Charleston Braces for Potential Major Flooding as Hurricane Milton Approaches

Charleston Prepares for Major Flooding as Hurricane Milton Approaches

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Brace yourselves, residents of Charleston! The city is gearing up for what officials are calling potential “major flooding” as Hurricane Milton is making its way up the U.S. east coast. The storm swept through Florida’s west coast last night, and now it’s out over the Atlantic, stirring up waves of concern for those living in historic Charleston.

What to Expect from Hurricane Milton

The main concerns for Charleston are gusty winds and the possibility of coastal flooding. Rain may not be on the menu, but the tides are certainly rising. According to the National Weather Service, the area can expect a high tide between noon and 5 p.m. today, with projections indicating the tide could reach a staggering 8.1 to 8.3 feet at 1:50 p.m. This could lead to significant flooding in the low-lying areas.

Storm Team 2 Meteorologist Josh Marthers noted, “Today’s high tide around 2 p.m. is forecast to reach major flood stage in Charleston Harbor. This usually produces about a foot of standing saltwater in tidal flood-prone areas, with some locations experiencing up to two feet.” Sounds like a good day to stay off the roads!

Free Parking and Safety Measures

In light of the impending flooding, city officials are taking proactive measures to help residents. They have opened up free parking at select garages to keep vehicles safe from potential water damage. If you’re worried about your ride getting soaked, you can take advantage of this offer. Just make sure to exit the garage by 8:30 a.m. Friday, and when you’re leaving, press the call button to notify the operator you’re using the free storm parking. Pretty simple, right?

Additionally, police have deployed barricades in areas highly susceptible to flooding. Officials are reminding residents not to drive around these barricades or attempt to navigate flooded roads. Let’s make sure everyone stays safe out there; violators could face a ticket!

Be Prepared, Stay Safe

Charleston is no stranger to the impact of storms, but it’s always best to be prepared. Today’s high tide could bring about some tricky situations, especially for those living near the water. If you know you’re in a vulnerable area, consider taking extra precautions. Whether that means moving your car to higher ground or simply planning to stay indoors during the peak of the flooding, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

As the storm continues its path, we’ll be keeping a close eye on the situation. It’s crucial for everyone to stay updated and to heed the warnings from city officials. Let’s hope for the best and prepare for the possibility of high tides and flooding today.

Final Thoughts

In the end, we’re a resilient community, and we’ll get through this together. Stay safe, Charleston! Remember to look out for your neighbors, check on those who may need assistance, and keep up with local updates to stay informed about Hurricane Milton’s impact. We’re all in this together, and together we’ll weather the storm!