King tides, high surf trigger downtown Charleston street flooding; more expected Monday

King tides, high surf trigger downtown Charleston street flooding; more expected Monday

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Coastal flooding closed several streets across downtown Charleston Sunday, making it difficult for drivers and pedestrians to get around.

Hagood Avenue, Society Street, Washington Street, Fishburne Street and Broad Street were among some of the roads affected. Water covered sidewalks and rose above ankle level in some areas.

Sarah Williams, who lives nearby, said she saw drivers go around barricades and drive through the floodwater. She warned that salt water can damage vehicles or leave them stalled.

“Turn around, don’t drown,” Williams said. “You’re going to save yourself a few minutes, you know, at a really significant risk. Don’t do it.”

READ MORE | "Charleston police urge caution as early to midweek king tides loom"

Brianna Martinez, who was walking on Broad Street, said she had seen the flood advisory but was surprised by how much water she encountered.

The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood warning for coastal Colleton and Charleston counties. The warning has now since ended, and forecasters expected conditions to improve through late Sunday morning ...