Nor’easter of 2023

On Sunday December 17, 2023 a Nor’easters hit the low country. No’reasters are cyclones that typically form outside of the tropics, and usually affecting the Northeastern United States on the Atlantic Coast. This type of storm forms due to a polar air mass collision with a humid air mass and they normally occur in the late fall and winter. Because of these two factors, they are different than a tropical storm which forms over warm, tropic waters. 

Nor’easters usually bring snow or blizzards but for the low country it meant one of the highest record non-tropical tides. Instead of a snow record, there was a daily record of 3.89 inches of rain (98.81 mm) from Downtown Charleston. Because of the tide and the rain water some streets of Charleston were under 2 feet (60 cm) of water. The tide was a historical record of 9.86 feet according to floodlist.com. 

Because of this historical tide, several barrier islands’ beaches were affected by storm erosion along Coastal, SC. We’ve included some photos below of Capers Island and Isle of Palms post storm. In the midst of these natural wonders, it’s crucial to recognize the broader context of climate change. Rising sea levels and more frequent storms are indicators of a changing climate that requires our collective attention. We are going to include in a second post some ways to be more climate resilient following this storm! 

Capers Island washout area post Nor’eastern storm of 2023
PC: Mike Frees

Capers Island washout area post Nor’eastern storm of 2023
PC: Mike Frees

IOP damage post Nor’easter 2023
pc: Mac Barnhardt

IOP damage post Nor’easter 2023 pc: Mac Barnhardt