Coastal Flooding and Dangerous Rip Currents Threaten South Carolina Beaches This Week
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Coastal communities across South Carolina are bracing for minor to moderate flooding and dangerous rip currents this week as king tides return alongside October’s full moon, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Charleston.
King Tides Bring Elevated Flood Risk
Meteorologists say king tides — the highest and lowest tide cycles of the year — will affect the coast through midweek, fueled by the gravitational pull of the full moon Monday night.
The NWS Charleston office posted a coastal flood alert Monday afternoon, warning that tides could rise up to a half-foot above normal in Charleston and Colleton Counties, with water likely to spill into low-lying roads and tidal waterways.
In Georgetown and Horry Counties, forecasters expect up to one foot of inundation, potentially affecting causeways, coastal neighborhoods, and sections of the Intracoastal Waterway.
High Tide Schedule for Coastal Areas
Here are the projected high tide times for Charleston:
- Monday: 8:01 p.m.
- Tuesday: 8:23 a.m. and 8:48 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9:13 a.m. and 9:38 p.m.
And for Myrtle Beach:
- Monday: 9:10 p.m.
- Tuesday: 9:32 a.m. and 9:57 p.m.
- Wednesday: 10:22 a.m. and 10:47 p.m.
Officials say flooding could peak one to two hours around each high tide, especially in areas near tidal creeks and marshes.
Rip Currents Pose High Danger to Swimmers
Alongside the flooding risk, forecasters have issued a high rip current alert for the South Carolina coast. Strong currents could pull even experienced swimmers away from shore, prompting lifeguards to advise beachgoers to swim near designated watch zones only.
The NWS Charleston warned that conditions may worsen midweek as strong onshore winds combine with higher-than-normal tides.
“We continue to monitor the threat for at least minor to moderate coastal flooding for our coast through this week,” the NWS said in a statement.
Officials Urge Coastal Caution
Local emergency managers are advising residents and visitors to move vehicles from flood-prone areas, avoid driving through standing water, and stay off jetties or piers during high tide.
Coastal flooding is expected to subside gradually by Thursday as tides normalize.
Have you seen flooding or strong surf conditions in your area this week? Share your photos and storm safety experiences at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
