A low pressure system developed over the Gulf of Mexico and tracked northeast across the Florida Peninsula in the early morning hours of December 17th, then strengthened across warm Atlantic waters while passing along the Southeast Coast, bringing impacts in the form of major coastal flooding, flash flooding, strong winds and high surf across southeast South Carolina.
Major coastal flooding occurred along the southeast South Carolina coast, with the Charleston Harbor Tide Gage (CHTS1) reaching a preliminary value of 9.86 ft MLLW on December 17th, the 4th highest tide on record at this location. This also set the record for the highest non-tropical related high tide level at this location. Daily rainfall amounts of 3.92 inches at Downtown Charleston (KCXM) and 3.25 inches at North Charleston (KCHS) climate sites set daily rainfall records. Elsewhere, rainfall amounts generally fell within the 2 to 4 inch range across inland areas of southeast South Carolina and 4 to 6 inches across Beaufort and Jasper Counties of southeast South Carolina. The largest rainfall amounts occurred with a quasi-stationary rainband that set up across northern Charleston County, where localized rainfall totals between 10 and 16 inches were reported. A  peak daily rainfall of 16.32 inches was measured at a personal weather station on Old Cemetery Road, near McClellanville, South Carolina.
The combination of major saltwater flooding and heavy rainfall/flash flooding associated with the passing low pressure system led to at least 78 rescues being made by firefighters in the Charleston area, mostly from vehicles stalled on flooded streets. Dozens of cars and trucks were also abandoned in roadways across the area. Unfortunately, one fatality occurred when a 72-yr old female became trapped in a fully submerged vehicle during a flash flooding event in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The combination of major saltwater flooding and high surf also led to moderate/major beach erosion across Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, and Kiawah Island, as well as damage to piers/docks and several beach front properties/homes.
During rapid intensification, the low pressure system displayed central pressures lowering from 1010 mb at 7 AM December 16th to 988 mb at 7 PM December 17th, a 22 mb drop in a 36-hr period. This led to a strong pressure gradient across the region as well as December minimum sea-level pressure records being set at several coastal sites along the Southeast Coast, including at Charleston, SC (KCHS). Observed wind gusts were generally between 40 and 50 mph along the coast, with a peak wind gust of 57 mph at Folly Beach, South Carolina and a peak wind gust of 65 mph along with a maximum sea wave height of 27 ft at Buoy 41004 offshore, which led to numerous trees and power lines down across the area. Prolonged wind gusts in the 25 to 30 mph range were also experienced well inland, resulting in additional trees and power lines down.

Strong Wind in JASPER, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 07:49:00 to 17-DEC-23 07:50:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Jasper County 911 Call Center reported a tree down near 5973 Purrysburg Road.

Strong Wind in NORTHERN COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 09:45:00 to 17-DEC-23 09:46:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Colleton County emergency manager reported a tree down and blocking both lanes at 2505 Charleston Highway in Round O.

Strong Wind in JASPER, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 09:52:00 to 17-DEC-23 09:53:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Jasper County 911 Call Center reported a tree down near the intersection of Cat Branch Road and Pinelevel Church Road.

Strong Wind in BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 10:30:00 to 17-DEC-23 10:31:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Beaufort County emergency manager reported a tree down on a house on Hilton Head Island, causing structural damage.

Strong Wind in NORTHERN COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 10:40:00 to 17-DEC-23 10:41:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Colleton County emergency manager reported a tree down and blocking both lanes at 100 Cavanaugh Road.

Strong Wind in NORTHERN COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 10:40:00 to 17-DEC-23 10:41:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Colleton County emergency manager reported a tree down on power lines and across both lanes at 3458 Paradise Road.

Strong Wind in SOUTHERN COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 11:30:00 to 17-DEC-23 11:31:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Charleston County emergency manager reported a power pole down along Summerwind Circle on Edisto Island, South Carolina.

Strong Wind in JASPER, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 11:34:00 to 17-DEC-23 11:35:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Jasper County 911 Call Center reported a tree down on Whyte Hardee Boulevard.

Strong Wind in NORTHERN COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 12:15:00 to 17-DEC-23 12:16:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Colleton County emergency manager reported a tree blocking one lane of Interstate 95 Southbound.

