High Surf Advisory Ends as Coastal Flooding Hits Charleston and Outer Banks

News Summary

Charleston and the Outer Banks are recovering from a storm that caused significant flooding and hazardous surf conditions. The high surf advisory has ended, but residents are still facing coastal effects. With tide levels reaching 8.08 feet, road closures and warnings are in place for both locals and visitors, especially along the Outer Banks where flooding warnings remain. Though conditions are set to improve soon, the aftermath of the storm continues to pose challenges.

High Surf Advisory Concludes, Coastal Flooding Hits Charleston and Outer Banks

Charleston, SC – The waves may have calmed, but the effects of the recent storm are still being felt along the coast of Charleston and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Just a short time ago, the National Weather Service (NWS) announced that the high surf advisory risk for Charleston County has officially ended, bringing a sense of relief to locals and tourists alike who enjoy the sun and surf.

Water Woes

Although the surf advisory concluded at 8 p.m. on the same day, it wasn’t without some serious coastal drama. The updated advisory that took effect early Wednesday morning warned of significant surf conditions valid until 4 p.m. that same day. With large breaking waves reaching heights of 4 to 6 feet expected in the surf zone, swimming and surfing conditions remained hazardous. Inexperienced swimmers were urged to steer clear of the water, as the ocean was not playing nice.

Coastal Community Struggles

The weather didn’t just create tough swimming conditions; it stirred up a potent storm off the Carolina coast, causing some serious coastal impacts, especially for the Outer Banks. Wind gusts were reported at frightening levels, along with heavy rainfall and moderate to major coastal flooding. Charleston and Colleton counties were also under coastal flooding warnings, heightening concerns for residents.

The tide levels in Charleston Harbor reached a concerning 8.08 feet, marking a major flood stage. As a result, several roadways in downtown Charleston faced closures due to ongoing saltwater flooding. Meanwhile, in nearby Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, the tidal flooding also impacted low-lying areas, creating challenges for locals trying to navigate the streets.

Warnings and Restrictions

In addition to the flooding woes, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore has issued stern warnings for its visitors regarding strong winds, high surf, and coastal flooding that will last through Saturday. Due to the dangers presented by the storm, beaches between Rodanthe and Buxton were closed off to ensure public safety. Furthermore, residents and vacationers were advised of potential coastal inundation levels reaching 2-4 feet in the Outer Banks, raising alarms for potential overwash of crucial roadways like Highway 12.

This year, the coast has seen incredible destruction with four uninhabited homes collapsing into the raging Atlantic due to severe weather conditions. Notably, a popular vacation rental home in Rodanthe was lost to the sea when wave heights soared to nearly 10 feet.

Future Forecast

As the storm system rolls along its eastern path, conditions are expected to improve gradually by the weekend. However, the lingering effects of astronomical king tides linked to the recent full Moon cycle will continue to keep water levels elevated. A region of high pressure is likely to form next week, which should bring calmer, clearer skies and refreshing conditions back to the coastline.

Stay Safe and Prepared

For those out on the water or in coastal communities, it’s essential to remain vigilant. Mariners are being advised to modify their courses or stay in port as conditions may still fluctuate. Be prepared for heavy rain, dangerous seas, and winds gusting up to 55 mph with substantial rainfall potentially leading to flooding along coastal roads.

Although the high surf advisory is over, the ocean shows its unpredictable nature, so stay safe and be cautious out there!

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Additional Resources

• The State
• Wikipedia: Coastal flooding
• Myrtle Beach Online
• Google Search: Coastal weather
• Island Packet
• Google Scholar: Weather forecast impacts
• Post and Courier
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Storm forecast
• Count on 2
• Google News: Coastal flooding