FOCUS: Rain inundates Charleston, closing 17 streets Sunday

Photos by Andy Brack.

Staff reports  |  More than five inches of the rain that drenched the Charleston peninsula Saturday caused traffic snarls Sunday as floodwaters had no place to go — even after the rain stopped.

As of 12:15 p.m. Sunday, 17 roads were closed due to flooding throughout the city, according to Charleston police. Thigh-high waters were reported in the Hospital District, and several cars were stalled throughout the peninsula.  By early afternoon, streets started reopening, including the Septima Clark Parkway, also known as the “Crosstown.”  To check on whether a street remains closed, go online to: https://gis.charleston-sc.gov/road-closures for the latest updates  

Charleston officials said street-sweeping and grounds crews worked Sunday to clean up waste that accumulated after the storm.  Stormwater crews also cleared debris from storm drains and will work Monday to identify remaining blockages.   Garbage collection for commercial facilities was suspended briefly, but resumed by Sunday afternoon.  City firefighters got 28 calls for assistance related to the storm.

In the distance, you can see the Crosstown under water.

“City officials and crews continue to use every resource at their disposal to protect the life and safety of those in Charleston,” City of Charleston Emergency Management Director Shannon Scaff said.  “During these types of events, with high levels of rain and flash flooding, it’s critical that our citizens and visitors avoid all unnecessary travel and never drive through flooded roadways. 

“As we always advise during these events, ‘Turn around. Don’t drown.’”

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