Flooding hits Charleston as powerful Carolina coastal storm develops

CAPE HATTERAS, N.C. – A rapidly strengthening area of low pressure off the Carolina coast Friday will significantly impact the Outer Banks with damaging wind gusts, moderate to major coastal flooding and heavy rain.

As the storm began to develop, impacts started to unfold Thursday morning along the shores of South Carolina amid a Coastal Flood Warning for Charleston and Colleton counties. 

The National Weather Service office in Charleston said tide levels at the Charleston Harbor tide gauge peaked in major flood stage at 8.08 feet, with moderate flood stage at 10.25 feet reported at the Ft. Pulaski tide gauge. 

Charleston City Police had closed several roadways throughout the downtown area due to ongoing major saltwater flooding.

Coastal flooding could be seen in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, on Thursday as high tides impacted low-lying areas.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina is warning of dangerous conditions due to the low-pressure system. Strong winds, high surf and coastal flooding are expected through Saturday. Beaches between Rodanthe and Buxton are closed due to debris hazards. All campgrounds are open, but flooding is possible in low-lying areas.

Storm Watch issued for much of coastal North Carolina

Due to the threat of northerly winds gusting upwards of 55 mph and dangerous seas, the National Weather Service has issued a Storm Watch for much of coastal North Carolina, which will be in effect from Thursday evening until at least Friday.

Expected rainfall amounts for cities such as Raleigh and Greensboro are expected to be relatively modest, around an inch or two, but coastal communities could experience substantially more, which, in combination with higher seas, could lead to flooding.

"Mariners should prepare to remain in port, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions before conditions deteriorate," NWS meteorologists warned boaters in the Carolinas.

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Based on projections, coastal inundation levels of 2-4 feet could impact the Outer Banks, leading to overwash of Highway 12 and additional issues with erosion.

So far this year, four uninhabited homes have collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean, with several more on the verge of doing the same.

Frequently, during significant weather events, parts of beaches around Rodanthe and Buxton are closed due to hazardous debris. 

Rough surf can dislodge pipes, wires and expose concrete, creating dangers for beachgoers and mariners.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation constantly monitors roadways along the Outer Banks and occasionally closes the main thoroughfare when conditions warrant.

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Only slow improvements are expected over the weekend as the storm system generally moves eastward over the Atlantic. 

Astronomical king tides are expected to keep water levels elevated for an extended period due to the full Moon cycle.

King tides occur when the gravitational forces of the Moon cause extreme water levels and only occur during the full Moon or new Moon cycles.

An area of high pressure is expected to build over the region during the upcoming week, which will help to bring calmer and clearer conditions.