Rain causes morning rush-hour nightmare

Traffic was returning to normal in most areas after a nightmarish rush-hour commute caused by heavy rain, high tide and flooding, but the effects of this morning's downpour are lingering.

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Charleston Flooding

Heavy morning rains combined with high tide to create streets full of water, leaving commuters to navigate through the maze of flooded and closed streets Wednesday, Dec. 2.

There could be more wild weather on the way, however. The National Weather Service says there's a potential this evening for strong storms, hail and maybe tornadoes between the Midlands and the coast.

More than 2 inches of rain fell in downtown Charleston this morning Traffic on the Crosstown Expressway had slowed to a crawl during the height of the storm, causing traffic coming into the city on the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge to grind to a halt.

Numerous intersections also were closed, especially downtown, causing traffic to back up, but many had reopened by early afternoon.

Also, North Charleston police reported that Jacksonville Road between Spruill Avenue and Carner Avenue was closed due to flash flooding.

The weather is affecting other activities as well.

Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester 2 and 4 school districts have canceled all after-school activities because of the weather.

The Citadel's graduate center, Trident Tech and College of Charleston all have canceled classes for the evening and sent faculty and staff home.

Several Charleston meetings scheduled for tonight have been canceled, and Mount Pleasant's Christmas tree lighting has been postponed from tonight until 6 p.m. Sunday.

All 16 Charleston County Library locations closed at 5 p.m.

Downtown areas most prone to flooding include the Crosstown, the City Market, East Bay Street and Morrison Drive.

The Weather Service warns drivers to find an alternative route instead of attempting to drive through large puddles.

Motorists were told to be alert for flash flooding that was expected in and around the Isle of Palms, Awendaw, North Charleston, Daniel Island, Folly Beach, Hanahan, Mount Pleasant, West Ashley and John and James islands.

Heavy rain combined with high tide caused flooding throughout the morning.

Charleston barricaded several downtown streets, including Bee and East Bay streets, because of rising water levels.

Earlier accidents on Interstates 26 and 526 contributed to the mess, which extended to Coleman Boulevard in Mount Pleasant and other in-bound routes.

Much of the state can expect the stormy weather to continue today because of a low pressure system moving out of the Gulf of Mexico, according to the Weather Service.

A high surf advisory is in effect through Thursday morning along the southern coast. Forecasters say waves as high has 6 feet could break on the beaches.

Check back here for more updates.