Tropical Storm Idalia Causes Flooding and Disrupts Operations in Charleston, South Carolina

Tropical Storm Idalia Moves Away from Lowcountry, Leaving Road Closures and Flooding in Charleston

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – Tropical Storm Idalia is slowly pulling away from the Lowcountry after causing significant impact on Wednesday. As of 5 a.m., the storm’s center was approximately 45 miles southwest of Wilmington, North Carolina, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph.

While the storm is moving offshore, a tropical storm warning remains in effect for inland Georgetown County. However, it is expected to dissipate over the next few hours.

In downtown Charleston, road closures are still in place due to ongoing flooding. The following streets are closed: Ashley Avenue from Montagu Street to Beaufain Street, Ashley Street between Bull and Calhoun Street, Barre Street from Beaufain Street to Montagu Street, Barre Street from Bennett Street to Montagu Street, Bull Street between Halsey Street and Barre Street, Gadsden Street between Calhoun Street and Beaufain Street, Montagu Street between Barre Street and Halsey Street, Washington Street at Society Street, and Wentworth Street between Barre Street and Rutledge Avenue.

Residents who parked their cars for free in one of the six city-owned parking garages in downtown Charleston have until 6 p.m. to remove them. City spokesman Jack O’Toole stated that parking spaces are available at four of the garages: Aquarium parking garage (24 Calhoun St.), East Bay/Prioleau parking garage (25 Prioleau St.), 99 West Edge parking garage (99 West Edge St.), and Charleston Tech Center parking garage (997 Morrison Drive). Additionally, a limited number of spaces have become available at the Queen Street parking garage (93 Queen St.) and the Visitor Center parking garage at 63 Mary St.

To address the aftermath of the storm, Charleston Public Service Department crews have four knuckle boom trucks ready for deployment at 8 a.m. on Thursday to begin debris pick-up. Trash crews will assist as needed, and street sweeping crews will be deployed at 7 a.m., if conditions allow, to begin clean-up in flooded areas. City personnel will also conduct windshield surveys of storm-related damage as soon as conditions permit.

In response to anticipated damage and impassable roads, several Lowcountry school districts have announced eLearning days on Thursday. The Charleston, Berkeley, Colleton, Beaufort, Georgetown, and Orangeburg County School Districts, as well as Dorchester Districts 2 and 4, will operate eLearning days. The Williamsburg County School District will treat the day as an inclement weather day and remain closed. All districts, except Williamsburg County Schools, are expected to operate on a normal schedule on Friday, with Williamsburg County Schools operating on a two-hour delay.

Colleges and universities in the area have also adjusted their schedules. Charleston Southern University, ECPI, and Trident Technical College will hold online learning, while the College of Charleston and the University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie have canceled all classes, events, and activities on Thursday. Claflin College, the Medical University of South Carolina, and Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College will resume regular schedules after 11 a.m. South Carolina State University will operate on a two-hour delay, with classes resuming at 10 a.m.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

What precautions should residents take when driving through flooded areas?

Spokesperson for the city also advised residents to avoid driving through flooded areas and to use caution if they must travel.

In addition to the road closures, some areas in Charleston experienced significant flooding. The Charleston Fire Department reported several water rescues throughout the day on Wednesday. Officials are urging residents to remain cautious and to stay updated on the latest weather information.

Tropical Storm Idalia brought heavy rainfall to the Lowcountry, causing widespread flooding in many areas. The storm also brought strong winds, resulting in downed trees and power outages. As the storm moves away from the region, crews are working to restore power and clean up debris.

Idalia is the ninth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season and formed off the coast of Florida earlier this week. While the storm did not make landfall in the Lowcountry, it still caused significant disruption with its heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Residents are advised to stay vigilant and to monitor local news outlets for updates on road closures and weather conditions.