Windy conditions expected in Charleston area for Halloween weekend

A largely quiet and mostly rain-free Halloween weekend is forecast for the Charleston area as high pressure slowly retreats, according to Live 5 WCSC.

Winds are expected to increase starting mid-morning Saturday, with gusts ranging from 20 to 30 mph especially near bodies of water. Temperatures will rise into the mid 70s on Saturday and remain in the 70s on Sunday with ample cloud cover.

Minor tidal flooding may occur during the midday and early afternoon high tide cycles, but the threat of King Tide flooding is expected to diminish by Sunday into Monday. Residents are advised to avoid driving through saltwater and to wash vehicles promptly if exposed to saltwater due to its corrosive nature.

An elevated fire weather danger remains through the weekend due to dry soils and low humidity. Recent prescribed burns in the Francis Marion National Forest have caused low-level smoke, which may reduce air quality in parts of upper Charleston and eastern Berkeley Counties early Saturday morning.

The South Carolina Forestry Commission and other agencies continue firefighting efforts on a fire in southern Georgetown County, but smoke density in the Charleston Tri-County area is expected to be lower Saturday compared to previous days, Live 5 WCSC reported.