Charleston, SC, October 5, 2025
News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood advisory for coastal Jasper and Beaufort County, warning residents of potential flooding. With expected tidal levels reaching 9.6 feet and high tide around 6:45 p.m., residents are advised to seek higher ground and avoid flooded areas. Authorities emphasize safety, urging residents to prepare for possible inundation and to stay informed as conditions evolve amidst ongoing heavy rains affecting the area.
Charleston, SC – The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a coastal flood advisory at 1:44 p.m. on Saturday, warning residents of Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County to expect flooding between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. The advisory indicates that up to one half foot of inundation above ground level is likely along shorelines and tidal waterways due to elevated tidal levels predicted to reach 9.4 to 9.6 feet Mean Lower Low Water at Fort Pulaski. High tide, which will exacerbate flooding conditions, is expected around 6:45 p.m.
Saltwater inundation may begin one to two hours before and after the high tide, potentially affecting roads in the area. Residents are encouraged to allow extra travel time and avoid barricaded or water-covered roads, as driving through water of unknown depth poses serious hazards. The NWS cautioned that rip currents could be a serious danger to swimmers, capable of sweeping even experienced swimmers into deeper water.
As a safety measure, residents in flood-prone areas are advised to seek higher ground immediately and follow evacuation instructions. If possible, individuals should prepare their homes by locking doors and disconnecting utilities. Those living in basements or ground-level rooms that may be flooded should evacuate promptly, particularly if electrical outlets or cords are submerged. The NWS also urged residents to avoid entering water that could contain electricity and to refrain from walking through moving floodwaters. The coastal flood advisory is valid until 9 p.m.
This advisory comes amidst heavy rains affecting Charleston, attributed to a non-tropical low pressure system moving up the East Coast. In light of recent flooding trends, the NWS in Charleston will implement new criteria for issuing Flood Advisories and Flash Flood Warnings starting in August. These changes aim to better inform the public about flooding risks and align with national standards. Officials noted that Charleston issued approximately 95 advisories and 19 flash flood warnings over the past year. However, these modifications do not reflect a heightened flooding threat; rather, they are aimed at improving the clarity of communication regarding conditions.
Tidal flooding will continue to be communicated through Coastal Flood Warnings and Storm Surge Warnings instead of being categorized under Flash Flood warnings. The NWS emphasized the need for residents to utilize multiple platforms for real-time updates on flooding risks, including social media and television broadcasts. Moreover, a trend of increasing nuisance flooding has been observed in Charleston.
Reported flash flooding incidents in downtown Charleston were confirmed around 3:53 p.m. on Sunday, with areas such as Marion Square and The Citadel being particularly affected. Predictions indicate that localized areas may receive up to two inches of rain, with subsequent road closures anticipated. North Charleston Police have specifically noted that Meeting Street Road and Little Avenue are currently flooded and impassable.
Drivers are therefore cautioned to adhere to the message of “turn around, don’t drown,” avoiding flooded roads wherever possible. As the situation continues to develop, communities are urged to stay informed and prepared to respond to changing conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the coastal flood advisory for Charleston, SC?
The NWS issued a coastal flood advisory at 1:44 p.m. on Saturday, warning residents of Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County to expect flooding between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
What are the expected tidal levels?
Tidal levels at Fort Pulaski are predicted to reach 9.4 to 9.6 feet Mean Lower Low Water.
How much inundation is expected?
Up to one half foot of inundation above ground level is expected along shorelines and tidal waterways.
What safety measures should residents take?
Residents are advised to seek higher ground, avoid floodwaters, follow evacuation instructions, and prepare their homes as needed.
When will the new Flash Flood Warning criteria take effect?
The new criteria for issuing Flood Advisories and Flash Flood Warnings will take effect in August.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Advisory Issued | Coastal flood advisory on Saturday at 1:44 p.m. |
| Advisory Duration | 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Expected Inundation | Up to one half foot above ground level. |
| Tidal Levels | 9.4 to 9.6 feet Mean Lower Low Water. |
| High Tide Time | 6:45 p.m. |
| Safety Advice | Avoid flooded roads, seek higher ground. |
| Change in Warning Criteria | New policy will take effect in August. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Fox Weather: Charleston Flood Alerts
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Live 5 News: Flash Flood Warning
- Google Search: Charleston Flood Warnings
- ABC News 4: Flash Flood Warning for Downtown Charleston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- Spectrum Local News: NWS Flash Flood Criteria Changes
- Google News: South Carolina Weather News
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.
