Greenville, SC – Dangerous surf, flooding, and road closures are expected to impact coastal South Carolina through midweek, even as Hurricane Erin remains offshore. Swells of up to 20 feet are forecast to batter beaches from Charleston to Myrtle Beach, with authorities warning of “extreme coastal damage” and urging visitors to avoid affected areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, storm surge and wave action will likely destroy protective dune structures, causing significant flooding of homes, businesses, and infrastructure along the coast. Beach access points and roads could be submerged for days in some communities, particularly near Pawleys Island, Edisto Beach, and Folly Beach.
Officials say beaches will remain closed for swimming due to life-threatening rip currents and unstable surf conditions. The South Carolina Department of Transportation is monitoring low-lying routes near the Intracoastal Waterway and could issue closures as flooding worsens.
Residents and visitors are urged to heed all warnings, secure property, and remain alert to changing conditions. Even without landfall, Erin poses a serious risk along the entire South Carolina coastline.
Coastal alerts remain in effect through Thursday, and additional warnings may be issued as Erin tracks north.
