for the waters to subside. Water levels in that area reached approximately 2.5 to 3 feet during the flooding. Charleston’s tide peaked at 8.46 feet, marking the 13th-highest tide since 1921, including storm events.
Forecasters predict that higher tides and rainy weather will persist through the weekend, although improvements are anticipated in the following week.
FAQ
What areas are currently affected by flooding in Charleston?
Several roads in downtown Charleston are closed due to flooding.
What is the duration of the coastal flood warning?
A coastal flood warning is in effect for Charleston and coastal Colleton Counties until 3 p.m. on Saturday.
When is the next high tide expected?
High tide is expected around noon on Saturday, with water levels anticipated to peak around 8 feet.
How deep did the flooding reach in residential areas?
A resident reported standing water approximately eight inches deep on her property.
What measures are being taken to address the flooding?
Charleston police are managing traffic while the emergency response team works on improvement strategies.
Key Features of the Current Flooding Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Area Affected | Downtown Charleston and coastal Colleton Counties |
| Coastal Flood Warning | In effect until 3 p.m. on Saturday |
| Expected High Tide | Noon on Saturday; peak around 8 feet |
| Flood Stage Reached | 8 feet in Charleston Harbor shortly before 12:30 a.m. on Saturday |
| Road Closures | Multiple roads have been closed as of 1:54 p.m. on Saturday |
| Residential Impact | Saltwater intrusion affecting properties |
| Weather Forecast | Continued rainfall with high temperatures around 65°F and an 80% chance of rain |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Overnight US17 Bridge Closure for Essential Repairs
Additional Resources
- CNN: Storm Floods Streets in Charleston
- Live 5 News: Downtown Streets Close Amid Saturday Tidal Flooding
- ABC News 4: Coastal Flooding Hits New Heights in Charleston
- Live 5 News: Multiple Downtown Charleston Roads Closed by Tidal Flooding
- Wikipedia: Charleston, South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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