Charleston Reporter

As a result of the latest forecast, Mayor William Cogswell has extended Charleston's city-wide curfew until tomorrow morning. As of 7:00 am, the city has received eight inches of rain and is expecting an additional three to six inches over the next 12 to 14 hours. This substantial rainfall, combined with wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph, is creating hazardous conditions for both first responders and residents.

“Our emergency crews and city staff are working around the clock to keep our residents safe. We owe it to them to stay off of the roads,” said Mayor Cogswell. “Due to people doing their part and staying home, we had no rescues overnight and no injuries to our personnel. Safety of our residents and staff is our top priority.”

“The curfew is not just about unnecessary restrictions but about maintaining the safety of the city and our citizens,” said Police Chief Chito Walker. “By stepping up and ensuring guidance, we aim to keep everyone safe. We know it works because the vast majority of the public has adhered to the warnings, and we need all of you to continue to make it work and to keep our city safe.”

“The curfew is crucial to keep people off the street to ensure their safety and the safety of our first responders,” said Fire Chief Dan Curia. “We know the curfew worked because our call volume dramatically decreased overnight. We are so thankful for the residents and the staff of the city for adhering to the guidance.”

Key updates include severe flooding expected through Thursday. According to the National Weather Association, rainfall will continue and potentially worsen through Thursday. The system has produced tornadoes in Charleston, which remains under a tornado watch until 5:00 pm today. Tropical storm force winds are expected to strengthen heading into Thursday.

Access to main thoroughfares leading into Charleston's peninsula remains closed until further notice:

From Mount Pleasant:

- 17 and E Bay St

- 17 and Meeting St

- 17 and Crosstown

From I-26:

- I-26 at Mount Pleasant St.

- I-26 at Rutledge Ave

- I-26 at Crosstown

From West Ashley:

- Savannah Hwy at Lockwood

- Savannah Hwy at Crosstown

From James Island:

- SC-30 at Calhoun St

From North Charleston:

- Meeting Street Extension

- King Street Extension

Officials strongly advise residents to stay home tonight and throughout tomorrow, avoid traveling during heavy rainfall, do not drive around barricades or on flooded streets, be aware that wet ground could cause trees to fall, act promptly as evacuating a flooded property once roads become impassable is not advisable.

The Citizens Services Desk will operate 24 hours a day starting today for non-emergency questions or requests via phone (843)724–7311 or email citizenservices@charleston-sc.gov; Spanish-speaking services are available through Charleston County Government at (843)746–3909.

Residents should stay informed through local media or follow City of Charleston's official channels on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or sign-up for newsletters for latest updates on storm progression.

City officials will continue providing regular updates from National Weather Service regarding storm’s progression.