National Weather ServiceSouth CarolinaHigh Surf AdvisoryArchive to October 1, 2026
High Surf Advisories in South Carolina
The National Weather Service issued 13 high surf advisories for South Carolina in 2025 and 6 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 10th most of any state. 2026 through September: 3, 35% below the average of 5 for those months in 2008-2025. Charleston was covered most often (78 times since 2008).
How many high surf advisories does South Carolina get?
Every high surf advisory that covered part of South Carolina. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 3 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2011 | 7 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2008 | 6 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does South Carolina get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in South Carolina?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 78 | 24 | April 8, 2026 |
| Coastal Colleton | 64 | 16 | April 8, 2026 |
| Beaufort | 63 | 15 | April 8, 2026 |
| Coastal Jasper | 59 | 13 | April 8, 2026 |
| Coastal Horry | 30 | 15 | September 30, 2025 |
| Coastal Georgetown | 26 | 12 | April 8, 2026 |
| Horry | 5 | 0 | September 30, 2010 |
| Georgetown | 4 | 0 | September 2, 2010 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a high surf advisory?
A high surf advisory means large, dangerous breaking waves and strong currents along the shore. An advisory is issued for a hazard less serious than a warning that can still cause inconvenience or danger if people are not careful. The national record · Every warning type in South Carolina.