Major flooding closes roads, ramps in Charleston, SC as harbor tide rises over 8 feet
Potentially historic high tides are causing flooding in Charleston, leading to road and event closures in the Holy City.
The tide started rising above normal levels Thursday and has since exceeded 8 feet three times, an indication of a “major” event, as indicated by the National Weather Service. One of the highest tides so far this weekend approached 8.51 feet Sunday morning.
A highway ramp and multiple downtown roadways were closed Saturday, and motorists were warned to be careful throughout the flood event.
“With high tides of this magnitude, it’s critically important for motorists to use extreme caution when traveling in areas of known flooding,” said City of Charleston Emergency Management Director Shannon Scaff.
A weekly farmer’s market was also closed in Marion Square, and the city’s planned Veteran’s Day Parade was canceled due to the threats from flood and rain that fell on Saturday.
In preparation for the high tides and flooding event, the City of Charleston announced it coordinated with the National Weather Service, mobilized personnel and equipment, checked flood mitigation devices, erected mobile signage as a reminder to motorists to avoid flooded roadways and prepared for any necessary post-event clean-up.
The Charleston Police Department said Friday it had staffed two high water vehicles and was prepared to assist with water rescues.
@Charleston_Fire has staffed two high water vehicles and is prepared to assist with water rescues during the morning high tide.@CharlestonPD is working to pre-position barricades in areas of known flooding to allow for safe and efficient road closure operations tomorrow.
— City of Charleston (@CityCharleston) November 5, 2021
Northeast winds can push additional water into coastal communities, which can cause even more water on the streets than what the tides themselves are adding.
The major tides are expected to reach the highest levels seen since Hurricane Irma, when heights topped 9.9 feet in 2017.
The tide heights this weekend were inches away from exceeding the highest levels ever for non-tropical events. On Jan. 1, 1987, the record-breaking height was 8.8 feet.
