Charleston Mayor William Cogswell activated the city’s Active Flood Mitigation Plan as heavy rain from Hurricane Isaias and a king tide cycle converged to elevate flood risks across the Lowcountry. The National Weather Service forecast hazardous conditions beginning Friday, with the primary period of concern extending from Friday night through Sunday morning, and the heaviest rainfall expected Saturday afternoon and evening.
City officials anticipate 3 to 4 inches of rain, with higher amounts possible in localized areas. Compounding the threat, king tides on Saturday and Sunday are expected to push water levels higher, with tides in Charleston Harbor forecast to peak near 7.7 feet Saturday morning and remain elevated Saturday evening. Gusty winds, isolated tornadoes, and dangerous rip currents also threaten the area.
“Flooding is one of the biggest challenges this city faces, and we are not waiting for the water to show up before we act,” Cogswell said. “Our crews have been clearing drains since last weekend, pumps are going in, and we are lowering the lakes to make room for the rain. I am asking residents to do their part too. Secure your yard, keep your storm drain clear, and stay off flooded roads.”
Municipal Preparations and Operational Steps
Under the activated mitigation plan, city stormwater crews have worked continuously to clear storm drains and debris, bolstered by contracted vacuum trucks. Mobile pumps have been fueled for activation, and additional units are scheduled to arrive for Morrison Drive and Limehouse Street, while the Huger and Lockwood pumps operate through the weekend. In addition, Colonial Lake and Lake Dotterer are being lowered ahead of the storm, and barricades have been staged across the city.
The Charleston Fire Department has assigned staff to two high-water vehicles, and Emergency Management personnel are actively monitoring conditions. Downtown code enforcement officers are patrolling to prevent debris from blocking storm drains, and inspectors are contacting contractors to secure active worksites. Street sweepers, cleanup crews, and trash crews remain on standby for immediate debris removal.
Parking Accommodations and Event Adjustments
To help residents protect their vehicles, five city parking garages will be free for city residents to move cars out of flood-prone areas. Residents may enter the garages after 6:00 p.m. Sunday. The participating facilities include the Aquarium garage at 24 Calhoun St., the Visitors Center garage at 63 Mary St., the Queen Street garage at 85 Queen St., the East Bay/Prioleau garage at 25 Prioleau St., and the Charleston Tech Center garage at 4 Conroy St.
To utilize the storm parking program, motorists must pull a ticket at the entrance, keep it, and insert it at the exit while scanning the city’s storm parking QR code. Residents who lose their ticket or lack the QR code can press the help button on the exit machine, state they were there for storm parking, and provide their name and address. Sunday may incur standard charges for additional time.
Public Guidance and Information Resources
Residents are advised to secure loose items and yard debris, keep storm drains near their properties clear, and avoid driving through flooded roadways. The city’s WaterWise site serves as a central hub for storm information, incorporating tools like TIDEeye for real-time street closures and preparedness updates.
For non-emergency questions or to report street flooding, residents can contact the Citizens Services Desk at 843-724-7311 or via email at [email protected]. The city will issue its next formal update Friday morning through the WaterWise platform and official municipal social media channels.
