Charleston, South Carolina, September 29, 2025
News Summary
A high surf advisory has been issued for several coastal regions in South Carolina as Hurricane Erin approaches. The advisory, announced by the National Weather Service, will remain in effect from Monday evening until Saturday morning. Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Beaufort, and Charleston counties are affected, with dangerous swimming conditions expected due to large breaking waves ranging from 5 to 6 feet. Inexperienced swimmers are advised to stay out of the water. The hurricane, currently a Category 2 storm, is located over 400 miles offshore.
Charleston, South Carolina – A high surf advisory has been issued for several coastal regions in South Carolina as Hurricane Erin makes its approach. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston, SC announced the advisory at 2:17 a.m. on Monday, effective from 8 p.m. on Monday until 8 a.m. on Saturday.
The coastal areas affected by this advisory include Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Beaufort, and Charleston counties. Large breaking waves of 5 to 6 feet are anticipated in the surf zone, creating dangerous swimming and surfing conditions along the South Carolina coastline. Localized beach erosion is also expected as the storm approaches.
Rip currents will present a serious danger to swimmers, potentially sweeping even experienced individuals out to sea. The NWS advises that inexperienced swimmers should stay out of the water altogether due to the hazardous surf conditions. Swimmers are also encouraged to remain close to lifeguard stations for safety.
If anyone gets caught in a rip current, the NWS recommends that they relax and float rather than fight against the current. Swimming parallel to the shoreline may help swimmers escape the pull of the current, and signaling for help is advised if individuals cannot break free.
The high surf advisory is currently set to remain in effect until Saturday at 8 a.m. Hurricane Erin is currently categorized as a Category 2 storm with winds reaching up to 105 mph, located over 400 miles off the South Carolina coast. The storm’s impacts are expected to resonate throughout the coastline, which contributes to the increasing risk of rip currents.
As per forecasts, wave heights are projected to escalate from 2-3 feet to a range of 5-7 feet by Tuesday, with peaks expected to reach between 6-8 feet on Wednesday. Following this peak, wave heights are anticipated to gradually decrease on Thursday and Friday.
The overall weather forecast for the week indicates mostly clear overnight conditions, with daytime highs in the low 90s and nighttime lows around 75 degrees. While rain and storms are projected, they are expected to be isolated throughout the week.
Weather Advisory Summary
- Advisory Issued: 2:17 a.m. on Monday
- Advisory Duration: Monday 8 p.m. – Saturday 8 a.m.
- Affected Areas: Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Beaufort, Charleston counties
- Wave Heights: 5 to 6 feet expected
- Rip Currents Risk: High, dangerous for swimmers
- Hurricane Erin: Category 2, 105 mph winds, 400 miles offshore
Key Weather Forecast Details
- Tuesday: Wave heights 5 to 7 feet
- Wednesday: Waves peak at 6 to 8 feet
- Thursday: Gradual decrease in wave height
- Week Forecast: Highs in the low 90s, low around 75, isolated rain/storms possible
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the high surf advisory for South Carolina?
The National Weather Service (NWS) Charleston, SC released a high surf advisory at 2:17 a.m. on Monday, valid from 8 p.m. on Monday until 8 a.m. on Saturday.
Which areas are affected by the high surf advisory?
Coastal areas affected by the advisory include Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Beaufort, and Charleston counties.
What are the expected wave heights?
Large breaking waves of 5 to 6 feet are expected in the surf zone.
What should swimmers do during this advisory?
Inexperienced swimmers are advised to stay out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions, and it is encouraged to swim near a lifeguard.
What impacts does Hurricane Erin have?
Impacts from Hurricane Erin are expected to affect the South Carolina coastline, leading to a high risk of rip currents.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Advisory Issue Time | 2:17 a.m. on Monday |
| Advisory Duration | Valid from 8 p.m. on Monday to 8 a.m. on Saturday |
| Affected Areas | Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Beaufort, Charleston counties |
| Wave Height Prediction | 5 to 6 feet, peaking at 6 to 8 feet on Wednesday |
| Hurricane Classification | Category 2 with 105 mph winds |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Hilton Head Faces Hurricane Erin, St. Patrick’s Day Parade Canceled
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Severe Thunderstorms Impact Laurens and Greenwood Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Lexington and Aiken Counties
Hurricane Erin Prompts No Swimming Orders and Evacuations in North Carolina
Charleston Prepares for Hurricane Erin’s Approach
Hurricane Erin Threatens Hilton Head Beaches
Hilton Head Island Faces Rip Current Danger as Hurricane Erin Approaches
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: High Surf Advisory
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- Live 5 News: High Surf Risk
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- Fox Weather: Coastal Flooding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Flooding
- ABC News: Hurricane Erin Tracker
- Count On 2: Hurricane Erin’s Impacts
- Washington Post: Hurricane Erin’s Flooding Impact
- Google Search: Safe Swimming Practices in Rip Currents
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
