City of Charleston continues to prepare for potential flooding Friday

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Heavy rain usually means flooded roads in Charleston which is why city leaders spent the latter half of the week preparing for Friday’s forecast.

“This could very much become a null event, but we are preparing based on the current forecast, the high tide, and the rain predictions, that we are going to see some flooding activities occur after 5 pm and into the 8 pm range and probably after, so we want to be prepared for that,” said Mike Julazadeh, the Chief Fire Marshal for the Charleston Fire Department.

Barricades were placed at flood-prone roads and temporary pumps have been installed throughout vulnerable areas. Crews were also monitoring Church Creek basin and making sure drains and ditches were clear.

A high-water vehicle was at the ready beginning Friday afternoon and into Saturday. Another vehicle is on standby.

“The high-water vehicles become another resource, another tool for us to pick up some of those calls that most frequently are happening when people drive into water that is too deep,” said Julazadeh.

The weather, however, isn’t getting in the way of some College of Charleston basketball fans who planned to watch the Cougars’ March Madness game Friday night at local bars.

“It’s going to rain, it’s Charleston. It’s always going to rain. So, we’re just ready. We’re going to get in there and park it and hang out all night,” said Allison Wehner, a College of Charleston 2023 graduate.

Jack Kowalik, a junior at the college, had a similar outlook.

“Rain or shine, we’re showing up,” said Kowalik.

Julazadeh asked people to do their part to stay safe amid the bad weather.

“If barricades are up, do not drive around the barricades. They’re up there for a reason. And don’t forget that when you go in and you try to drive through a flooded roadway and your vehicle stalls, it’s not only property damage and it’s not only your safety you’re taking into account here. It’s the first responders. Somebody now has to come get you out of that situation and we’re actually creating emergency events,” the fire marshal explained.

To find out the latest road closures, click here.