National Weather Service Issues Coastal Flood Advisories Across California and Carolinas

In Charleston, flooding thresholds vary by tide level: minor flooding begins at 7 feet and can affect Lockwood Drive, Wentworth and Barre streets, Fishburne and Hagood streets, and Morrison Drive; at 7.5 feet, the Medical District and portions of Highway 17, East Bay Street and Market Street may flood.
The National Weather Service forecast San Francisco high tides at 9:59 p.m. Tuesday at 6.99 feet mean lower low water—1.2 feet above normal—and at 10:54 p.m. Wednesday at 6.79 feet, or 1 foot above normal; high-tide timing can vary by up to 90 minutes across the Pacific Coast and San Francisco Bay.
The North Carolina advisories also warned of dangerous water conditions: longshore currents could sweep swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers or jetties, or knock them off their feet, prompting officials to recommend checking with lifeguards before entering the ocean.
The Charleston Harbor’s projected high tide was about 7.5 feet on the evenings of Sept. 8 and potentially Sept. 9, while the city’s Tide Eye report listed possible peaks of 7.4 feet on Sept. 7 and 7.6 feet on Sept. 8 for monitoring flooding and road closures.
Northern California officials expected flooding of lots, parks and roads but only isolated road closures, and the National Weather Service specifically advised travelers to allow extra time rather than driving around barricades or through water of unknown depth.
The National Weather Service issued coastal flood advisories across California and the Carolinas, warning of minor tidal flooding in low-lying areas near shores and waterways. NWS forecasts expect up to 1.2 feet of inundation in Northern California through early Thursday, while South Carolina's Charleston and Colleton counties face evening tides reaching 7.2 to 7.5 feet that could submerge downtown roads and the Medical District.
North Carolina's coastal advisories for Myrtle Beach, Georgetown, and Brunswick County warn of half-foot inundation affecting vulnerable roads, causeways, and the Intracoastal Waterway. NWS officials urge residents and travelers to avoid flooded roads, allow extra travel time, and move to higher ground when directed.
Northern California's advisory covers the San Francisco Bay shoreline, North Bay, Monterey Bay, Big Sur, and San Francisco County through early Thursday morning. NWS forecasts high tides at 6.99 feet Tuesday at 9:59 p.m. and 6.79 feet Wednesday at 10:54 p.m.—both above normal water levels. Storm surge could add up to 0.6 feet to these already elevated tides, producing up to 1.2 feet of combined inundation in low-lying lots, parks, and roads.
Officials expect isolated road closures rather than widespread disruption. NWS specifically advised travelers to allow extra time and avoid driving around barricades or through water of unknown depth. High-tide timing can vary by up to 90 minutes across the Pacific Coast and San Francisco Bay, complicating local preparedness efforts.
Charleston and Colleton counties face the most detailed flood risk. NWS projects evening tides of 7.2 to 7.5 feet on September 8 and possibly September 9. Minor flooding begins at 7 feet and affects Lockwood Drive, Wentworth Street, Barre Street, Fishburne Street, Hagood Street, and Morrison Drive. As water levels rise to 7.5 feet, the Medical District, Highway 17, East Bay Street, and Market Street become vulnerable.
This progressive flooding pattern means transportation disruption can start early. Businesses and residents can monitor tide forecasts to anticipate which roads will close first. NWS data shows Charleston Harbor peaks could reach 7.4 feet on September 7 and 7.6 feet on September 8, allowing officials to plan selective closures and warn residents of affected areas.
North Carolina's advisories for Myrtle Beach, Georgetown, and Brunswick County warn of half-foot inundation affecting low-lying roads, causeways, and locations along the Intracoastal Waterway. NWS also flagged dangerous water conditions: longshore currents could sweep swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, or jetties, or knock them off their feet. Officials recommend checking with lifeguards before entering the ocean.
Additional rainfall and wind could extend flooding beyond the advisory zones. NWS cautioned that heavy rain or high winds might produce flooding in locations outside the forecasted areas. Travelers and residents should monitor local conditions and avoid flooded roads rather than treat advisory maps as complete risk boundaries.
Publishers
12
Articles
68
Reach
80