City of Charleston emergency officials have been in the emergency operations center since early this morning responding to the impacts of today’s extreme flash flood. Residents are asked to delay their entry into downtown Charleston if at all possible while the water recedes and roadways are cleared.
The Septima Clark Parkway remains closed to traffic due to standing water and traffic is being diverted in both directions. Drivers approaching the parkway from the Lockwood Drive direction are being rerouted back toward West Ashley, and drivers approaching from the east are being diverted back to I-26 via a U-turn being established on Coming Street.
Drivers approaching downtown Charleston on I-26 or the Ravenel Bridge are asked to use the Meeting Street exits, as others are currently impassable.
The city is coordinating with its contracted towing service, Jennings Towing, to prepare trucks to clear any flooded vehicles that may be blocking roadways as soon as the water recedes.
Traffic and Transportation crews are actively troubleshooting traffic signals and making adjustments when necessary to alleviate congestion in affected areas of the city.
All available Public Service crews are in the field working to clear drains and sidewalks to improve drainage.
Commercial garbage and trash collection in the Central Business District was unable to be completed this morning due to flooding. Additional crews will resume collection in this area tomorrow morning.
Any residents who have experienced structural flooding in their homes or businesses are asked to call the city of Charleston information line at 843-724-7311.
For updated information on current road closures, use the city of Charleston road closure map: http://gis.charleston-sc.gov/road-closures/map.html.