Charleston SC, September 30, 2025
News Summary
The National Weather Service has released a high surf advisory for coastal regions in Charleston, SC, due to Hurricane Erin’s impacts. Waves of 5-7 feet are expected, with peak heights reaching 6-8 feet. Local beachgoers are warned of hazardous swimming conditions and high risks of rip currents, especially for inexperienced swimmers. Additionally, a new Global Entry Enrollment Center has opened at Charleston International Airport to enhance travel accessibility.
Charleston – The National Weather Service (NWS) Charleston SC has issued a high surf advisory that will be in effect until Saturday at 8 a.m., following the predicted impacts of Hurricane Erin, which is situated approximately 400 miles off the South Carolina coast. The advisory, released at 2:02 a.m. on Tuesday, warns of dangerous swimming and surfing conditions along the coastal regions, specifically affecting Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Beaufort, and Charleston counties.
Surf conditions are anticipated to become hazardous, with large breaking waves reaching heights of 5 to 7 feet expected in the surf zone. The NWS has cautioned about the potential for localized beach erosion and high risks of rip currents, which could carry swimmers away from the shore. Inexperienced swimmers are particularly urged to stay out of the water during this advisory period, as the surf conditions pose a significant threat.
Swimmers are encouraged to remain close to lifeguard stations while swimming to ensure safety. If caught in a rip current, the NWS advises individuals to remain calm and float, avoiding the urge to swim directly against the current. To escape a rip current, swimmers should attempt to swim parallel to the shore and only swim toward land once they are free. Those in distress should signal for assistance if necessary.
The risks associated with rip currents will remain very high through Thursday, as wave heights are expected to peak at 6-8 feet on Wednesday before gradually tapering down. Forecasters note that wave heights will increase from an initial height of 2-3 feet on Tuesday to the higher levels by midweek.
In addition to surf conditions, local weather predictions indicate mostly clear skies with low temperatures settling in the mid-70s overnight. Daily temperatures for the upcoming week are expected as follows:
- Tuesday: High of 91°F
- Wednesday: High of 92°F
- Thursday: High of 92°F
- Friday: High of 89°F
- Saturday: High of 86°F
- Sunday: High of 88°F
In separate news, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has opened a new Global Entry Enrollment Center at Charleston International Airport, thus providing increased accessibility to the Trusted Traveler Program for international travelers. This addition marks the third Global Entry Enrollment Center established by CBP in the Southeast, joining existing centers located in Charlotte, NC, and Atlanta, GA. The Global Entry location will operate Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| High Surf Advisory | Valid until Saturday at 8 a.m. |
| Affected Areas | Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Beaufort, and Charleston counties |
| Expected Wave Heights | 5 to 7 feet on Tuesday, peaking at 6-8 feet on Wednesday |
| Weather Forecast | High temperatures: 91°F (Tuesday), 92°F (Wednesday and Thursday), 89°F (Friday), 86°F (Saturday), 88°F (Sunday) |
| Global Entry Enrollment Center Hours | Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the high surf advisory?
The high surf advisory is in effect until Saturday at 8 a.m.
What areas are affected by the high surf advisory?
The affected areas include Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Beaufort, and Charleston counties.
What are the expected wave heights?
Large breaking waves of 5 to 7 feet are expected in the surf zone, with peak wave heights reaching 6 to 8 feet on Wednesday.
What should swimmers do if caught in a rip current?
Swimmers should relax and float, avoid swimming against the current, and if possible, swim parallel to the shoreline to escape the current. They should signal for help if in distress.
What are the operational hours for the new Global Entry Enrollment Center at Charleston International Airport?
The Global Entry Enrollment Center operates Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tropical Storm Imelda Shifts Path Away from South Carolina
Rip Current Advisory Issued in Charleston Amid Hurricane Erin
Charleston, SC Faces Coastal Flooding Due to King Tides
Tropical Storm Erin Gaining Strength, May Become Major Hurricane
Flood Advisory Issued for Beaufort, SC Due to Tropical Storm Debby
Charleston Prepares for Increased Coastal Flooding
Charleston Celebrates a Week of Diverse Events
Charleston County School District Delays Calendar Update and Implements eLearning
Flood Advisory Issued for Charleston County
Flood Advisory Issued for Charleston County Amid Severe Weather
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: High Surf Risk
- Google Search: High Surf Advisory
- Count on 2: Hurricane Erin’s Impacts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
- Island Packet: Hurricane Impacts
- Google Search: Hurricane Impacts
- Greenville Online: Hurricane Erin and Coastal Flooding
- Google News: Hurricane Erin
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.
