A record-setting rain storm hit Charleston, South Carolina on Saturday, causing widespread flooding and prompting emergency responders to assist those stranded in high waters. The National Weather Service in Charleston reported that downtown Charleston received 3.63 inches of rain, breaking the previous one-day record of 1.43 inches set in 1948. Additionally, Charleston International Airport recorded 1.95 inches of rainfall, surpassing the previous record of 1.13 inches from 1998.
The heavy rain coincided with a morning high tide, exacerbating the flooding in the coastal city. The Charleston Fire Department was called to 12 incidents involving vehicles sinking and assisted in relocating 13 individuals from vehicles or flood waters.
The storm's strong winds caused damage to several businesses in the area. Windows were blown out at a tire business, and roofing sheet metal was ripped off at that location and two adjacent businesses. A power pole also had its top snapped off due to the high winds. In North Charleston, heavy rainfall led to the collapse of the ceiling of a church.
The vice president of the tire company affected by the storm described the event as a possible microburst, noting that the rain was unusually intense, causing windows to buckle and snap. Part of the ceiling inside the building also collapsed, according to reports.
Despite the severe weather conditions, authorities in Charleston did not report any injuries resulting from the storms and flooding. Emergency responders worked diligently to ensure the safety of residents and mitigate the impact of the record-setting rain storm on the city.
