Category: Weather

King Tides in the Charleston Area May 15-18

King Tide is a commonly used term describing high tides that are higher than normal. They usually occur during a full or new moon or during specific seasons throughout the year. Charleston’s average high tide range is about 5.5 ft., but during a King Tide event, it can reach 7 ft. or higher. 

King Tides can cause flooding in low-lying areas, resulting in road closures on Seabrook Island, as well as the Johns Island and Charleston areas. This is particularly true when a king tide coincides with significant rain and/or wind.

The next 2026 dates of predicted King Tides is May 15-18.

Continue reading “King Tides in the Charleston Area May 15-18”

Hurricane Preparedness Week May 3-9

It’s time to start preparing for hurricane season! Although the official start of hurricane season is June 1, 2026, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is urging everyone to begin their preparations now. 

You can take several steps to get ready, such as assessing your risk level, creating an evacuation plan that includes your pets, and discussing your hurricane preparedness plans with your neighbors.

For more helpful information, visit NOAA’s Hurricane Preparedness Week webpage.

Let’s all be ready!

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: NOAA.gov)

Disaster Awareness Day May 29

Mark your calendars for Disaster Awareness Day 2026

The Town of Kiawah Island will host Disaster Awareness Day on Friday, May 29, from 10:00 am to noon at Kiawah Island Town Hall, 4475 Betsy Kerrison Parkway.

Guest speaker, Mike Lamb, Director of Safety & Security (KICA), will speak about “What It’s Really Like When the Storm Hits.” This year’s keynote speaker, Chief Christopher Way of Charleston County EMS, will present a talk entitled “Leadership During Crisis: Decision-Making in a Major Storm.” A panel discussion will cover how the Emergency Operations Center functions.

The event program will run from 10:00 am to noon. Attendees are invited to arrive at 9:30 am to explore exhibitors’ displays. Attendance is free, but registration is required. Sign up here.

-Submitted by Town of Kiawah Island

Image credit: TOKI

Ceiling Fans in Warm Weather

Warm weather is upon us and summer is around the corner. This is the time to change the direction of your ceiling fan. Turning the fan blades in a counter-clockwise direction will not only make you feel cooler, but it will lower the cost of running your air conditioner. To tell which direction the ceiling fan is turning, stand under the fan, look up and watch the ceiling fan spin. The blades should spin the opposite direction of a clock for summer cooling. You also should feel a breeze while standing under the fan. If you do not feel air movement, the fan is spinning clockwise.

To change the direction of the blades to counter-clockwise for cooling:

Turn off the fan and wait for the blades to come to a complete stop.
Locate the direction switch on the fan housing. Flip the switch. Turn the ceiling fan back on and confirm the direction.

If using a remote, stop the fan. When the blades have come to a complete stop, press the reverse button on the remote.
Turn the ceiling fan back on and confirm the direction.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: Clipart Library, delmarfans.co)

King Tides in the Charleston Area April 18

King Tide is a commonly used term describing high tides that are higher than normal. They usually occur during a full or new moon or during specific seasons throughout the year. Charleston’s average high tide range is about 5.5 ft., but during a King Tide event, it can reach 7 ft. or higher. 

King Tides can cause flooding in low-lying areas, resulting in road closures on Seabrook Island, as well as the Johns Island and Charleston areas. This is particularly true when a king tide coincides with significant rain and/or wind.

The first 2026 date of predicted King Tides is April 18.

Continue reading “King Tides in the Charleston Area April 18”

Rip Currents and High Surf Warning

On Tuesday morning, April 7, the National Weather Service, issued a warning of dangerous rip currents along our beaches occurring through this evening. In addition, there is a high surf advisory in effect for Wednesday, April 8 beginning at 8:00 am.

Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion may occur. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. It is important not to go into the ocean when there is a rip current warning! Stay safe on the beach. To learn about rip currents, click here.

–Tidelines Editors

2026 King Tides in the Charleston Area

King Tide is a commonly used term describing high tides that are higher than normal. They usually occur during a full or new moon or during specific seasons throughout the year. Charleston’s average high tide range is about 5.5 ft., but during a King Tide event, it can reach 7 ft. or higher. 

King Tides can cause flooding in low-lying areas, resulting in road closures on Seabrook Island, as well as the Johns Island and Charleston areas. This is particularly true when a king tide coincides with significant rain and/or wind.

