Charleston, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Charleston, South Carolina, is under a coastal flood advisory due to an impending King Tide, with flooding expected to reach up to half a foot above ground level. The advisory, effective until noon, warns residents to prepare for saltwater inundation and take necessary safety precautions. Travelers are advised to avoid flooded areas while homeowners should protect their property. With high tides imminent, residents in low-lying regions are urged to seek higher ground and heed any evacuation orders as heavy rainfall may exacerbate conditions.
Charleston Faces Coastal Flood Advisory as King Tide Approaches
An updated coastal flood advisory has been issued for Charleston, South Carolina, by the National Weather Service (NWS) at 8:13 a.m. on Wednesday. This advisory is in effect from 9 a.m. until noon today, impacting Coastal Jasper and Beaufort Counties. The projection anticipates as much as half a foot of flooding above ground level along shorelines and tidal waterways, with water levels at Fort Pulaski expected to reach between 9.4 and 9.6 feet Mean Lower Low Water.
The high tide is anticipated to occur around 10:30 a.m. this morning. Residents are warned to prepare for possible saltwater inundation that may occur 1 to 2 hours before and after this high tide.
Travel Advisory and Safety Precautions
The NWS indicates that several roads may be affected by the saltwater inundation, urging travelers to allocate extra time for their journeys. It is essential for individuals not to drive around barricades or attempt to navigate through unfamiliar water depths. Homeowners in flood-prone areas are advised to take protective actions for their property.
Residents, particularly those in low-lying regions or camping areas, should seek higher ground without delay and adhere to any evacuation orders. If evacuation is deemed necessary, it is recommended to lock homes and disconnect utilities and appliances when time permits. Caution against entering basements or any rooms where electrical outlets may be at risk of submersion is strongly advised. Immediate evacuation is critical if sparks or unusual electrical noises are observed.
Dangers of Flood Waters
The advisory also highlights the hazards of entering flood waters, which may be electrified. Even a mere 6 inches of flowing water has the power to knock an adult off their feet. If trapped by moving water, individuals should aim to ascend to the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.
Weather Conditions Contributing to the Advisory
The coastal flood advisory remains valid until noon today. Heavy rainfall is anticipated, which may worsen flooding, particularly in vulnerable low-lying areas. Drivers should be cautious about traversing through water that may appear shallow; as little as 12 inches of moving water can wash away most vehicles. Hydroplaning, which occurs when a car slides uncontrollably on flooded roads, can be triggered by factors such as vehicle speed, tire tread, and the volume of water on the roadway.
The NWS forecast for tidal conditions incorporates astronomical predictions along with meteorological influences. The advisory encompasses multiple regions, including downtown Charleston and key coastal communities such as Hilton Head, Beaufort, and Myrtle Beach. Wind conditions combined with a stalled weather system are contributing to the King Tide conditions, which are expected to persist until early September 10.
Safety Measures for Coastal Areas
In addition to flooding, the risk of dangerous rip currents has been elevated to high from Long Island through the mid-Atlantic down to northern Florida. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and avoid coastal areas susceptible to flooding while exercising caution regarding surf conditions, particularly against King Tide effects.
Key Emergency Actions
- Seek higher ground if in a flood-prone area.
- Do not drive through barricaded areas or unknown water depths.
- Disconnect utilities before evacuating if possible.
- Avoid entering flooded rooms, especially where electrical outlets are present.
- Dial 911 if trapped by moving floodwaters.
FAQ
What areas are affected by the coastal flood advisory in Charleston?
The advisory impacts Coastal Jasper and Beaufort Counties, including low-lying areas in downtown Charleston and other coastal communities like Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach.
How high can flooding reach during this advisory?
Flooding could reach up to half a foot above ground level, with water levels at Fort Pulaski projected between 9.4 and 9.6 feet.
What safety measures should residents take during the advisory?
Residents should seek higher ground, avoid driving through barricaded or flooded areas, and evacuate if necessary. Disconnecting utilities before leaving is also advised.
Chart of Key Advisory Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Advisory Status | Active until noon |
| Expected High Tide | 10:30 a.m. |
| Affected Areas | Coastal Jasper and Beaufort Counties |
| Flooding Level | Up to 6 inches |
| Risk of Rip Currents | High |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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The Impact of the Sea Island Hurricane on Beaufort, SC
Beaufort County Under Flood Advisory Amid Heavy Rainfall
Beaufort County Faces Heavy Rain and Flooding Risks This Weekend
Beaufort County Issues Flood Advisory Amid Heavy Rainfall
Charleston Faces Urgent Flash Flood Warning Amid Heavy Rain
Additional Resources
- ABC News 4: Coastal Flooding in Charleston
- Fox Weather: Coastal Flood Advisory
- Island Packet: Weather News
- Greenville Online: King Tide Advisory
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather Updates
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Google Search: Charleston Coastal Flooding
- Google Scholar: Coastal Flooding South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- Google News: Charleston 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.
