Alert archive / Georgia / Rip Current Statements in 2026

Rip Current Statement 5, NWS Charleston, SC

September 7, 20264 counties in Georgia; 4 counties in South Carolina

NWS Charleston, SC issued this rip current statement at Sep 7, 2026, 2:28 PM EDT for 4 counties in Georgia; 4 counties in South Carolina. It took effect at Sep 8, 2026, 8:00 AM EDT. It was in force for 12 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Sep 7, 2026, 2:28 PM EDT (18:28 UTC)
In effect from
Sep 8, 2026, 8:00 AM EDT
Expired
Sep 8, 2026, 8:00 PM EDT
In force
12 hr
Issued by
NWS Charleston, SC

Counties Bryan County, GA, Chatham County, GA, Liberty County, GA, McIntosh County, GA, Beaufort County, SC, Charleston County, SC, Colleton County, SC, Jasper County, SC

The radar

The Charleston,SC radar (KCLX), 51 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 18:28 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Charleston AFB, SC (KCHS), launched 12:00Z, 6.5 hours before the alert went out and 118 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Charleston AFB, SC at 12:00Z on 2026-09-07Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 426 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Charleston AFB, SC at 12:00Z on 2026-09-07The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 6 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
426 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-52 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
781 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
13 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
6 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
21 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

521 
WHUS42 KCHS 071828
CFWCHS

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Charleston SC
228 PM EDT Mon Sep 7 2026

SCZ149-150-080230-
/O.NEW.KCHS.RP.S.0005.260908T1200Z-260909T0000Z/
/O.CON.KCHS.CF.Y.0023.260907T2000Z-260908T0000Z/
Coastal Colleton-Charleston-
228 PM EDT Mon Sep 7 2026

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, up to one half foot of 
  inundation above ground level expected along shorelines and 
  tidal waterways (7.3 to 7.5 feet Mean Lower Low Water at 
  Charleston). For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip 
  currents expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Colleton and Charleston Counties.

* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 8 PM EDT this 
  evening. For the High Rip Current Risk, from Tuesday morning 
  through Tuesday evening.

* IMPACTS...This will result in some roads becoming impassable 
  and minor flooding of properties. Rip currents can sweep even 
  the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...High tide will occur around 5:43 PM today 
  at Charleston. Saltwater inundation will be possible 1 to 2 
  hours before and after high tide.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be
closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of
unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.

Visit water.weather.gov for additional water level and flood
impact information.

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

&&

Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.

Charleston Harbor SC
MLLW Categories - Minor 7.0 ft, Moderate 7.5 ft, Major 8.0 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 1.2 ft, Moderate 1.7 ft, Major 2.2 ft

             Total      Total    Departure                   
 Day/Time    Tide       Tide     from Norm   Waves    Flood  
            ft MLLW    ft MHHW       ft       ft      Impact 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 07/06 PM     7.4        1.6        1.1       N/A     Minor    
 08/06 AM     6.8        1.0        1.3       N/A      None    
 08/07 PM     7.6        1.8        1.1       N/A    Moderate  
 09/07 AM     6.6        0.8        0.8       N/A      None    
 09/07 PM     7.2        1.4        0.7       N/A     Minor

&&

$$

GAZ217-219-239-241-SCZ148-151-080230-
/O.NEW.KCHS.RP.S.0005.260908T1200Z-260909T0000Z/
Coastal Bryan-Coastal Chatham-Coastal Liberty-Coastal McIntosh-
Beaufort-Coastal Jasper-
228 PM EDT Mon Sep 7 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.

* WHERE...Georgia Beaches, Beaufort, and Coastal Jasper.

* WHEN...From Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

&&

$$
5 follow-up statements
451 
WHUS42 KCHS 072323
CFWCHS

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Charleston SC
723 PM EDT Mon Sep 7 2026

SCZ149-150-080730-
/O.CAN.KCHS.CF.Y.0023.000000T0000Z-260908T0000Z/
/O.CON.KCHS.RP.S.0005.260908T1200Z-260909T0000Z/
Coastal Colleton-Charleston-
723 PM EDT Mon Sep 7 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING
THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Colleton and Charleston Counties.

* WHEN...From Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
  from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

&&

$$

GAZ217-219-239-241-SCZ148-151-080730-
/O.CON.KCHS.RP.S.0005.260908T1200Z-260909T0000Z/
Coastal Bryan-Coastal Chatham-Coastal Liberty-Coastal McIntosh-
Beaufort-Coastal Jasper-
723 PM EDT Mon Sep 7 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING
THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.

* WHERE...Georgia Beaches, Beaufort, and Coastal Jasper.

