Special Marine Warning Issued for Charleston Harbor and Coastal South Carolina Waters

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Charleston has issued a Special Marine Warning for the coastal waters of South Carolina. This alert was triggered by radar-indicated strong thunderstorms moving through the region.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following maritime regions:

• Charleston Harbor
• Coastal waters from South Santee River to Edisto Beach SC out 20 nm
• Waters from South Santee River SC to Edisto Beach SC extending from 20 nm to 40 nm

Specific locations impacted include Y-73 Reef, Capers Reef, Capers Mid Shelf, Doug Mellichamp Reef, Comanche Reef, Joe Shuford Reef, Jimmy Leland Tug, Charleston Sixty, Bull Breakers, Rattlesnake Shoal, Charleston Nearshore Reef, Capers Island Buoy, Air Force Reef, Charleston Coastal Anglers, and Bulls Bay.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to move to safe harbor immediately. Remain in a secure location until the hazardous weather conditions have passed.

Expected Conditions

At 10:41 PM EDT, a line of strong thunderstorms was located from near N. Edisto Nearshore Reef to 14 NM southeast of Edisto Offshore Reef. The storms are moving northeast at 30 knots.

• Hazard: Wind gusts up to 34 knots.
• Impact: Small craft may sustain damage due to briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.

Timeline

The warning is effective immediately as of 10:41 PM EDT on March 15, 2026. The alert is scheduled to expire at 12:45 AM EDT on March 16, 2026.