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5 Critical Updates On Flooding In Charleston SC Today: Real-Time Status And Road Closures

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For Monday, December 22, 2025, the immediate threat of widespread, rain-induced flooding in Charleston, South Carolina, is low. The current weather forecast calls for sunny skies and clear conditions, which means the city is not facing the flash flooding risks associated with heavy rainfall or major storm systems. However, Charleston remains highly susceptible to "nuisance flooding" and tidal impacts, particularly in low-lying areas of the Peninsula, making real-time monitoring essential for residents and visitors.

The key to understanding the flood risk in Charleston on any given day—including today—is the tide cycle, not just the weather. Even on a beautiful, clear day, high tides can push water onto historical roadways, a phenomenon often called "sunny day flooding." While the recent major King Tide event for December 2025 has passed (occurring earlier this month), minor tidal flooding is always a possibility, and knowing which roads are impacted is critical for safe travel in the Lowcountry.

Immediate Flood Status for Charleston, SC (December 22, 2025)

To provide the most current and accurate picture of conditions in the Holy City, here is the status of key flooding indicators for today, Monday, December 22, 2025. This summary is vital for anyone planning to drive or walk through Downtown Charleston or other vulnerable coastal areas.

  • Current Weather Conditions: Clear and sunny. The National Weather Service (NWS) forecast shows a 0% chance of rain for the day, significantly reducing the risk of flash flooding.
  • Major Coastal Flood Risk: Low. The region is outside of the predicted December 2025 King Tide window, which typically sees the highest water levels of the year (the King Tides for this month occurred between December 3rd and 6th).
  • Tide Levels: Water levels at the Cooper River at Charleston Harbor are regularly monitored by NOAA. The threshold for minor coastal flooding is 7.0 feet Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW), while major coastal flooding occurs at 8.0 ft MLLW. Checking the current NOAA tide predictions is the best way to anticipate any minor tidal impacts.
  • Road Closures: While no major storm has caused widespread closures today, localized, temporary closures can still occur, particularly at high tide. The City of Charleston's GIS system provides a live map and list of all reported road closures due to water.

The Difference Between Flash Flooding and Nuisance Flooding

When most people search for "flooding in Charleston SC today," they are often concerned about flash flooding—the rapid inundation of low-lying areas, often caused by intense rainfall. However, Charleston's primary, daily flooding challenge is "nuisance flooding," also known as tidal or recurrent flooding.

Flash Flooding

  • Caused by: Heavy, intense rainfall, often associated with thunderstorms, tropical storms, or hurricanes.
  • Impact: Can cause rapid, dangerous conditions and widespread road closures, such as those seen during historical events like Hurricane Hugo or recent tropical depressions.

Nuisance/Tidal Flooding

  • Caused by: Astronomical high tides (especially King Tides), elevated sea levels, or persistent onshore winds, even on clear, sunny days.
  • Impact: Occurs predictably in the same low-lying areas. It typically makes roads impassable for a few hours around the peak high tide, but the water recedes quickly.

Today, the city is experiencing the latter, low-level risk, meaning the focus shifts to preparedness and using real-time resources to navigate the city safely.

Real-Time Tools: How to Check Charleston SC Road Closures Live

For anyone driving or living in the Charleston area, relying on static information is not enough. The situation on the ground, especially in Downtown Charleston, can change hourly based on the tide. These are the essential, up-to-the-minute resources to check before you travel.

1. City of Charleston Road Closures Map (GIS)

This is the official source for all flood-related road closures. It is updated by City of Charleston Emergency Management officials as soon as a road is confirmed to be impassable. Common flood-prone streets that appear on this list include:

  • South Market Street (between Meeting St and East Bay St)
  • Bennett Street (between Ashley Ave and Rutledge Ave)
  • The intersection of Calhoun Street and Courtenay Drive
  • Parts of the Battery/Murray Boulevard
  • President Street and Hagood Avenue

2. NOAA Tide Predictions for Charleston Harbor

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides precise, hourly tide predictions. By checking the predicted high tide level, you can anticipate when and where nuisance flooding is most likely to occur. A high tide above 7.0 feet MLLW is the action stage for minor flooding.

3. ChucktownFloods (College of Charleston)

The College of Charleston's program, ChucktownFloods, offers live updates and citizen-reported data on flooding. This is an excellent resource for seeing photos and reports from residents and students, providing a ground-level view of current conditions in specific neighborhoods.

4. Waze Live Traffic Map

Waze integrates user-reported data, including road closures and hazards. In a city like Charleston, Waze can often reflect closures due to water faster than official channels, as drivers report impassable roads in real-time.

Understanding Charleston’s King Tide Schedule and Future Risk

While today is clear, the long-term trend for Charleston is an increasing frequency of tidal flooding. The King Tides—the highest predicted tides of the year—are a critical factor in the city's annual flood risk. Knowing the schedule for future King Tides is essential for anyone living or working in the area.

The South Carolina King Tides Initiative tracks these events closely. Although the most recent King Tide period for December 2025 has passed, residents must remain aware of upcoming periods in the new year. These periods are when the city is most vulnerable, even without rain.

Coastal resiliency and flood mitigation efforts are ongoing topics of discussion for the City of Charleston. Projects like the construction of new sea walls, upgrades to the city's drainage system, and the implementation of advanced tidal gates are all part of the long-term strategy to combat the rising frequency of water on the streets. Staying informed through the resources above is the best way to navigate the city's unique relationship with the water.

5 Critical Updates on Flooding in Charleston SC Today: Real-Time Status and Road Closures
flooding in charleston sc today
flooding in charleston sc today

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