Flash Flood Warning: Multiple Road Closures in Downtown Charleston
Flash flooding closed more than a dozen downtown Charleston streets Sunday night, prompting a flash flood warning from the National Weather Service and stranding multiple vehicles in standing water.
Flash Flood Warning and Rainfall Totals Across Charleston
The city of Charleston reported that between 1 and 3 inches of rain fell during the storm, with an additional 1 to 3 inches possible overnight. Municipal officials issued urgent warnings for residents and visitors to stay off the roads unless facing an absolute emergency. The National Weather Service maintained a Flash Flood Warning for downtown Charleston as water accumulated across major thoroughfares.
City officials and emergency responders tracked closures reported between 8:26 p.m. and 9:50 p.m. Sunday. The Charleston Fire Department responded to nine submerged vehicles during the evening hours. Crews also deployed two high-water vehicles to manage impassable areas throughout the downtown district.
City Officials List Closed Downtown Lanes and Intersections
City officials listed all lanes closed due to standing water or potential hazards at numerous specific intersections. The reported closures span multiple key corridors:
- Vanderhorst Street and Ogier Street between Rutledge Avenue and Smith Street, and between Calhoun Street and Vanderhorst Street
- Morrison Drive between Huger Street and Cooper Street
- Lockwood Drive and Broad Street between Wentworth Street and Barre Street
- Ashley Avenue between Calhoun Street and Bull Street
- Rutledge Avenue between Calhoun Street and Bull Street, and between Gordon Street and Poplar Street
- King Street at Columbus Street
- Bennett Street between Barre Street and Rutledge Avenue
- Calhoun Street from Rutledge Avenue to Smith Street
- Bull Street between Halsey Boulevard and Ashley Avenue
- Barre Street between Calhoun Street and Montagu Street
- Gadsden Street between Calhoun Street and Bull Street
- South Market Street between Meeting Street and Concord Street
- Washington Street between Laurens Street and Society Street
- East Bay Street at Market Street
Officials Reiterate Flood Safety Guidelines for Residents
Officials reiterated standard flood safety guidelines: never drive through a flooded roadway, never drive around barricades, and turn around if standing water is encountered. Water at night often appears shallower than it actually is, creating stalling risks for standard vehicles.
City officials ask residents to submit updates only when safe and never while driving, noting that these citizen reports help emergency crews respond when water enters homes or businesses.
High Tide May Disrupt Monday Morning Commutes
High tide is expected around 5 a.m. Monday. Continued overnight rainfall combined with high tide means flooding and road closures could persist into the morning commute. The City’s Emergency Management team is actively monitoring conditions, coordinating with the Charleston Police Department, Charleston Fire Department, and Charleston County Emergency Management. Motorists are advised to check the TideEye map before leaving home, allow extra travel time, and turn around immediately if encountering a flooded road.