Strong Wind in NORTHERN COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 12:15:00 to 17-DEC-23 12:16:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Colleton County emergency manager reported a tree and power lines down, blocking one lane of the road near the intersection of Ritter Road and White Hall Road.

Strong Wind in JASPER, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 13:15:00 to 17-DEC-23 13:16:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A Jasper County 911 Call Center reported a tree down near the intersection of Clyo Road and Stokes Bluff Road.

Strong Wind in JASPER, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 14:06:00 to 17-DEC-23 14:07:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A Jasper County 911 Call Center reported a tree down on a vehicle and structure on Thomas Street.

Strong Wind in JASPER, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 14:14:00 to 17-DEC-23 14:15:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A Jasper County 911 Call Center reported a tree down at 10884 Grays Highway.

Strong Wind in NORTHERN COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 14:58:00 to 17-DEC-23 14:59:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Colleton County emergency manager reported a tree across Interstate 95 North blocking both lanes.

Strong Wind in NORTHERN COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 19:35:00 to 17-DEC-23 19:36:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Colleton County emergency manager reported a tree down and blocking both lanes of the road in the 4200 Block of Beulah Road.

Coastal Flood in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 09:45:00 to 17-DEC-23 10:45:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law enforcement reported Market Street in downtown Charleston closed to due saltwater flooding.

Coastal Flood in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 09:48:00 to 17-DEC-23 10:48:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law enforcement reported Bogard Street near Rutledge Avenue in downtown Charleston closed to due saltwater flooding.

Coastal Flood in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 09:50:00 to 17-DEC-23 10:50:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law enforcement reported Lockwood Drive between Wentworth Street and Broad Street in downtown Charleston closed to due saltwater flooding.

Coastal Flood in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 09:51:00 to 17-DEC-23 10:51:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law enforcement reported Bennett Street between Barre Street and Rutledge Avenue closed due to saltwater flooding.

Coastal Flood in SOUTHERN COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 10:45:00 to 17-DEC-23 11:45:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Colleton County emergency manager reported Lybrand Street and Dockside Road on Edisto Island, South Carolina closed due to saltwater flooding.

Coastal Flood in SOUTHERN COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 10:50:00 to 17-DEC-23 11:50:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Colleton County emergency manager Palmetto Boulevard on Edisto Island, South Carolina closed due to saltwater flooding.

Coastal Flood in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 11:54:00 to 17-DEC-23 11:54:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

A maximum tide level of 9.86 ft MLLW (4.10 ft MHHW) was observed at the Charleston Harbor Tide Gage (CHTS1). Major coastal flooding typically begins along the coasts of Charleston and Colleton counties when tide levels reach 8.0 ft MLLW (2.24 ft MHHW) in the Charleston Harbor. This is the fourth highest tide on record and the highest non-tropical tide on record for this location.

Coastal Flood in SOUTHERN COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 12:01:00 to 17-DEC-23 13:01:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Colleton County emergency manager reported the 100 Block and 300 Block of Palmetto Boulevard closed due to saltwater flooding. Additionally, Lybrand Street/Dockside Road was closed due to saltwater flooding from Big Bay Creek into Wyndham.

Coastal Flood in SOUTHERN COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 12:03:00 to 17-DEC-23 13:03:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Colleton County emergency manager reported Highway 174 closed at the Edistonian Gas Station due to 2.5 ft of saltwater flooding moving across the causeway heading into Edisto Island Beach.

Coastal Flood in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 12:15:00 to 17-DEC-23 13:15:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Public

A video shared via social media showed saltwater flooding covering Highway 17 heading into West Ashley from downtown Charleston and indicated at least 6 cars stranded in water.

Coastal Flood in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 13:25:00 to 17-DEC-23 14:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law enforcement reported that Rivers Avenue is closed in both directions near Melbourne Avenue due to coastal flooding from adjacent Noisette Creek.

Coastal Flood in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 13:44:00 to 17-DEC-23 14:44:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement reported that Virginia Avenue is closed in both directions at Interstate 526 due to coastal flooding.

Flash Flood in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 11:30:00 to 17-DEC-23 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHARLESTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A video shared via social media showed water entering a business along South Market Street. Saltwater flooding approximately 18 inches deep was also reported in a business inside the City Market.

