Causes of Flooding

Overview

If Charleston is to be resilient to future flooding, we must commit to understanding the multi-faceted problem. We know the issue is not only related to sea level rise. The amalgam of causes also includes:

  • Antiquated infrastructure
  • Frequent extreme weather-related events
  • Geography
  • Higher groundwater tables
  • Increased precipitation
  • Subsidence 
  • More

All contributors to flooding in our city are and will continue to be monitored and evaluated.

What Causes Flooding Graphic

Learn About Local Flooding Causes

Flooding is caused by many factors, which often combine simultaneously to form a complex, multi-faceted challenge.

Learn more about why Charleston floods when it rains (PDF).

Learn more about how high tides affect our drainage systems.

Important Disclaimer

This web page may provide links to other third-party websites which are not under the control of the City of Charleston. The City of Charleston takes no responsibility for the content in these linked websites and the inclusion of the links does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by the City of Charleston of the information and views contained therein.