Charleston is starting Monday with temperatures in the upper 50s and partly cloudy skies, but the bigger story is along the coast, where flooding, rough surf and dangerous rip currents are creating a serious morning hazard. The city will warm to about 73 degrees under sunny skies, with northeast winds around 13 mph and gusts up to 21 mph.
Coastal Flooding Peaks Around Morning High Tide
A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect from 5 a.m. through Monday morning for Charleston and coastal Colleton counties. The National Weather Service says one to two feet of saltwater inundation above ground level along shorelines and tidal waterways is possible, with high tide arriving around 8:18 a.m.
That could make some roads impassable and flood vulnerable properties, especially in low-lying areas. Anyone driving near tidal waterways should avoid barricades and never attempt to cross water of unknown depth.
Coastal flooding could return around Tuesday and Wednesday morning high tides, with lower-level flooding possible through the rest of the week as persistent northeast winds continue. The latest warning is a sharper turn from Sunday's Hoodline forecast, which flagged the broader flood threat but not Monday's warning-level impacts.
Sunny And Breezy Through Friday
After Monday's cool start, Tuesday will be sunny with a high near 75 and a low around 56. Wednesday and Thursday will reach about 76 and 77 degrees, respectively, while northeast winds remain noticeable, and Friday should be mostly sunny with a high near 78.
The week should stay largely rain-free through Saturday, when skies are forecast to be mostly sunny with a high around 77 degrees.
Beach Conditions Remain Dangerous
A High Surf Advisory continues until 5 p.m. Monday, with breaking waves of 4 to 6 feet in the surf zone, while a high rip current risk remains in place through Monday evening. Inexperienced swimmers should stay out of the water, and anyone swimming should remain near a lifeguard and never fight a rip current directly.