Flash Flood in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 11:53:00 to 17-DEC-23 12:23:00 (EST-5)
Location: ISLE OF PALMS ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Fire rescue personnel reported at least one home flooded on Mercury Road, requiring a homeowner to be rescued. The entire area along the roads of Mercury, Hamlin, and Atlanta Drive were flooded with a combination of salt and fresh water. An estimated 30-40 homes were surrounded by flood waters with the occupants sheltering in place.

Flash Flood in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 12:30:00 to 17-DEC-23 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHARLESTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A video relayed via social media showed water inside a building along Drake Street.

Flash Flood in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 12:50:00 to 17-DEC-23 13:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: SNOWDEN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

The media reported a vehicle fully submerged in flood waters along Omni Boulevard, trapping and drowning a 72 year old female.

Flash Flood in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 21:30:00 to 17-DEC-23 22:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: MOORE CORNER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Local Official

The town of McClellanville reported Old Cemetery Road washed out just before the bridge over Jeremy Creek, leaving 100 people cut off from the main road.

Flash Flood in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 20:00:00 to 17-DEC-23 20:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: MOORE CORNER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported significant flooding of Old Georgetown Road on the McClellanville/Awendaw Town Forum Facebook page. Pictures and video showed water flowing across the roadway. One shoulder of the road was completely inundated and the edge of the asphalt was damaged and eroded away.

Coastal Flood in SOUTHERN COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 09:30:00 to 17-DEC-23 10:30:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Colleton County emergency manager reported waves breaking under Coot's Restaurant along Edisto Beach and sea water approaching Palmetto Boulevard. Numerous interlocked and stacked concrete slabs weighing approximately 1000 pounds and used as a barrier were displaced under the restaurant.

Heavy Rain in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 11:59:00 to 17-DEC-23 11:59:00 (EST-5)
Location: MC CLELLANVILLE
Reported by: Public

A personal weather station located along Old Cemetery Road recorded 16.32 inches of rainfall since midnight. In a 2-hour period, between 1:29 PM and 3:29 PM, 5.97 inches of rain fell.

Coastal Flood in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 12:30:00 to 17-DEC-23 13:30:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Charleston County emergency manager relayed a picture of saltwater flooding approximately 1 to 1.5 ft deep in a parking lot near the Shem Creek Boardwalk.

Flash Flood in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 13:00:00 to 17-DEC-23 13:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: ST ANDREWS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

A NWS employee reported water approximately 6 inches deep entering several businesses at South Windermere Shopping Center.

High Surf in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 13:00:00 to 17-DEC-23 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Public

The public relayed pictures via social media showing beach erosion into the yards of at least three homes and causing damage to pools between 3rd Avenue and Breach Inlet. Pictures also showed dune erosion approximately 2 to 3 feet in height.

High Surf in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 13:00:00 to 17-DEC-23 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Public

Pictures taken between 5th Street West and 6th Street West on Folly Beach, South Carolina indicated significant dune erosion approximately 4 to 5 feet tall. Additional pictures indicated dune erosion approximately 3 to 4 feet in height near the Folly Beach Pier and undercutting docks over the dune line. Moderate beach erosion of approximately 1 to 2 feet in height was also beginning to undercut a home along the 15th Block East past the Washout on Folly Beach, South Carolina.

High Surf in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 13:00:00 to 17-DEC-23 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Public

The South Carolina State Climatology Office relayed a picture from the public that showed dune erosion of approximately 1 to 2 feet in height along Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

Flash Flood in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 15:00:00 to 17-DEC-23 15:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: MC CLELLANVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Local Official

A local official reported 2 businesses in McClellanville, South Carolina were flooded with at least 6 inches of water inside the building. One business was on Pinckney Street and another was on Morrison Street. Roadway flooding on Randall Road also led to two people being stranded and rescued from their vehicle by the McClellanville Fire Department.

Strong Wind in NORTHERN COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 16:10:00 to 17-DEC-23 16:11:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Colleton County emergency manager reported a tree and power line down, blocking both lanes of the road near the 14000 Block of Hendersonville Highway.

Coastal Flood in TIDAL BERKELEY, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 13:04:00 to 17-DEC-23 14:04:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Public

The public relayed a picture of saltwater flooding covering the boardwalk and dock at Beresford Creek on Daniel Island.

High Surf in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 17-DEC-23 15:24:00 to 17-DEC-23 23:24:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Public

The public relayed a picture via social media showing damage to the Isle of Palms Pier.