Downtown Charleston sees some flooding Wednesday morning
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Several roads in downtown Charleston closed Wednesday because of flooding and police are encouraging drivers to avoid the area.
Cherry Street was among the first to close followed by Lockwood at Barre Street around 6 a.m.. Officers used cars and barriers to try and stop cars from going through the water, but some still opted to try and make it through.
One car, a blue Chrysler sedan, was stuck in the floodwater and had to be towed out on Cherry Street.
The flooding Wednesday is different from recent water on the streets. Instead of tidal flooding coming in from the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, most of the water Wednesday is simply backed up in the sewer system from a large amount of heavy rain in recent days.
Around 12 p.m., Market Street closed near East Bay Street as torrential downpours continued. Ashley Avenue near MUSC, an area known to flood, also had a foot of water in some areas. The Crosstown also closed around 12:30 p.m.
The city of Charleston tried to take some precautionary measures ahead of the flooding.
The City has activated its Public Safety Operation Center to manage the city’s response during and after the storm, as needed.
Road closures will be updated on the city’s road closure map, which can be viewed here.
The National Weather Service Charleston has told local officials to expect two to four inches of rain, possibly more in isolated areas.
“As always, the safety of our citizens is job one. We urge everyone to stay tuned to local media for the latest weather forecast, and to exercise caution when on the roads," City of Charleston Emergency Management Director Shannon Scaff said.
RELATED: Live 5 News has issued a First Alert Weather Day for Wednesday
Parks Department crews are monitoring water levels at Colonial and Dotterer Lakes and are on call and ready to respond to any parks or tree issues that may occur due to the heavy rainfall.
City recreation activities will take place as normal. Check the City of Charleston Recreation Department Facebook Page for any changes.
Based on data collected during recent flooding events, citizens are cautioned that the following intersections and areas may be impacted:
- Lockwood Boulevard and Broad Street
- Calhoun Street between Courtenay Drive and Pitt Street
- Hagood Avenue and Fishburne Street
- Highway 61 exit ramp from Ashley River Bridge to Saint Andrews Boulevard
- Ashley River Bridge exit ramp onto Lockwood Drive
- Connector from Lockwood Drive to Calhoun Street at the base of the James Island Connector
- President Street between Bogard Street and Nunan Street
- Huger Street and King Street
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