Multi-vehicle crash reported during floods in Charleston and Colleton County, South Carolina
Significant flooding affected Downtown Charleston on July 22, 2025, following heavy rainfall, while minor saltwater flooding was reported along parts of the Charleston and Colleton County coast. A multi-vehicle collision occurred on southbound I-95 near mile marker 41, prompting a full closure of the highway until early July 23.
Flooding in downtown Charleston, SC this morning. Many streets closed and water getting into some homes. I talked with a resident who has lived in her house for 30 years and she said this area floods often but she has only seen it this high 3 or 4 times. Live coverage with… pic.twitter.com/OpHXAlUrmP
— Charles Peek (@CharlesPeekWX) August 6, 2024
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Downtown Charleston recorded approximately 33.8 mm (1.33 inches) of rainfall over a 24-hour period between July 21 and 22. The precipitation was sufficient to overwhelm stormwater drainage in parts of the city, resulting in significant street-level flooding.
Videos posted on social media showed vehicles navigating through submerged intersections in Downtown Charleston, including at Wentworth and Coming Streets and at Vanderhorst and Ogier.
Major flooding going on in Downtown Charleston SC. Some shots from Wentworth and Coming and Vanderhorst and Ogier #scwx #chswx @NWSCharlestonSC @spann @liamswx pic.twitter.com/puPgjseMc5
— Evan Deese (@EDeeseSC1) July 21, 2025
The NWS issued warnings of thunderstorms moving into the area earlier in the day, stating that the heaviest rainfall would be concentrated around urban centers and could lead to flash flooding in streets and small streams.
Minor saltwater flooding was also reported along parts of the Charleston and Colleton County coasts due to high tide on the evening of July 22. The tide level in Charleston Harbor reached approximately 2.18 m (7.14 feet) Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW), which is about 0.04 m (0.14 feet) above minor flood stage.
A multi-vehicle collision was reported along the I-95 in Colleton County near mile marker 41 amid the flooding on July 22. According to local media, at least one fatality was reported; however, authorities have not yet confirmed this.
It's not a great Sunday Funday in Downtown Charleston! Flash flooding has caused the city to be underwater this afternoon! #SCwx pic.twitter.com/aWrSfvKk5d
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) September 17, 2023
The collision occurred at approximately 16:30 local time (LT), prompting the closure of all southbound lanes of I-95. At around 03:25 LT on July 23, the South Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed that all southbound lanes on I-95 had reopened to traffic.
While the cause of the collision remains unclear, the South Carolina Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate. Details about the collision, including the number of people involved, fatalities, or injuries, are expected to be released on July 23.
— Trooper Nick SCHP (@SCHP_Troop6) July 22, 2025
Featured image: Flooding in Charleston, South Carolina on July 22, 2025. Credit: Evan Deese
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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