Charleston Considers Implementation of “No Wake” Zones on Flooded Streets

Charleston Considers “No Wake” Zones on Flooded Streets

In response to persistent flooding issues, the city of Charleston is contemplating a regulation that would enforce a “no wake” zone for vehicles traversing flooded city streets. The proposed measure, inspired by a law in New Orleans, is designed to discourage drivers from creating harmful wakes that may inflict damage to nearby properties.

A Rising Concern

During frequent flood events, drivers often treat inundated streets as momentary waterways, with larger vehicles sometimes even sending waves into resident homes. Just one large wave caused by a passing vehicle can result in thousands of dollars in property damages, prompting the necessity for a strict rule to curb this growing menace.

The No Wake Zone Ordinance

“No wake zones” are typically implemented in water bodies to prevent boating activities from disturbing other water users and wildlife or damaging riverbanks or adjacent properties. Charleston plans to adapt this concept for its regularly waterlogged roads. Cities including Cape May, New Jersey, and Hampton, Virginia, have already instituted comparable regulations.

Charleston’s proposed regulation is primarily designed to ameliorate the secondary effects of flooding, which exacerbate the city’s primary flood concerns. The ordinance aims to deter people from driving at speeds higher than 5 mph on waterlogged streets and instill more cautious and respectful driving practices.

Enforcement and Implications

However, the challenge of enforcing such a law remains. Authorities have expressed hope that the potential for fines and penalties will encourage better driving behavior, without needing explicit surveillance. Alongside the proposal, the Charleston Police Department recently received a grant of $20,000 earmarked for the purchase of additional barricades.

Driving through floodwaters not only risks property damage but also jeopardizes human lives. The inability to accurately gauge water depth or perceive submerged obstacles can result in vehicle incapacitation, putting drivers, passengers, and eventual rescuers at risk. In some instances, fatalities have occurred due to flooded roadway incidents.

The motto, particularly during flood times, needs to be “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” This dictum was formulated by the National Weather Service to avoid flood-related misadventures and preventable deaths.

Record Climatic Disturbances

The adoption of this ordinance is urgent as the city grapples with mounting floodwaters, due to rising sea levels and unexpected climatic disturbances. In December 2023, Charleston witnessed a devastating nor’easter that coincided with unusually high tides, marking Charleston’s fourth highest tide on record.

Community Response

The news of implementation of a “no wake” zone was greeted with relief by residents, who have borne the brunt of vehicle-induced flood damage. While long-term plans for improvement to stormwater retention and flood mitigation infrastructure are underway, this regulation provides an immediate step toward minimizing property damage caused by nuisance flooding. The passage of the ordinance is considered a potential safeguard against further flood damage.