Beaufort, South Carolina, October 12, 2025
News Summary
A combination of factors led to exceptionally high tides in Beaufort, South Carolina, causing flooding and prompting road closures. Police reported flooding on Charles and Scott Street extensions at Waterfront Park. Meteorologists noted the impact of northeast winds and a low-pressure system, while residents prepare for future sea level rises. The coastal flood warning remains in effect for Charleston and Colleton counties as warnings about mold and health issues related to flooding are also on the rise.
Beaufort, South Carolina – A perfect storm of factors caused remarkably high tides on Friday, exceeding typical fall “king tides.” As a result, the Beaufort River overflowed its banks, prompting local authorities to issue alerts regarding road closures in the area. At 2:45 p.m., Beaufort police announced that Charles Street and Scott Street extensions at Waterfront Park were affected by flooding, leading to significant disruptions in traffic.
Additionally, the Pigeon Point Boat Landing, located 1.7 miles north of the park, was overtaken by water. Meteorologist Blair Holloway with the National Weather Service in Charleston noted that king tides usually occur during full moons and are influenced by the moon’s position relative to Earth. These high waters align with the season when the highest tides are commonly observed, particularly in the fall.
Following a full moon on Tuesday, the area experienced its second highest tide of the year, with tide measurements reaching 10.35 feet at Fort Pulaski at 11:30 a.m. on Friday. This elevation marks the eighth highest tide recorded at that location since 1935. Minor flooding is typically anticipated at levels of 9.5 feet, underscoring the significance of the recent 10.35-foot measurement.
Factors contributing to the elevated water levels included northeast winds that further raised the tide along South Carolina’s coastline. Gale-force offshore winds reached up to 35 knots, exacerbating the situation. In addition, a developing low-pressure system off the Florida coast played a vital role in the unusual high tides. Holloway referred to the interplay of astronomical influences and weather conditions as a “perfect coincidence.”
It is noteworthy that the recent tide, excluding tropical storms, registered as the third highest recorded at Fort Pulaski, with the highest recorded tide occurring during Hurricane Matthew at 12.56 feet. The year’s highest tide is anticipated for November.
The coastal flood warning remains in effect for Charleston and Colleton counties, indicating the potential for seawater flowing over sand dunes and walls. Beaufort County has issued a coastal flood advisory, a less severe warning regarding flooding. Expected moderate flooding occurs once tide levels reach 10 feet at Fort Pulaski.
Beach conditions are complicated by the ongoing high surf and king tides on Hilton Head’s beaches, which have impacted access and delayed a $47 billion beach renourishment project. Shore Beach Services issued red flags on Hilton Head beaches due to high rip current advisories, signaling that swimming was not safe. This situation necessitated a delay in the usual start time for lifeguards on Friday due to beach access challenges.
The area typically experiences episodes of high tide several times each year, notably in the spring and fall. To mitigate flooding risks, residents are taking preventive measures; one resident, Rittmaster, raised his house 10 feet in response to persistent flooding concerns, highlighting a growing trend among homeowners.
Predictions suggest a potential sea level rise of 4.3 feet by 2100, exacerbating flood risks for coastal homes. Beaufort has faced significant flooding due to hurricanes and high-tide events, leading to an increase in flood days annually. Health experts are also raising concerns regarding rising health issues related to mold in homes previously flooded, prompting recommendations for residents to test for mold before purchasing or renting properties. Rittmaster advises raising homes as a preventative measure for those living in flood-prone areas.
The local economy is experiencing strain as rising property prices and the conversion of homes into short-term rentals become prevalent issues.
FAQ
- What caused the unusually high tides in South Carolina on Friday?
- A perfect storm of factors led to remarkably high tides, exceeding typical fall “king tides.”
- What are the recorded tide levels at Fort Pulaski?
- Tide measurements reached 10.35 feet at Fort Pulaski at 11:30 a.m. Friday, marking the eighth highest tide recorded at that location since 1935.
- What measures were taken in Beaufort due to flooding?
- Beaufort police issued alerts regarding road closures on Charles Street and Scott Street extensions at Waterfront Park due to flooding.
- What warnings were in effect for the region?
- A coastal flood warning was in effect for Charleston and Colleton counties, while Beaufort County received a coastal flood advisory.
- How do the tides affect local beach conditions?
- High surf and king tides complicate access to Hilton Head beaches and have delayed a $47 billion beach renourishment project.
- What health issues are linked to flooding in homes?
- Rising health issues related to mold are a concern for homes previously flooded, prompting recommendations for residents to test for mold.
- What are the predictions regarding sea levels?
- Predictions anticipate a sea level rise of 4.3 feet by 2100, increasing flood risks for coastal homes.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Date | Friday |
| Tide Level Recorded | 10.35 feet |
| Highest Tide Recorded | 12.56 feet during Hurricane Matthew |
| Location of Alerts | Charles Street and Scott Street extensions at Waterfront Park |
| Coastal Flood Warnings | Charleston and Colleton counties |
| Expected Sea Level Rise | 4.3 feet by 2100 |
| Economic Impact | Rising property prices and increased short-term rentals |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Coastal Flood Advisory Issued for Charleston, SC
Coastal Flood Advisory Issued for Jasper and Beaufort Counties
Coastal Flood Advisory Issued for Charleston, SC
Tropical Depression Nine Brings Threats to Coastal South Carolina
Beaufort’s Waterfront Park Faces Extended Closure
Rhett House Reels Launches Film Screening Series
The Legacy of ‘The Big Chill’ in Beaufort, South Carolina
Coastal Flood Advisories Issued as Hurricane Erin Approaches
Charleston Faces Coastal Flood Advisory as King Tide Approaches
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Wikipedia: King Tide
- Island Packet: Environment News
- Google Search: Beaufort Environmental Issues
- The Assembly: Sea Level Rise in Beaufort
- Google Scholar: Sea Level Rise Beaufort
- Island Packet: More Environmental News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- ABC News: Flood Warning for Charleston
- Google News: Charleston Flood Warning
- Your Island News: Storm King Tide
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.
