Charleston Residents Bracing for Coastal Flooding: Advisory in Effect
Charleston, SC – Early Wednesday morning came with a friendly reminder from the National Weather Service (NWS) that our lovely coastal area is expecting a bit of a splash: a coastal flood advisory is in effect until 7 a.m. today! With predictions of up to one foot of inundation above ground level along the shorelines and tidal waterways, it’s crucial for locals to stay informed and prepared.
What’s Happening?
The advisory was issued at 12:09 a.m. and cautioned that high tide will hit around 5:08 a.m.. As the tide rises, the NWS warns that saltwater flooding could become a concern up to two hours before and after the high tide mark. For Coastal Colleton and Charleston counties, the mean lower low water is expected to be from 7.5 to 7.7 feet, which means a lot of water may be sloshing around.
Roads and Properties Affected
Be mindful, folks! The NWS has indicated that some roads might become impassable during this time, leading to minor flooding of properties in the more affected areas. If you have plans to head out, allow for that extra travel time because some roads may indeed be closed off due to high water levels. And please, let’s all agree to keep our curiosity at bay—don’t drive around barricades or attempt to pass through water where you can’t see the ground below. Safety first!
Who Should Be Careful?
Residents in flood-prone areas and those camping in low-lying spots should consider moving to higher ground immediately. If there’s any instruction to evacuate, please follow that advice without hesitation. Remember to lock up your home when you vacate and, if time permits, detach any utilities or appliances to avoid unnecessary damage.
Stay Safe, Stay Smart!
Stay out of basements and avoid any rooms where water covers electrical outlets or the cords leading to them. If you notice anything alarming, like sparks or strange electrical noises, get out of that space! And remember, water may have electricity in it, so steer clear of it. It only takes a mere 6 inches of fast-moving water to knock someone off their feet! Trust us, you don’t want to be swept away.
Trapped in Water? What to Do.
If you find yourself trapped by moving water, head for the highest point nearby and call 911 if it’s safe to do so. And a gentle reminder: during these wet conditions, it’s best to steer clear of driving altogether if you can. Just because it looks like a shallow puddle doesn’t mean it is—12 inches of swiftly flowing water can sweep most cars away in no time!
Understanding Hydroplaning
Now, for our driving enthusiasts, let’s chat about a little something that tends to happen during these wet adventures: hydroplaning. This happens when a vehicle slides out of control on wet roads. Specifically, when water gets under the tires faster than the car’s weight can push it out of the way, the tires lose grip and rise on a thin layer of water. This is when the fun stops and the panic begins. So here are the top three contributors to that slippery situation:
- Wet road conditions
- Speeding during rainfall
- Worn tires
If you ever find yourself hydroplaning, remember to stay calm, ease off the gas, and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Confidence is key!
Final Thoughts
So, Charleston, let’s prepare ourselves for potential water woes this morning. By staying informed, cautious, and proactive, we can ensure we weather this temporary flood with a bit of grace. We’ll get through this together, and soon enough, the sunshine will return!
