It has been raining for much of the week, but a weather system connected to Hurricane Joaquin in the Caribbean is expected to make the situation worse.
It is regaining strength and has been reclassified as a Category 4 Storm.
Hurricane Joaquin, currently off the Bahamas, has winds of up to 155mph.
The storm is not expected to hit the eastern US, but the moisture associated with it is contributing to heavy rainfall, particularly in South Carolina.
The National Weather Service says parts of the state could see over 15 inches of rain by Sunday evening, October 4.
In the historic city centre of Charleston, many streets have been closed and sandbags have been piled up to keep floodwaters out.
“Where we normally are dealing with flooding for a few hours, we’re dealing with it in days here,” Charleston Police Chief Greg Mullen told the Associated Press.
The emergency declared by President Barack Obama means state and local authorities can receive federal help to deal with the flooding.
On October 1, El Faro cargo ship went missing after sailing through Hurricane Joaquin off the Bahamas.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons President-elect Donald Trump celebrated his election victory at the Ultimate Fighting…
Millions of voters across the US chose to return Donald Trump to the White House…
Donald Trump declares victory in the US election as he addresses jubilant supporters in Florida.…
Stocks around the world are rising as Donald Trump appears to be on the cusp…
Donald Trump has won Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia and taken a lead over Kamala…
Quincy Jones, the celebrated musician and producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray…