Charleston could see some wind, coastal flooding from Hurricane Milton

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A tropical storm watch remains active for portions of the South Carolina coast ahead of potential impacts from Hurricane Milton this week.

The storm is expected to slam into Florida’s west coast late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning at a category 4 and then trek across the peninsula before moving out over the Atlantic Ocean. While the storm isn’t expected to have major impacts on South Carolina, the coast will likely see gusty wind, coastal flooding, and storm surge.

The tropical storm warning is in place for Berkeley County, Charleston County, and coastal Colleton County. A tropical storm warning is active for South Carolina’s coastal waters.

A storm surge warning is active for coastal Colleton County, and a storm surge watch is in place for Charleston and Berkeley Counties.

“The storm will mostly likely stay well to our south. We’ll see plenty of cloud cover and perhaps some passing showers Wednesday into Thursday. Main impacts here at home will be gusty wind late Wednesday and Thursday, strong rip currents, rough ocean conditions, beach erosion, and coastal flooding,” said Storm Team 2 Meteorologist Josh Marthers.

Thursday’s high tide in the early afternoon will be something to watch. Marthers said forecasts indicate the water could reach eight feet in Charleston Harbor, which is considered major flooding level. “We normally see some water in the streets of Charleston at seven feet,” he said.

Coastal communities are preparing for the potential flooding from Milton. Charleston city leaders began installing pumps in vulnerable areas and will place barricades along roadways most susceptible to flooding. Sandbag operations will begin Wednesday morning at distribution sites on the peninsula, West Ashley, and James Island.

Five downtown parking garages will also open for free parking to keep vehicles safe from possible flooding.