Hurricane Milton could bring coastal flooding, wind gusts to the Lowcountry

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Hurricane Milton has increased to a Category 2 as it moves towards the west coast of the Florida Peninsula. It is not expected to hit South Carolina directly but impacts could still be felt in the Lowcountry.

The National Weather Service Charleston says the storm is expected to track off the Georgia and South Carolina coast on Thursday with impacts extending several miles from its center.

According to NWS, the primary impacts begin Wednesday to Thursday night.

Coastal flooding on Tuesday and Wednesday could impact Charleston and Colleton Counties. NWS says tide levels could reach minor flooding thresholds.

On Thursday, there will be an increasing concern about significant coastal flooding.

“It is too far out to provide a detailed total water forecast at this time,” NWS Charleston reported. “However, preliminary guidance indicates that there is a greater than 10% for water levels to peak within major flood stage for the entire Southeast South Carolina and Georgia coast with the early afternoon high tide.”

Officials forecast Tropical Storm conditions are possible for much of the area Wednesday night into Thursday. The strongest wind gusts happening along the coast.

“It may be enough to where we need a Tropical Storm Watch for parts of the South Carolina or Georgia Coast as we head through the next day or two – because we could get some wind gusts as high as 40 maybe 45 mph and that would be enough to require a Tropical Storm Watch,” says Meteorologist Josh Marthers.

There is also an enhanced risk for rip currents along the South Carolina beaches this week.