Mayor William Cogswell has activated the City of Charleston’s Active Flood Mitigation Plan as heavy rain from Hurricane Isaias and a king tide cycle bring a risk of flooding this weekend.
Isaias is expected to track west of the Charleston area, but the National Weather Service forecasts hazardous conditions in the Lowcountry beginning Friday, Oct. 9, 2026. The primary period of concern runs from Friday night through Saturday and into Sunday morning, with the most intense rain likely Saturday afternoon into the evening.
The city is expecting three to four inches of rain, with higher amounts possible in some areas. King tides on Saturday and Sunday will make flooding worse. Tides in Charleston Harbor are forecast to peak near 7.7 feet Saturday morning and remain elevated Saturday evening. Gusty winds, isolated tornadoes, and dangerous rip currents are also possible.
“Flooding is one of the biggest challenges this city faces, and we are not waiting for the water to show up before we act,” said Mayor William Cogswell. “Our crews have been clearing drains since last weekend, pumps are going in, and we are lowering the lakes to make room for the rain. I am asking residents to do their part too. Secure your yard, keep your storm drain clear, and stay off flooded roads."
Under the Active Flood Mitigation Plan, the City has taken the following steps:
• Stormwater crews have been clearing storm drains and debris since Sunday’s flooding, with contracted vacuum trucks joining Friday.
• Mobile pumps are fueled and will be activated Friday morning. Additional pumps arrive Friday for Morrison Drive and Limehouse Street, and the Huger and Lockwood pumps will run through the weekend.
• Colonial Lake and Lake Dotterer will be lowered Friday ahead of the rain.
• Barricades are staged throughout the city.
• The Charleston Fire Department will staff two high-water vehicles, and Emergency Management will monitor conditions throughout the weekend.
• Code enforcement officers are patrolling downtown to keep debris out of storm drains, and inspectors are contacting contractors to secure active worksites.
• Street sweepers, cleanup crews, and trash crews are on standby for debris removal.
• Five City parking garages will be free for city residents to move vehicles out of flood-prone areas. Residents may enter after 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9 and must exit before 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11. The garages are:
• Aquarium Garage, 24 Calhoun St.
• Visitors Center Garage, 63 Mary St.
• Queen Street Garage, 93 Queen St.
• East Bay/Prioleau Garage, 25 Prioleau St.
• Charleston Tech Center Garage, 4 Conroy St.
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