A historic flooding event affected the Carolinas from October 1-7, 2015. A stalled front offshore combined with deep tropical moisture streaming northwest into the area ahead of a strong upper level low pressure system to the west and Hurricane Joaquin well to the east. This led to historic 4-day rainfall totals with widespread amounts of 15-20 inches and localized amounts over 25 inches, mainly in the Charleston Tri-County area. Flash flooding was prevalent for several days and eventually led to Flash Flood Emergencies for Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester and Colleton counties during the morning hours of October 4, 2015. Many people had to be rescued by emergency personnel while significant damage occurred to numerous properties and roads. Tides were also historically high due to the recent perigean spring tide and persistent onshore winds, exacerbating and prolonging flooding across the area and along the coast, especially in downtown Charleston.
The most significant flooding occurred in areas along and near smaller creeks and streams, especially those that were tributaries to larger rivers such as the Edisto, Ashley, Cooper, and Santee. In addition to impacting thousands of homes and businesses, flood waters also damaged many roads and bridges in the area, causing significant travel disruptions that lasted for multiple days. Furthermore, some roads and bridges were so badly damaged that it will likely take weeks to months to repair.
As of 12/31/15, a SCEMD report indicated an estimated total monetary damage of $4,533,337 in Berkeley County, $18,213,860 in Charleston County, $2,030,879 in Colleton County and $6,186,909 in Dorchester County from the flood event.  Total costs for each county have been divided equally to each flash flood report within that particular county for this flood event and are considered estimates only.

Coastal Flood in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 06-OCT-15 15:05:00 to 06-OCT-15 16:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The afternoon high tide at the Charleston Harbor tide gauge peaked at 7.52 feet mean lower low water. Law enforcement reported South Market Street being closed due to high water between Church Street and State Street.

Coastal Flood in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 07-OCT-15 16:40:00 to 07-OCT-15 17:10:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: NWS Employee

A NWS employee reported Highway 61 entering West Ashley from downtown Charleston closed due to tidal flooding.

Coastal Flood in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 07-OCT-15 17:37:00 to 07-OCT-15 18:07:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law enforcement reported the intersection of Main Road and Highway 17 closed due to tidal flooding.

Coastal Flood in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 07-OCT-15 16:18:00 to 07-OCT-15 18:04:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The afternoon high tide at the Charleston Harbor tide gauge peaked at 7.55 feet mean lower low water. Law enforcement reported road closures due to tidal flooding at the intersection of Broad Street and Barre Street along with Morrison Drive between Stuart Street and Lee Street.

Flood in COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 05-OCT-15 15:00:00 to 05-OCT-15 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: COTTAGEVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

An emergency manager reported several roads closed due to rising river levels on the Edisto River. Roads closed included Long Creek Landing Road, Good Hope Landing Lane, Ladolce Lane, Pierce Road and the end of Lakeview Lane.

Flood in COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 05-OCT-15 15:00:00 to 05-OCT-15 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BENNETTS PT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

An emergency manager reported Island Flats Lane and a bridge on Baldwin Lane impassable due to rising water levels on the Ashepoo River and Mosquito Creek.

Flood in COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 05-OCT-15 15:00:00 to 05-OCT-15 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: JONESVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

An emergency manager reported Pub Landing Lane impassable past the 500 block due to rising river levels.

Flood in COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 05-OCT-15 15:00:00 to 05-OCT-15 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: JACKSONBORO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

An emergency manager reported Adeline Lane off Hope Plantation Lane impassible due to rising river levels on the Edisto River.

Flood in DORCHESTER, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 06-OCT-15 15:00:00 to 06-OCT-15 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: SLANDSVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A NWS Storm Survey indicated bridges along Highway 17A, Bacons Bridge Road and Highway 61 over the Ashley River were closed due to rising river levels.