Downtown Charleston Faces Severe Coastal Flooding

Charleston, October 11, 2025

News Summary

Downtown Charleston is grappling with severe coastal flooding as tides soar three feet above average, causing extensive street closures and saltwater flooding in residential areas. Residents are frustrated by persistent flooding affecting their properties, while city officials are managing traffic and working on preventive measures. With high tide expected to peak further, First Alert Weather Days have been declared, amplifying concerns for the community’s safety as risks of flooding continue to escalate.

Downtown Charleston Faces Severe Coastal Flooding, Roads Closed and Residents Affected

Downtown Charleston has experienced significant coastal flooding, with tides peaking at three feet above average levels. This flooding has led to the closure of dozens of streets for several hours and has resulted in saltwater intrusion into residential areas.

Residents have reported frustration over the impact of the flooding on their properties. One resident noted her street, yard, driveway, and pool house have been regularly affected by flooding. She mentioned that she had to turn off her pumps to avoid damaging them due to the excessive water. Reports indicate standing water of about eight inches in driveways, which raises concerns about potential damage to vehicles.

Charleston police have been involved in managing traffic through the flooded zones. The city’s emergency response team is actively working on implementing improvements to prevent future flooding incidents, emphasizing the need for prevention to avoid rescue situations for affected residents.

Many longtime residents have expressed their dissatisfaction with the changing flooding patterns they have noticed since moving to the area in 2004. In a proactive move, residents on Gadson Street have taken it upon themselves to set up barriers to prevent vehicles from entering flooded areas. However, some accuse city officials of neglect, noting that the barriers were not effectively placed to mitigate flooding. Issues with storm drains being clogged by garden mulch have also been highlighted as a contributing factor to exacerbated flooding conditions.

During the coastal flood warning, multiple downtown roads were closed, and this warning is expected to last until 3 p.m. A significant high tide was anticipated around 11 a.m., with water levels projected to peak at approximately 8.5 feet, triggering flooding in low-lying areas. Flooding in Charleston typically begins at the 7-foot mark in the harbor, which already surpassed 8 feet earlier on Friday morning.

The Live 5 Weather team has declared First Alert Weather Days through Saturday due to ongoing risks of flooding. Residents are urged to heed the warnings, especially regarding the potential for severe impacts on the morning commute. Floodwaters are capable of entering homes and businesses in at-risk areas. Wind gusts ranging from 30 to 35 mph are also expected from Thursday night into Saturday, contributing to the hazardous conditions. In addition, a small craft advisory is now in effect for Charleston Harbor, advising boaters to exercise caution due to the risk of rough waters.

In response to the flooding situation, the city has opened two city-owned parking garages for free parking until 4 p.m. on Friday, although drivers are reminded to be cautious about potential flooding in lower-level parking areas. Officials are actively engaged in clearing storm drains and preparing barricades to anticipate early street closures due to flooding.

Key Facts

• Severe coastal flooding in Downtown Charleston.
• Flooding caused closure of dozens of streets and saltwater intrusion.
• Standing water of about eight inches reported in residential areas.
• Charleston police managing traffic and emergency response teams working to prevent future flooding.
• High tide reached approximately 8.5 feet, exceeding the typical flooding threshold.
• First Alert Weather Days declared due to ongoing flooding risks.
• Free parking available in two city-owned garages with caution advised for lower-level areas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Additional Resources

• ABC News 4: Charleston Streets Submerged
• Wikipedia: Coastal Flooding
• Live 5 News: First Alert Charleston Harbor
• Google Search: Charleston flooding
• Post and Courier: Flood Warning Coastal
• Google Scholar: Coastal Flooding Management
• ABC News 4: Charleston Braces for Major Flooding
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Flooding

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

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