Charleston, SC, September 13, 2025
News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a rip current warning for Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County. Dangerous surf conditions are anticipated, prompting beachgoers to be vigilant about safety. Travelers are also advised to be cautious on potentially affected roads due to saltwater inundation. Swimmers are encouraged to use lifeguarded beaches and should remain calm if caught in a rip current. Flooding has already been reported in the Charleston area, with ongoing hazardous surf conditions influenced by Hurricane Erin.
Charleston, SC — The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a rip current warning for Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County, effective from Tuesday at 10:35 a.m. until 8 p.m. This warning comes as dangerous surf conditions are impacting the local area, urging beachgoers to prioritize safety when visiting the coast.
Travelers in the region should proceed with caution as certain roads may be affected by saltwater inundation, and some areas may be closed. The NWS advises allowing extra travel time and discourages driving around barricades or through floodwaters, as their depth may be uncertain. Beachgoers facing potential flooding problems are encouraged to take necessary precautions to protect vulnerable property.
In light of rising surf conditions and the ongoing rip current threat, the NWS emphasizes that swimmers should always choose lifeguarded beaches for safety. If caught in a rip current, individuals are reminded to remain calm, as these currents do not pull swimmers underwater. Instead, they should swim parallel to the shore to escape the current and signal for help if necessary.
Rip currents are defined as fast-moving channels of water that flow away from the shore and pose significant risks to beachgoers, including those who consider themselves strong swimmers. The currents can vary in speed, rapidly escalating to dangerous levels. If individuals find themselves trapped in one, they should refrain from attempting to swim directly against the current and instead focus on floating and conserving energy.
The National Weather Service recently issued a similar rip current statement for Coastal Colleton and Charleston County for a separate day, effective on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The arrival of a high tide around 1:18 p.m. on this day will further increase flooding risks, especially given the impact of a near-full moon on peak tidal flooding.
Flooding has already been reported in the Charleston area following high tide, with several roads temporarily submerged. Furthermore, coastal flood warnings are currently in effect from Long Island, New York, to parts of the mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and northern Florida through Thursday evening. So far this year, rough surf conditions have led to 75 drowning incidents along the Eastern Seaboard.
Due to Hurricane Erin’s offshore path, surf conditions in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina continue to be hazardous. Elevated surf and dangerous beach conditions persist, with significant rip current risks noted along the coasts of New York, New Jersey, and the mid-Atlantic states, as well as South Carolina, Georgia, and northern Florida.
Officials strongly recommend that beach visitors avoid swimming during high rip current risk periods and understand the local ocean conditions to reduce the risks associated with swimming. Experienced surfers may be better equipped to handle rip currents than novice swimmers, but caution is still advised for all individuals engaging in water activities at this time.
FAQ
What is a rip current?
A rip current is a fast-moving channel of water that flows away from the shore, posing risks to swimmers. These currents can vary in strength and can become dangerous quickly.
How should I respond if caught in a rip current?
If you are caught in a rip current, remain calm and float. Do not swim directly against the current. Instead, swim parallel to the shore to escape the current, and signal for help if needed.
Why should I swim at a lifeguarded beach?
Swimming at lifeguarded beaches enhances your safety, as lifeguards can assist in case of emergencies, including rip currents. They are trained to handle rescues and provide immediate help.
What are the current conditions for swimming in South Carolina?
Current conditions in South Carolina indicate heightened rip current risks due to elevated surf conditions. Officials advise caution and recommend avoiding swimming, especially during periods of high risk.
Key Features of the Current Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rip Current Warning | Effective until 8 p.m. for Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County. |
| Travel Advisories | Caution advised for roads potentially impacted by saltwater inundation. |
| Swimming Safety | Swimmers urged to stay near lifeguards and avoid unguarded beaches. |
| Incidents | 75 drownings attributed to rough surf conditions in 2023. |
| Ongoing Conditions | Hazardous surf conditions persist due to Hurricane Erin’s influence. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Post-Tropical Cyclone Erin Causes Dangerous Surf Conditions
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Beaufort County Welcomes an Array of September Events
Voting Begins for High School Football Player of the Week
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Rip Current
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Search: Rip Current Safety Tips
- ABC News 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rip Current
- Fox Weather
- Google News: Hurricane Erin
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
