Strong winds and tidal flooding risk expected in Charleston area this weekend

The Charleston area is facing hazardous conditions this weekend due to a combination of strong winds and high tides, Live 5 WCSC reported. An inland high pressure system is expected to strengthen over the Carolinas while a low pressure trough develops offshore, resulting in wind gusts over 35 mph across nearshore waters.

Gale Warnings and Small Craft Advisories have been issued for coastal waters and are expected to remain through early next week. On land, a Lake Wind Advisory is in effect for Berkeley County with wind gusts between 30-35 mph, which could cause minor lakeshore erosion and overwash along Lake Moultrie's western shores including Cross, Blacks Camp, and Pinopolis.

The strong northeast winds combined with the highest astronomical tides of the year are creating a multi-day coastal flooding threat. A Coastal Flood Advisory is active until 9 a.m. today for Georgetown, Charleston, and Colleton counties. The Charleston Harbor's high tide this morning has the potential to reach moderate flood stage, possibly causing road closures in flood-prone areas.

Residents are advised to exercise caution due to elevated risks of rip currents, coastal flooding, and fire weather dangers amid the dry air mass. Outdoor burning should be avoided this weekend to reduce fire hazards, according to Live 5 WCSC.

Temperatures will be near or slightly below normal, and the windy conditions may make it feel cooler at times through Sunday.