Charleston’s Department of Stormwater Management created a report that details the complexity of local flooding with the purpose of educating the public about this persistent issue.
Charleston City Market after a rainstorm | Photo by Brian Kussard
The Charleston area is low, flat, and next to the ocean, which has caused flooding issues for 300+ years and presented significant drainage challenges. It’s called the Lowcountry for a reason.
However, the challenges the area faces are both natural and manmade. Natural factors include tides, duration of storms, and terrain. Manmade factors include inlets, system size, trash, and impervious surfaces.
Follow a raindrop through Charleston. 💧
What happens when it rains?
- Rain falls and runs off impervious surfaces
- Stormwater runs into storm grates + collects in catch basins
- Water flows from catch basins to stormwater pipes
- Stormwater flows through pipes to the outfall into a body of water
Each step takes time. The system can slow down at any point when rain falls faster than the time each step takes. This causes standing water. Charleston's drainage system can accommodate slow to moderate storms, but is overwhelmed by intense ones.
This issue persists partly because many of the pipes are too small to accommodate intense storms. Why doesn't the city install larger pipes? The reasons are impracticality, limited space + extreme cost.
Charleston is currently working toward cost-effective solutions to flooding, including installing pump stations. According to the city, the issue is complex, so the solutions take time.
What can residents do to help?
- Take an active role in keeping trash and debris off the streets and sidewalks
- Take responsibility of drains in front of your home and business
- Be on the lookout for anything that could clog a storm drain
- Keep trash cans and dumpsters properly secured to prevent overturning
- Try to remove the trash and debris from clogged drains once storms have passed
- Call the Stormwater Department at 843-724-7367 to report clogged drains
- Adopt a local storm drain
Today
- CofC Concert: Jazz Faculty | Mon., Oct. 11 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. | $10+ | All are welcome to enjoy a night of smooth jazz music performed by faculty members of the College of Charleston Department of Music. 🎷
- Monday Night Bingo | Mon., Oct. 11 | 6-8 p.m. | Low Tide Brewing | Free | Bingo is back — enjoy drink specials and food trucks + win prizes.
Tuesday
- Sullivan’s Charcuterie Workshop | Tue., Oct. 12 | 6-8 p.m. | The Estuary, 3538 Meeks Farm Rd., Johns Island | $60 | Create your own charcuterie board with instruction from Sullivan’s Board Co. 一 all supplies will be provided. 🧀
- Bird Watching Walk | Tue., Oct. 12 | 7-9 a.m. | Wall Lowcountry Center, Brookgreen Gardens, 1931 Brookgreen Dr., Murrells Inlet | Free with admission | Don’t forget your binoculars + walking shoes for this bird watching tour guided by Hal Vivian — and be sure to stick around for coffee and donuts afterward.
Wednesday
- The Future of Photojournalism | Wed., Oct. 13 | 6 p.m. | Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. | Free | Experience a panel discussion about the challenges photojournalists face in the current media environment. 📑
- Paints & Pints | Wed., Oct. 13 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Palmetto Brewing Co. | $30 | First pint is on the house during this step-by-step painting class taught by For the Love of Art 一 save $5 with code PALMETTO.
Thursday
- Hocus Pocus Film Screening | Thurs., Oct. 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Charleston Music Hall | $10 | Doors for this spooky screening open at 7 p.m.
- Yappy Hour | Thurs., Oct. 14 | 5-7 p.m. | James Island County Park | Free | Enjoy live music by Matt Jordan + sip on drinks while you play with your pup. 🐶
We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Weather
- 80º | Partly cloudy | 16% chance of rain
Tide
- Low: 6:11 a.m. + 7:08 p.m.
- High: 12:46 p.m.
Watch
- In August, we linked to a video of the new Folly Beach Pier construction. There has been significant progress since then, including completing demolition of the old pier + beginning work on the new pier diamond head — watch the new time lapse video. The pier is expected to open in the spring of 2023. 🏗️
Coming Soon
- The Lowcountry is getting 2 new Greek eateries. Athens Restaurant Inc. plans to open soon on James Island serving traditional meals like Chicken Souvlaki. New restaurant Philosophia will replace the former Japanese eatery Ichiban in Mt. Pleasant dishing out small plates + finger foods. 🇬🇷 (The Post and Courier)
Biz
- “The Charleston Chronicle” — a weekly newspaper serving local Black communities — is no longer publishing. During its 50 year run, the paper empowered readers through reporting on issues that impacted the Lowcountry + featuring prominent community members. 🗞️ (The Post and Courier)
Festival
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Tickets are on sale now for the Charleston Literary Festival from Nov. 5-14. The event will include 26 sessions with a mix of in-person and virtual events featuring prominent authors, leaders + academics. Don’t miss the Opening Night Party on Nov. 5 at 20 South Battery with a string quartet.
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The 2022 Black Ink Book Festival — a virtual celebration of local Black authors — will feature keynote speaker Beverly Jenkins, an award-winning romance author. This free festival will be held from Jan. 13-15. There will be a kickoff event on Oct. 14 called “Fall into Romance,” which will be streamed on Facebook. 📚
Eat
- Waffling over where to go for brunch? Browse 5 ways to eat chicken + waffles and where to order them in Charleston. Did you know this popular dish originated in Harlem? 🧇 (Charleston City Paper)
Shop
- Kickstart your holiday shopping — local business owner Tori Nardone has launched an exclusive collection of shell necklaces named after special women in her life. The jewelry company, She Shells, celebrates women + the Charleston coastline with its unique take on sustainable jewelry. Check out the collection. 🐚 (Holy City Sinner)
Sports
- CofC student Dyllon Gunsolus won gold at the USA Cycling Collegiate Track National Championships in September — where he took first place in the time-trial event after just 2 years of competing in high-level cycling events. Ride on, Dyllon. 🚴 (Holy City Sinner)
We’re sorry to do this to you, but there’s another delicious fall dessert you need to try. Head to Christophe Chocolatier at 90 Society St. downtown or 1901 Ashley River Rd. in West Ashley and order the Pumpkin Cheesecake.
Bonus treat: check out the shop’s Halloween Chocolate Bar with candy corn + milk chocolate. 🍫
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