Charleston to open some garages, place pumps and barricades in flood-prone areas head of heavy rainfall

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Charleston city leaders are implementing their flood mitigation plan Monday which includes opening some garages for safe parking and deploying pumps to combat possible rising water.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flood watch for the Charleston area saying excessive rainfall Monday afternoon could mix with high tide. The greatest threat is expected between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. with rain beginning around noon.

“NWS Charleston’s supplemental report forecasts 2.5-3.5 inches of rainfall, but isolated areas could experience 6” or more,” the city said in a news release Monday morning. “High tide is expected to be 6.3 feet at 5:09 p.m.”

Free parking will be made available from 11 a.m. Monday until 8 a.m. Tuesday at the 99 WestEdge Street, Charleston Tech Center (997 Morrison Drive), and the 34 St. Philip Street parking garages.

If you choose to park in one of these garages, city leaders say you should press the call button when leaving the garage and inform the operator you are utilizing the city’s free storm parking.

Residents should not use the garages located in the medical district as these are intended for staff and patients.

Meanwhile, the Charleston Police Department will place barricades around vulnerable streets before possible flooding. Mobile signage will also be used to warn drivers about flooding.

Multiple pumps will also be deployed throughout the peninsula to help manage water levels, and the city will monitor the Church Creek Basin and clean city drains and ditches to help combat possible blockages.

“Stormwater crews are currently operating under rainy day protocols, addressing as many blockages as possible. Department of Livability and Code Enforcement teams are assisting in identifying and clearing debris and litter to minimize blockages. Lake Dotterer was lowered yesterday, and Colonial Lake’s valves have been set for outflow,” the city said.

Residents are asked to keep their trash cans in a safe place until 6 a.m. Tuesday. Sweepers, trash, and garbage crews will be on standby to clean up any debris.

Finally, the city’s youth summer camps will be released early at 1 p.m., and non-essential city employees will leave at 2 p.m. to reduce the number of people traveling during the afternoon.

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