* WHEN...From Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

&&

$$
942 
WHUS42 KCHS 080211
CFWCHS

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Charleston SC
1011 PM EDT Mon Sep 7 2026

GAZ217-219-239-241-SCZ148>151-081015-
/O.CON.KCHS.RP.S.0005.260908T1200Z-260909T0000Z/
Coastal Bryan-Coastal Chatham-Coastal Liberty-Coastal McIntosh-
Beaufort-Coastal Colleton-Charleston-Coastal Jasper-
1011 PM EDT Mon Sep 7 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM EDT TUESDAY
THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.

* WHERE...South Carolina Beaches, and Georgia Beaches.

* WHEN...From 8 AM EDT Tuesday through Tuesday evening.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

&&

$$
732 
WHUS42 KCHS 080623
CFWCHS

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Charleston SC
223 AM EDT Tue Sep 8 2026

GAZ217-219-239-241-SCZ148>151-081430-
/O.CON.KCHS.RP.S.0005.260908T1200Z-260909T0000Z/
Coastal Bryan-Coastal Chatham-Coastal Liberty-Coastal McIntosh-
Beaufort-Coastal Colleton-Charleston-Coastal Jasper-
223 AM EDT Tue Sep 8 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM EDT THIS
MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.

* WHERE...South Carolina Beaches, and Georgia Beaches.

* WHEN...From 8 AM EDT this morning through this evening.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

&&

$$
087 
WHUS42 KCHS 081055
CFWCHS

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Charleston SC
655 AM EDT Tue Sep 8 2026

GAZ217-219-239-241-SCZ148-151-081900-
/O.NEW.KCHS.CF.Y.0024.260908T2100Z-260909T0100Z/
/O.CON.KCHS.RP.S.0005.260908T1200Z-260909T0000Z/
Coastal Bryan-Coastal Chatham-Coastal Liberty-Coastal McIntosh-
Beaufort-Coastal Jasper-
655 AM EDT Tue Sep 8 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
9 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents 
  expected. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, up to one half foot 
  of inundation above ground level expected along shorelines and 
  tidal waterways (9.6 to 9.8 feet Mean Lower Low Water at Fort 
  Pulaski).

* WHERE...In Georgia, Coastal Bryan, Coastal Chatham, Coastal 
  Liberty and Coastal McIntosh Counties. In South Carolina, 
  Beaufort and Coastal Jasper Counties.

* WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, through this evening. 
  For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from 5 PM this afternoon to 9 
  PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Saltwater inundation will impact some roads. Rip 
  currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into 
  deeper water.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...High tide will occur around 7 PM this
  evening at Fort Pulaski. Saltwater inundation will be possible 
  1 to 2 hours before and after high tide.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be
closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of
unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.

Visit water.weather.gov for additional water level and flood
impact information.

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

&&

Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.

Fort Pulaski GA
MLLW Categories - Minor 9.5 ft, Moderate 10.0 ft, Major 10.5 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 2.0 ft, Moderate 2.5 ft, Major 3.0 ft

             Total      Total    Departure                   
 Day/Time    Tide       Tide     from Norm   Waves    Flood  
            ft MLLW    ft MHHW       ft       ft      Impact 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 08/06 AM     8.5        1.0        1.3       N/A      None    
 08/07 PM     9.7        2.2        1.4       N/A     Minor    
 09/07 AM     9.0        1.5        1.4       N/A      None    
 09/08 PM     9.5        2.0        1.1       N/A     Minor    
 10/08 AM     8.8        1.3        0.9       N/A      None    
 10/08 PM     9.1        1.6        0.8       N/A      None

&&

$$

SCZ149-150-081900-
/O.NEW.KCHS.CF.Y.0024.260908T2100Z-260909T0100Z/
/O.CON.KCHS.RP.S.0005.260908T1200Z-260909T0000Z/
Coastal Colleton-Charleston-
655 AM EDT Tue Sep 8 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
9 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents 
  expected. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, up to one foot of 
  inundation above ground level expected along shorelines and 
  tidal waterways (7.7 to 7.9 feet Mean Lower Low Water at 
  Charleston).

* WHERE...Coastal Colleton and Charleston Counties.

* WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, through this evening. 
  For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from 5 PM this afternoon to 9 
  PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...This will result in some roads becoming impassable 
  and minor flooding of properties. Rip currents can sweep even 
  the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...High tide will occur around 7 PM this
  evening at Charleston. Saltwater inundation will be possible 1 
  to 2 hours before and after high tide.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be
closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of
unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.

Visit water.weather.gov for additional water level and flood
impact information.

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

&&

Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.

