Charleston initiates new flood plan due to weekend forecast
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)– Mayor William Cogswell has activated the ‘Active Flooding Mitigation Plan’ for the first time in Charleston ahead of forecasted heavy rain and flooding on Friday.
Residents can expect the bulk of the rain to sweep in Friday in the late afternoon and continue into Saturday. The National Weather Service said downtown Charleston could see 2-3” of rain and flooding during Friday night’s high tide.
“So tomorrow we are expecting to have potentially heavy rainfall and that might be coinciding with some high tides which as we know in the City of Charleston, Downtown, West Ashley, even Johns Island that sometimes can mean significant flooding,” said Deja Knight McMillan, the Director of Communications for the City of Charleston.
City officials say high tides are forecasted for 7:27 p.m. on Friday and 7:43 a.m. on Saturday. Heavy rain is also expected during these times. City leaders have categorized the incoming weather as “disruptive,” which they said poses risks of life-threatening situations and significant property damage.
The city says around 12-25 roads in Charleston could become impassable during this time.
Charleston has initiated the following preparations and preventive measures, with more expected to be announced.
- Barricades put up on flood-prone streets hours before heavy rain and high tide begin
- High-water vehicles and crews will be deployed and equipped with resources to respond when need arises
- Colonial Lake’s water level will be lowered on Thursday
- Also, starting Thursday, storm drains on flood-prone streets will be cleared
- Temporary pumps will be installed throughout vulnerable areas
“You know, I think in the past that it was more of a wait and see approach and Mayor Cogswell really wants to be proactive and make sure that the city is prepared, and our residents and businesses are prepared,” McMillan said.
City officials say they will announce Friday morning if parking garages will open to the public for free after further assessing the weather.
Residents and business owners are encouraged to take their own precautions too by checking nearby storm drains, securing loose items, and having a plan to move vehicles to higher ground.
“Definitely try and move my car. That’s probably like the most important thing for me with that is just not coming out to a waterlogged car,” said Preston Gray, who lives in Downtown Charleston.
City officials said they will use data from the police and fire departments when deciding to activate the flood plan.
