As I sit here at work, I was considering doing this next blog on a local artist, or perhaps a fun home improvement project. However, as I slowly watched the streets flood, and a pair of kayaker’s float down the middle of Market Street (going the wrong way down a one way street I might add) I knew what to blog about instead. Oh Charleston, why oh why must you flood at the slightest hint at rain? As a native to Charleston, this is no big surprise, and I actually get a kick out of the whole ordeal. Its fun to watch outside chairs and tables floating down the street while avid kayakers try to weave in and out. All the tourist seem to enjoy the unexpected entertainment as well. Camera’s flashing and future YouTube videos being born signal that everyone is settling down to wait out the storm.
(The Market on Market Street)
While working Downtown Charleston for the past few years, I have seen this phenomenon happen a few times. The flooding in Charleston is caused by heavy rainfall combined with the high tide and a special thanks to Charleston’s drainage system. The rain comes down, the high tide comes in which leaves the pipes just no where to go.
***Spoiler Alert: When the rain stops, the flooding goes down, so don’t panic! It will only last an hour or so tops.***
I recommend finding a dry spot at the first sign of flooding in Downtown Charleston. Go ahead a get food before the restaurants have to shut down their kitchens due to the flooding, and get your camera ready. Make a game out of it, count how many cars try to drive thru the water (something I DO NOT recommend doing BTW) how many kayakers you see, and how many people try to brave the sometimes knee deep water!
And again, don’t worry. The sun will be back out before you know it in Charleston! So enjoy the flood, and when its over, enjoy the rest of your day!
For more info on flooding in Charleston, here are some sites you can visit.
City of Charleston Website: Flood Zones
*Also, a special thanks to unknown individuals for the pictures I found of Charleston on Google!*
Charleston SC, A better way of life 