Charleston Weather Alert: Severe Storms, Flood Risks & Temperature Swings—What You Need to Know Today

Charleston, S.C. – A strengthening coastal Nor’easter is drenching the Lowcountry this weekend, bringing a triple threat of wind, waves and tidal flooding that will linger through early Sunday. The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, a High Surf Advisory through 8 a.m. Sunday and a Rip Current Statement for all local beaches. Mariners just offshore are under a Storm Warning, with seas building to 10–15 feet. Rain totals of 2–3 inches are expected across the tri-county area; isolated pockets could top 4 inches where heavier bands stall. Gusty northeast winds of 35–45 mph will peak near the coast this afternoon, occasionally topping 50 mph along exposed piers and the Ravenel Bridge. High tide around 12:05 p.m. will coincide with the strongest onshore push, raising water levels 1.5–2.5 feet above normal. Flood-prone stretches of Lockwood Drive, the U.S. 17 Crosstown and the historic Battery are likely to see ponding; city crews have pre-positioned barricades and pumps. Charleston County Emergency Management urges drivers to “turn around, don’t drown” if they encounter water-covered roads and to move vehicles to higher ground in garages at MUSC and the Visitor Center. Beachgoers should skip the surf entirely. Breakers up to 9 feet will create dangerous rip currents, and dune erosion is possible on Folly, Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. Fishermen and sightseers are asked to stay off jetties and the Folly Beach Pier until conditions improve. The worst of the storm exits late Saturday night, but lingering showers and breezy conditions will persist into Sunday morning. Skies gradually clear by Sunday afternoon with highs in the mid-70s. Behind the departing low, a taste of fall arrives Monday and Tuesday: crisp sunshine, morning lows in the upper 50s and afternoon highs near 77°. Hurricane season does not officially end until Nov. 30, so officials advise keeping storm kits stocked. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, the NWS Charleston forecast page and local outlets for updated statements. For realtime tide charts and street closures, follow @chswx on social media. Key takeaways • Heavy rain 2–3″ and gusts 40–50 mph through Saturday night • Coastal Flood Advisory at midday high tide; street flooding likely downtown • High Surf Advisory and dangerous rip currents — stay off the beach • Calmer, cooler weather returns Sunday night into early next week