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NOTE: Warnings are in effect for several Lowcountry counties into Thursday as Milton moves into the Atlantic where it is expected to dissipate this weekend.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC/AP) - Warnings are in effect for several Lowcountry counties into Thursday as Milton moves into the Atlantic where it is expected to dissipate this weekend.
Milton made landfall at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday near Siesta Key, the National Hurricane Center said. Siesta Key is a prosperous strip of white-sand beaches home to 5,500 people about 70 miles south of Tampa.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has extended the state of emergency put in place for Helene to accommodate for any damage Milton may cause to the coast.
Here is a breakdown of the warnings currently in effect:
Tropical storm warning
A tropical storm warning is in effect for Coastal Colleton, Beaufort, Jasper and waters out to 20 nautical miles off the South Carolina coast including Charleston Harbor.
Tropical storm force winds are possible until late Thursday afternoon. Those winds, combined with hazardous seas, will capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
Mariners should alter plans to avoid the hazardous conditions: Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course or secure the vessel for hazardous weather.
Flood warning
A coastal flood warning is in effect for Charleston County and coastal Colleton County from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Thursday. Water levels could get close to or exceed the bar for major flooding. Road closures and other complications are likely to arise, especially around high tide, which is just before 2 p.m.
The national service expects that most flooding will be seen in downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms and Folly and Edisto beaches.
A flood warning is in effect for portions of Berkeley County near Jamestown until Sunday morning because of the possibility of moderate flooding. At 18.0 feet, a boat landing at the end of Santee Landing Road and the lower half-mile of Corner Loop Road will be impassable because of backwater effects from Pole Branch Creek. Water is expected to cover the lower quarter-mile of Lawton Farm Lane.
As of 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the stage was 18.4 feet. The river is expected to fall below flood stage Saturday night and continue falling to 6.0 feet by Monday night.
High surf advisory
A high surf advisory is in effect from midnight Thursday morning until 8 p.m. Friday for Charleston, Coastal Colleton, Beaufort and Coastal Jasper Counties because of large breaking waves of 4 to 6 feet expected in the surf zone.
Wind advisory
A wind advisory is in effect from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday for portions of Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, Colleton, Orangeburg, Hampton, and Allendale Counties because of the possibility of 20 to 30 mph winds with gusts of up to 40 mph.
Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages could result.
High rip current risk
The National Weather Service also warned of a high rip current risk for South Carolina beaches. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from the shore into deeper water.
Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water because of the danger. If you must be in the water, swim near a lifeguard.
Milton made landfall at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday near Siesta Key, the National Hurricane Center said. Siesta Key is a prosperous strip of white-sand beaches home to 5,500 people about 70 miles south of Tampa.
More than 3 million homes and businesses were without power Thursday morning in Florida, according to poweroutage.us, which tracks utility reports.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved.
Barricaded Steets: Charleston Police Department has deployed barricades to vulnerable streets and intersections ahead of today’s high tides. Do not drive around barricades or through flooded streets. Violators will receive tickets.
Use this link to view road closures
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OFFICIALS WARN OF MAJOR FLOODING THURSDAY; URGE RESIDENTS TO TAKE CAUTION
OCTOBER 10, 2024 – CHARLESTON, S.C. - The City of Charleston warns residents of major tidal flooding expected today between 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Hurricane Milton’s high northeast winds, storm surge, and projected 8.1 to 8.3-foot-high tide Thursday at 1:50 p.m. have the potential to cause major flooding, according to the National Weather Service office in Charleston. Rain is not expected.
Parking Garages Open for Free: Five city parking garages are open for free today until Friday at 8:30 a.m. Residents in low-lying areas are strongly urged to move their vehicles to these higher ground locations to avoid flood damage. The following garages will be opened for free:
-Aquarium parking garage (24 Calhoun Street)
-Visitor Center parking garage (63 Mary Street)
-99 West Edge parking garage (99 West Edge Street, next to the Charleston Police Department)
-Charleston Tech Center parking garage (997 Morrison Drive)
-East Bay/Prioleau parking garage (25 Prioleau Street)
To take advantage of free parking, residents must press the call button upon exiting and inform the operator they are using the free storm parking.