Charleston, SC, September 29, 2025
News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a rip current statement for Coastal South Carolina, warning of dangerous surf conditions on Monday. The alert, effective from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., affects Beaufort, Charleston, Coastal Colleton, and Coastal Jasper counties. Beachgoers are advised to exercise extreme caution due to powerful rip currents and localized beach erosion. Inexperienced swimmers are particularly urged to stay out of the water, while the risk of flooding also exists in low-lying coastal areas. Residents and visitors should stay informed and adhere to safety advisories.
Charleston, SC – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an updated rip current statement for Coastal South Carolina due to dangerous conditions expected along the surf this Monday. The statement, effective from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., warns of “dangerous rip currents,” with significant hazards for swimming and surfing, as well as localized beach erosion.
The alert specifically targets Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Beaufort, and Charleston counties, where beachgoers are advised to exercise extreme caution. Rip currents are powerful currents that can quickly pull even the strongest swimmers away from the shore into deeper waters, highlighting the need for vigilance among beach visitors. Inexperienced swimmers are strongly advised to stay out of the water and to swim near lifeguards if they choose to enter.
If caught in a rip current, the NWS reminds swimmers to relax and float rather than swim against the current. It recommends swimming parallel to the shoreline when possible. If escape proves difficult, swimmers should face the shore and signal for help by waving or calling out.
The threats extend beyond rip currents this week, with a flood threat affecting low-lying coastal communities as a stalled front along the Eastern Seaboard interacts with strong northeastern winds from high pressure over New England. These conditions are leading to elevated water levels, with tidal gauges recording heights about half a foot above normal tidal flooding levels. Flooding reports have already emerged from areas such as Charleston Market, and coastal flooding warnings are in effect from south shore of New York’s Long Island down through northern Florida until Thursday evening.
In addition to South Carolina, the high risk of rip currents extends along the Jersey Shore, much of the mid-Atlantic coast, and shores of Georgia and northern Florida. Eyewitness accounts have identified closures caused by saltwater flooding affecting major highways, including intersections of Highway 17 and Highway 65. During this critical period of heightened rip current risk, live cameras have showcased rough surf conditions from Virginia through South Carolina.
According to statistics, over 800 people have died nationwide due to rip currents since 2010, with at least 21 fatalities attributed to these currents in the current year alone. Experts warn that even strong swimmers can easily underestimate the power of rip currents, which can overpower individuals regardless of their skills. The NWS continues to emphasize the importance of swimming near lifeguards and checking current conditions before entering the water, especially crucial during the dangerous surf conditions expected this week.
As the situation continues to evolve, residents and visitors along the South Carolina coast are urged to stay informed about weather developments and follow safety advisories.
Frequently Asked Questions
The National Weather Service (NWS) Charleston, SC issued an updated rip current statement at 6:27 a.m. on Monday, valid between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Which areas are affected by the rip current warning?
The rip current statement affects Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Beaufort, and Charleston counties.
What dangers do rip currents pose to swimmers?
Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper waters, posing a significant threat to beachgoers.
What should inexperienced swimmers do?
Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to hazardous surf conditions and are advised to swim near a lifeguard.
What steps should one take if caught in a rip current?
If caught in a rip current, the NWS advises to relax and float, avoid swimming against the current, and swim parallel to the shoreline if possible.
How does the flood threat affect the coastal communities this week?
A flood threat to low-lying coastal communities exists through Thursday due to a stalled front along the Eastern Seaboard.
What are the statistics regarding rip current risks in the U.S.?
Since 2010, over 800 people in the U.S. have died due to rip currents; this year alone, at least 21 of these deaths have been attributed to currents.
Key Features of Rip Current and Flood Threat
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rip Current Statement Issue Time | 6:27 a.m. on Monday |
| Validity Time | 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. |
| Counties Affected | Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Beaufort, and Charleston |
| Flood Threat Duration | Through Thursday |
| Reported Flood Areas | Charleston Market, Highway 17, Highway 65 |
| Nationwide Deaths due to Rip Currents (Since 2010) | Over 800 |
| Deaths in 2023 due to Rip Currents | At least 21 |
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Fox Weather
- Post and Courier
- USA Today
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Rip Current
- Google Search: Rip Currents
- Google Scholar: Rip Currents
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rip Currents
- Google News: Rip Currents
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.