Charleston Harbor SC
MLLW Categories - Minor 7.0 ft, Moderate 7.5 ft, Major 8.0 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 1.2 ft, Moderate 1.7 ft, Major 2.2 ft

             Total      Total    Departure                   
 Day/Time    Tide       Tide     from Norm   Waves    Flood  
            ft MLLW    ft MHHW       ft       ft      Impact 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 08/06 AM     6.8        1.0        1.3       N/A      None    
 08/07 PM     7.8        2.0        1.3       N/A    Moderate  
 09/07 AM     6.8        1.0        1.0       N/A      None    
 09/07 PM     7.6        1.8        1.1       N/A    Moderate  
 10/08 AM     6.8        1.0        0.7       N/A      None    
 10/08 PM     7.2        1.4        0.7       N/A     Minor

&&

$$
001 
WHUS42 KCHS 081805
CFWCHS

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Charleston SC
205 PM EDT Tue Sep 8 2026

GAZ217-219-239-241-SCZ148-151-090100-
/O.CON.KCHS.CF.Y.0024.260908T2100Z-260909T0100Z/
/O.CON.KCHS.RP.S.0005.000000T0000Z-260909T0000Z/
Coastal Bryan-Coastal Chatham-Coastal Liberty-Coastal McIntosh-
Beaufort-Coastal Jasper-
205 PM EDT Tue Sep 8 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents. 
  For the Coastal Flood Advisory, up to one half foot of 
  inundation above ground level expected along shorelines and 
  tidal waterways (9.5 to 9.7 feet Mean Lower Low Water at Fort 
  Pulaski).

* WHERE...In Georgia, Coastal Bryan, Coastal Chatham, Coastal 
  Liberty and Coastal McIntosh Counties. In South Carolina, 
  Beaufort and Coastal Jasper Counties.

* WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, until 8 PM EDT this 
  evening. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 9 PM EDT this 
  evening.

* IMPACTS...Saltwater inundation will impact some roads. Rip 
  currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into 
  deeper water.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...High tide will occur around 6:44 PM today 
  at Fort Pulaski. Saltwater inundation will be possible 1 to 2 
  hours before and after high tide.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be
closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of
unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.

Visit water.weather.gov for additional water level and flood
impact information.

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

&&

Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.

Fort Pulaski GA
MLLW Categories - Minor 9.5 ft, Moderate 10.0 ft, Major 10.5 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 2.0 ft, Moderate 2.5 ft, Major 3.0 ft

             Total      Total    Departure                   
 Day/Time    Tide       Tide     from Norm   Waves    Flood  
            ft MLLW    ft MHHW       ft       ft      Impact 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 08/07 PM     9.6        2.1        1.3       N/A     Minor    
 09/07 AM     8.8        1.3        1.2       N/A      None    
 09/08 PM     9.4        1.9        1.0       N/A      None    
 10/08 AM     8.7        1.2        0.8       N/A      None    
 10/08 PM     9.0        1.5        0.7       N/A      None

&&

$$

SCZ149-150-090100-
/O.CON.KCHS.CF.Y.0024.260908T2100Z-260909T0100Z/
/O.CON.KCHS.RP.S.0005.000000T0000Z-260909T0000Z/
Coastal Colleton-Charleston-
205 PM EDT Tue Sep 8 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents. 
  For the Coastal Flood Advisory, up to one foot of inundation 
  above ground level expected along shorelines and tidal 
  waterways (7.7 to 7.9 feet Mean Lower Low Water at Charleston).

* WHERE...Coastal Colleton and Charleston Counties.

* WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, until 8 PM EDT this 
  evening. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 9 PM EDT this 
  evening.

* IMPACTS...This will result in some roads becoming impassable 
  and minor flooding of properties. Rip currents can sweep even 
  the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...High tide will occur around 6:40 PM today 
  at Charleston. Saltwater inundation will be possible 1 to 2 
  hours before and after high tide.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be
closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of
unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.

Visit water.weather.gov for additional water level and flood
impact information.

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

&&

Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.

Charleston Harbor SC
MLLW Categories - Minor 7.0 ft, Moderate 7.5 ft, Major 8.0 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 1.2 ft, Moderate 1.7 ft, Major 2.2 ft

             Total      Total    Departure                   
 Day/Time    Tide       Tide     from Norm   Waves    Flood  
            ft MLLW    ft MHHW       ft       ft      Impact 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 08/07 PM     7.8        2.0        1.3       N/A    Moderate  
 09/07 AM     6.8        1.0        1.0       N/A      None    
 09/07 PM     7.3        1.5        0.8       N/A     Minor    
 10/08 AM     6.6        0.8        0.5       N/A      None    
 10/08 PM     7.0        1.2        0.5       N/A     Minor

&&

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Charleston, SC issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Sep 6, 8:53 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementCHSJenkins, Screven37 min
Sep 6, 11:18 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningCHS117 min
Sep 7, 2:15 AM EDTSmall Craft AdvisoryCHS56 hr
Sep 7, 4:00 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningCHS60 min
Sep 6, 9:00 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningCHSHampton, Jasper60 min
Sep 7, 7:00 AM EDTCoastal Flood AdvisoryCHSCharleston, Colleton12 hr

Nearby

Rip Current Statements in Georgia, 2026Rip Current Statements in South Carolina, 2026Every rip current statement in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.