SC counties are under warning for Hurricane Milton

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC/AP) – Warnings are in effect for several Lowcountry counties through Thursday as Milton moves into the Atlantic Ocean, where it is expected to dissipate this weekend.

Milton made landfall near Siesta Key at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center said. Siesta Key is an affluent strip of white-sand beaches with 5,500 residents about 70 miles south of Tampa.

Here is a breakdown of the warnings currently in effect:

Tropical Storm Warning

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the coastal towns of Colleton, Beaufort, Jasper and waters up to 20 nautical miles off the coast of South Carolina, including Charleston Harbor.

Tropical storm squalls are possible until late Thursday afternoon. These winds, combined with dangerous sea conditions, cause ships to capsize or become damaged and visibility is reduced.

Sailors should change their plans to avoid dangerous conditions: stay in port, seek safe harbor, change course, or shelter the ship from dangerous weather.

Flood warning

A coastal flood warning is in effect for Charleston County and coastal Colleton County Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Water levels could approach or exceed the limit during major flooding. Road closures and other complications are to be expected, especially if there is flooding shortly before 2 p.m

The National Weather Service expects most of the flooding to occur in downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms and Folly and Edisto beaches.

A flood warning is in effect for portions of Berkeley County near Jamestown through Sunday morning due to the possibility of moderate flooding. At 18.0 feet, a boat launch at the end of Santee Landing Road and the lower half mile of Corner Loop Road is impassable due to backwater effects from Pole Branch Creek. Water is expected to cover the lower quarter mile of Lawton Farm Lane.

As of 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, the stage was 18.4 feet tall. The river is expected to fall below flood stage Saturday evening and continue to fall to 6.0 feet by Monday evening.

High surf notice

A high surf advisory is in effect for Charleston, Coastal Colleton, Beaufort and Coastal Jasper counties from midnight Thursday morning through 8 p.m. Friday as large breaking waves of 4 to 6 feet are expected in the surf zone.

Wind warning

A wind advisory is in effect for portions of Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, Colleton, Orangeburg, Hampton and Allendale counties from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, as winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts of up to 40 mph are possible.

Gusty winds blow around unsecured objects. Tree branches could fall and some power outages could occur.

High flow risk

The National Weather Service also warned of a high rip current risk for South Carolina beaches. Currents can push even the best swimmers away from shore and into deeper water.

Inexperienced swimmers should stay away from the water due to the danger. If you must be in the water, swim near a lifeguard.

A swimmer caught in a current should relax and drift rather than trying to swim against the current. If they are able, they should swim in a direction that follows the shore until they escape the current and then swim back to shore. If they cannot escape the current, they should turn to the shore and call or wave for help.

Milton made landfall near Siesta Key at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center said. Siesta Key is an affluent strip of white-sand beaches with 5,500 residents about 70 miles south of Tampa.

More than 3 million homes and businesses were without power in Florida as of Thursday morning, according to poweroutage.us, which tracks utility reports.

If you see damage or flooding in your area from Hurricane Milton and feel comfortable taking a photo or video, submit it by clicking the blue “Add Media” button below:

Copyright 2024 WCSC. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved.