Charleston to offer sandbags at 2 locations as city preps for coastal flooding

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Charleston city leaders are preparing for possible impacts from Hurricane Milton as the storm nears the Florida coast later this week.

While major impacts are not anticipated in South Carolina, the coast could see high northeast winds, storm surge, and an estimated 8-foot high tide that could cause major flooding.

In addition to opening five garages for safe parking from anticipated coastal flooding, the city will provide sandbags at two distribution sites beginning Wednesday morning.

• Locations include the Bee’s Landing Recreation Center (1580 Ashley Gardens Blvd.)
• Hampton Park (Mary Murray Drive at Ashley Landing) Parking Lot by Ball Fields

Sandbag operations begin Oct. 9 from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Residents should bring their shovels. There is a 10-bag limit per residence.

People are encouraged to check and clear storm drains in front of their homes and businesses to prevent debris buildup. “This action is crucial in reducing flooding impacts on roadways,” the city said.

Finally, as part of the city’s plan to mitigate flooding, crews will begin clearing debris from streets and drains, and barricades prepositioned on streets before high tides occur.

Water levels at Colonial Lake and Lake Dotterer have been lowered, and temporary pumps are installed in vulnerable areas.