Charleston city leaders warn residents of potential for ‘major flooding’ Thursday
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Charleston city officials warned residents to prepare for potential “major flooding” Thursday as Hurricane Milton churns near the U.S. east coast.
The storm made landfall along Florida’s west coast Wednesday night and emerged over the Atlantic. Gusty wind and coastal flooding are the main threats to the Charleton area. Rain is not expected.
City officials say tidal flooding is expected Thursday between noon and 5 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service, Milton’s high northeast winds, storm surge, and projected 8.1 to 8.3-foot-high tide at 1:50 p.m. will likely cause major flooding.
“Today’s high tide around 2 p.m. is forecast to reach major flood stage in Charleston Harbor. This usually produces about a foot of standing saltwater in tidal flood-prone areas, with a few areas seeing up to two feet,” said Storm Team 2 Meteorologist Josh Marthers. “Minor to moderate tidal flooding is expected again with Friday afternoon’s high tide around three o’clock.”
In anticipation of flooding, the city began offering free parking at garages so residents could keep their vehicles safe from water and flood-related damages. The garages, listed below, will remain open for storm parking through 8:30 a.m. Friday.
- Aquarium parking garage (24 Calhoun Street)
- Visitor Center parking garage (63 Mary Street)
- 99 West Edge parking garage (99 West Edge Street, next to the Charleston Police Department)
- Charleston Tech Center parking garage (997 Morrison Drive)
- East Bay/Prioleau parking garage (25 Prioleau Street)
If you use the garage for free flood parking, you must press the call button when exiting and inform the operator you are using the free storm parking.
Police also deployed barricades to vulnerable areas. Officials warned against driving around barricades or through flooded roads and added that violators would be ticketed.
