Charleston Hit by Flash Flooding as Stubborn Front Brings Heavy Rain to Southeast
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Heavy rainfall from a slow-moving storm system triggered dangerous flash flooding across the Charleston area Friday, closing dozens of roads and swamping neighborhoods in North Charleston and Mount Pleasant.
According to the National Weather Service, the flooding was fueled by a stalled frontal boundary that also shielded the East Coast from Hurricane Erin’s direct impact. Radar showed rainfall totals between six inches and a foot in some communities, leaving parts of Dorchester County impassable.
Airport and Roads Submerged
At Charleston International Airport, nearly 3 inches of rain fell in just 35 minutes, overwhelming drainage systems and flooding roads near the terminal. Officials reported the entrance to the airport was temporarily inaccessible due to standing water.
Elsewhere, storm reports indicated widespread closures of residential streets and highways. In Dorchester County, emergency crews responded to blocked roads and stranded vehicles as the intense downpours made travel treacherous.
Flood Watches and Ongoing Risk
The National Weather Service and the NOAA Weather Prediction Center placed Charleston and surrounding coastal regions under a Level 2 flash flood risk. Forecasters warned that rainfall rates could continue at 2 to 3 inches per hour in slow-moving storms through Saturday, with totals expected to reach 3 to 5 inches in some areas.
The greatest threat zone extends from Charleston into southeastern Georgia, including Savannah, where flood watches remain active.
Southeast Feeling the Impact
This same frontal system has caused flooding across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Earlier this week, Southwest Virginia and Northern North Carolina saw nearly 5 inches of rain in just three hours, leading to rescues and a rare Flash Flood Emergency in Roanoke.
In Roanoke, more than 4 inches of rain fell in two hours, marking one of the wettest August days in city history and classified by meteorologists as a 1-in-500-year event.
Charleston residents are encouraged to share how flooding has impacted their neighborhoods and what steps they believe local officials should take to better prepare for future severe weather. Join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
