Charleston drivers could face water-covered roads and dangerous beach conditions today as a Coastal Flood Advisory and Rip Current Statement remain in effect. Emergency officials urge residents to avoid non-essential travel on flooded streets and use caution near the shoreline, where rip currents remain strong.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, minor flooding is possible through noon today, September 9, as high tides push water inland. A high tide of 7.5 feet is expected around 9:35 a.m., with dangerous conditions continuing for two hours before and after peak levels. Flood-prone roads, including portions of Highway 17, may become impassable during the morning commute.
Charleston County residents should also remain alert along barrier islands such as Folly Beach and Isle of Palms, where rip currents are likely through tonight. Beachgoers are urged to swim near lifeguards and avoid entering the water alone. Officials stress that if caught in a rip current, swimmers should remain calm, float, and swim parallel to shore until free.
Today’s high reaches 81 degrees under partly sunny skies, with northeast winds gusting up to 24 mph. Conditions ease by this evening, with mostly cloudy skies and a low near 66. By Wednesday, September 10, Charleston warms to 83 degrees with light north winds and drier air moving in.
Looking ahead, the Lowcountry will see mostly sunny skies through the weekend with highs in the low to mid-80s. Rip current risks may decrease midweek, but coastal flooding remains possible during periods of high tide.
Five Day Forecast for Charleston, SC
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, high 83, low 65.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 83, low 64.
- Friday: Sunny, high 84, low 65.
- Saturday: Sunny, high 83, low 64.
- Sunday: Mostly clear, high 84, low 65.
