Charleston sets new rainfall record as a stalled cold front triggers flash floods in South Carolina
Charleston broke a daily rainfall record as a stalled cold front over the southeastern United States dropped up to 300 mm (12 inches) rain in Charleston County, on Friday, August 22, 2025. The system also affected parts of southeastern Georgia, prompting Level 2 of 4 flash flood risk alerts from the Weather Prediction Center, with rainfall rates exceeding 75 mm (3 inches) per hour and localized accumulations up to 150 mm (6 inches) expected through Sunday, August 24.
Flooding along I-95 in Dorchester County, South Carolina. Credit: Dorchester County Government
A cold front that had helped steer Hurricane Erin away from the US coastline stalled over the southeastern United States this week, resulting in prolonged and intense rainfall across coastal South Carolina and Georgia.
The city of Charleston set a new daily rainfall record on Friday, August 22, registering 106 mm (4.17 inches), including 57 mm (2.25 inches) in just 30 minutes.
Charleston International Airport, received around 75 mm (3 inches) of rain in just 35 minutes due to the storm. Some roads in front of the international terminals were submerged and impassable, according to airport officials.
Roads turned into rivers as heavy rains slammed Charleston #SouthCarolina
— Earth42morrow (@Earth42morrow) August 23, 2025
VC: Evan Deese#Flood #SCwx #Charleston #Flashflood #Rain #Inundación #Lluvia #Climate #Weather #Viral pic.twitter.com/Byoi1wVbFJ
Outlying areas in Charleston County reported between 150 and 305 mm (6 to 12 inches) of rainfall by late Friday afternoon, overwhelming drainage systems and forcing road closures in Charleston, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant.
The National Weather Service issued multiple Flood Watches, and the Weather Prediction Center categorized the region under a Level 2 of 4 flash flood risk.
The forecast indicates continued showers and storms through at least Saturday evening, with rainfall rates potentially reaching 50 to 75 mm (2 to 3 inches) per hour in some locations.
Forecast models suggest that an additional 75 to 150 mm (3 to 6 inches) of rain could fall across the South Carolina Midlands, Lowcountry, and Pee Dee regions through August 24. This is particularly concerning due to saturated soils following several days of intense precipitation, increasing the likelihood of runoff and urban flooding.
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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