Charleston, South Carolina, October 10, 2025
News Summary
Charleston, South Carolina, is preparing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Imelda, which is expected to bring heavy rains and winds up to 60 mph. Predictions indicate potential flooding as the storm develops near the Georgia coast and moves northward. Coastal cities are warned about high tides, erosion risks, and the possibility of significant flooding days after the storm passes. Flood advisories are already in effect in parts of Georgia, and Georgia Power is mobilizing resources for potential outages.
Charleston, South Carolina is bracing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Imelda, which is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the Southeast and Carolinas as early as next week. The system has been classified as a “tropical wind and rainstorm” by meteorological experts, and predictions indicate it could become a hurricane as it develops near the Georgia coast by late this week.
Winds reaching up to 60 mph could impact the Carolinas and mid-Atlantic region, with forecasts warning of potential flooding. The storm’s path is likely to move northward early next week, and it is anticipated to strengthen daily as it approaches the coastline. Residents along affected areas have been warned of high seas, powerful winds, and risks of erosion and flooding.
Charleston has already reported flooding on around a dozen streets, prompting officials to offer free parking in some garages. The City is preparing for a high tide of 8.5 feet, which is the 13th highest recorded in Charleston Harbor, occurring just as the storm approaches. The combination of high king tides and Tropical Storm Imelda could lead to critical coastal flooding, particularly in places like the Outer Banks in North Carolina and around Charleston.
Subtropical storms, such as those under consideration for Imelda, are driven by both oceanic and atmospheric conditions. This characteristic makes them unique compared to purely tropical storms. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is closely monitoring the situation and there is potential for the system to be classified officially as a subtropical storm.
Flood advisories are currently active in areas of Georgia, particularly near Savannah, where the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts saltwater inundation levels to reach one foot. Residents across Bryan, Chatham, McIntosh, and Liberty counties have been advised of this risk. Additionally, conditions along the coast will present dangerous rip currents, with a high surf advisory in effect until Sunday morning. Waves are expected to reach heights of 5-6 feet, contributing to hazardous swimming conditions and coastal erosion.
The NWS outlook suggests that approximately seven weeks remain in the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, and the La Nina weather pattern may encourage further hurricane activity. Georgia’s metro areas are currently facing drought conditions, noticeably deteriorating in recent weeks, with forecasts indicating these conditions may persist through next week. In the coming days, the NWS predicts sunny weather for Atlanta with temperatures fluctuating between 72-80°F during the day and lows from 55-61°F at night.
Meanwhile, Georgia Power is preparing for the storm, drawing on successful past experiences, including the swift restoration efforts after Hurricane Helene. Recognized for their excellent service, Georgia Power received an award in association with the Edison Electric Institute for their emergency recovery performance following prior storms.
As the storm progresses, tropical storm warnings and watches have been issued for areas in the Bahamas and along Florida’s east coast. Coastal cities, including Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Wilmington, should prepare for potential river flooding that might occur days after the winds subside.
FAQ
What impacts are expected from Tropical Storm Imelda?
Tropical Storm Imelda is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds up to 60 mph, flooding, high seas, and erosion along the Atlantic coast.
Where is the storm expected to develop?
The storm is expected to develop near the Georgia coast late this week and will move northward early next week.
What areas are currently under flood advisories?
Flood advisories are in effect for Bryan, Chatham, McIntosh, and Liberty counties in Georgia.
What cities might experience flooding from the storm?
Flooding is expected along coastal cities such as Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Wilmington, with potential river flooding days after the storm’s winds ease.
Key Features of Tropical Storm Imelda
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Storm Type | Tropical storm likely to develop into a hurricane |
| Expected Wind Speeds | Up to 60 mph |
| Area of Impact | Southeast and Carolinas |
| Flood Advisories | Active in Bryan, Chatham, McIntosh, and Liberty counties, Georgia |
| Coastal Waves Height | 5-6 feet |
| Landfall Forecast | Near Georgia coast, moving northward early next week |
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: When is Hurricane Season Over in Georgia?
- Google Search: Hurricane Season Georgia
- Grice Connect: Anniversary of Hurricane Helene
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene (2018)
- AccuWeather: Brewing Tropical Storm Imelda
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Imelda Forms
- Google News: Tropical Storm Imelda
- First Coast News: 1898 Hurricane Georgia
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Evolution
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