The dates of predicted King Tides for 2026:

  • April 18
  • May 15-18
  • June 14-16
  • July 13-14
  • August 11-12
  • September 29-30
  • October 10-11
  • October 26-29
  • November 24-27
Continue reading “2026 King Tides in the Charleston Area”

Weather Alert: Potential Severe Weather Today

A significant severe weather threat is anticipated today as a strong cold front heads towards the region, according to the National Weather Service. Strong to severe thunderstorms, gusty winds, as well as hail and isolated tornadoes are expected. A Wind Advisory may be issued for some areas.

TIMING:

  • Severe risk begins in the morning with any individual storms that develop ahead of the main thunderstorm line.
  • The strongest storms are expected to move through Charleston County between approximately 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
  • Risk continues through the afternoon until the cold front and the main line of thunderstorms shift offshore.

PRIMARY HAZARDS:

Large hail up to 2 inches in diameter
Damaging wind gusts potentially exceeding 75 mph (primary threat)
Tornadoes, including the potential for strong tornadoes (EF-2 or greater)

– Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island

Final Weather Update

With record low temperatures expected to continue overnight, melted snow or ice remaining on roadways is likely to refreeze, creating potentially hazardous driving conditions into the early morning hours. Continued caution while traveling is advised.

Town Hall will operate on a 2-hour delay on Monday and will open at 10:00 a.m. to allow staff time to safely commute to work.

The Seabrook Island Club and its amenities are closed through Monday, February 2.

– Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island

2/1 Winter Weather Update

Overnight snowfall brought between 1 and 3 inches of accumulation to areas north of West Ashley, while the coast saw minimal accumulation. Roads on Johns Island are currently in good shape, but roadways in other areas of Charleston County remain very hazardous.

With the sun coming out today, most of the snow and ice should melt throughout the day. However, refreezing on secondary roads remains a concern as temperatures drop this evening. We continue to urge residents to exercise caution if you must travel today.

The Station at Freshfields is closed today but pumps remain operational. Harris Teeter is open. The Stono Bridge and Limehouse Bridges are open.

– Submitted by the Town of Kiawah Island

Weather Alert: Winter Storm Update

Charleston County Emergency Management is continuing to monitor the winter weather system that has started to impact the Lowcountry this weekend. We are currently under a Winter Storm Warning and an Extreme Cold Warning for our area.

According to the latest National Weather Service update, the Charleston area could receive approximately 3-5 inches of snow, while Awendaw–McClellanville may see closer to 4-6 inches, with snowfall continuing into early Sunday.

Windchills could be close to 0 degrees in some areas of the County. Coastal winds will also increase, with gusts of 25 to 40 mph possible tonight into Sunday. There is potential for black ice to occur starting Sunday night. Snow melting could occur tomorrow, but it could refreeze overnight causing black ice. This could also continue to happen through Monday.

The Seabrook Island Club and its amenities are closed through Monday, February 2.

The Lake House is currently closed and will be closed all day on Sunday, February 1 with no after hour access Saturday or Sunday.

We continue to encourage people not to travel. With the snow and high wind expected, local leaders say driving could become extremely difficult, especially at night over bridges.

– Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island

Weather Alert: Winter Storm Update

Charleston County Emergency Management is continuing to monitor the upcoming winter weather system expected to impact the Lowcountry this weekend. We are now under a Winter Storm Warning for our area.

According to the latest National Weather Service predictions, current projections indicate the Charleston area could receive approximately 3-5 inches of snow, while Awendaw–McClellanville may see closer to 4-6 inches, with snowfall beginning Saturday afternoon and continuing into early Sunday.

An Extreme Cold Warning will go into effect starting at 7:00 pm Saturday. Windchills could be close to 0 degrees in some areas of the County. Coastal winds will also increase, with gusts of 25 to 40 mph possible Saturday night into Sunday. There is potential for black ice to occur starting Sunday night.

The Seabrook Island Club and its amenities will be closed Saturday, January 31 – Monday, February 2.

The Lake House Hours of Operation:

  • It will close at noon on Saturday, January 31.
  • It will be closed all day on Sunday, February 1 with no after hour access Saturday or Sunday.

We encourage people not to travel and to continue to monitor the forecast from local meteorologists throughout the weekend.

– Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island