The Sun Rises on Charleston

Matthew has been downgraded to a Category 1 storm with max sustained winds of 85 MPH. No matter, though, as significant rain and surge are taking a toll on the Charleston metro area.

Water

Downtown Charleston is flooded; it has been since around 11PM Friday. Several feet of water are covering many roads. There are numerous closures. A 9.2' tide — third highest on record — topped the sea wall at the Battery and inundated the area with salt water. Tide remains over 7' thanks to a 6' storm surge. This is causing serious complications, including Colonial Lake overflowing.

The flood threat is not just at the coast, either. There is plenty of flooding happening well inland with some water rescues; surge effects and heavy rainfall likely are contributing factors.

Winds

Winds are factoring in to numerous reports of downed trees and powerlines, but the strongest winds may come on the back side of the storm as pressures behind Matthew rise; Beaufort has been gusting to near hurricane force regularly and Hilton Head recorded an 87 MPH wind gust after the center was well north of the area. Thus, we’ve still got a ways to go.

More as it develops.