Tropical Storm Florence: Information, Guides, Phone Numbers, & More

Credit: NOAA

Last update: 9/14/18 at 7:56 pm

Although we’ve gotten some good news over the last couple days, the Charleston area will still see plenty of inclement weather this weekend. Florence has weakened to a tropical storm, but she’ll still be bringing rain and strong winds to the Holy City. The biggest concern is flooding, but we are certainly better off than our neighbors to the north.

This guide should help you before, during, and after the poor weather:

BEFORE

• Pay attention to local media and the National Weather service for the most accurate forecast updates
• While you have power, keep phones on chargers and keep battery backups charged as well.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest news and information through these official channels:
  • SCEMD
    • Web: https://www.scemd.org
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/SCEMD
    • Hotline: 803-737-8500
  • Charleston County Government
    • Web: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChasCountyGov
    • Information line: 843-746-3900
  • City of Charleston
    • Web: http://www.charleston-sc.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/CityCharleston
    • Information line: 843-724-7311
  • Berkeley County Government
    • Web: https://www.berkeleycountysc.gov
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/BerkeleySCGov
    • Information Line: 843-719-4166
  • Dorchester County Government
    • Web: https://www.dorchestercountysc.gov
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/DorchesterSCGov
    • Information line: 843-832-0393 or 843-563-0393
• FEMA has launched the Hurricane Florence Rumor Control page
• Check GasBuddy for updates on fuel outages, fuel prices, and station closures
• Many are now full, but the city of Charleston is offering free parking in city garages through the duration of the storm
• Folly is under a curfew from 9 pm to 7 am until further notice.
• Additional hurricane preparedness information can be found at www.scemd.org.

DURING

• In Charleston, you can connect to 9-1-1 by calling, texting, or going online. You’re asked to “CALL if you can, TEXT if you can’t, CONNECT if you must at http://911HelpMe.com”
  • Only use 9-1-1 for actual emergencies:
• Citizens can report damage using the Charleston County Damage Assessment website.
  • Citizens can report damage using the Berkeley County Damage Assessment website.
  • Citizen can  report damage using the Dorchester County Damage Assessment website.
• You can report power outages here:
  • SCE&G – Call 1-888-333-4465 or report online at sceg.com.
  • Berkeley Electric Cooperative: Call 1-888-253-4232 or report online at berkeleyelectric.coop.
  • Santee Cooper: Call 1-888-769-7688 or report online at santeecooper.com.
  • Edisto Electric Co-op: Call 1-800-433-3292
• SCE&G: If the power goes out, turn off or disconnect any appliances, equipment, or electronics you were using when the power went out. When power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.
• Do not touch downed or sparking power lines and keep everyone away. Report downed power lines by calling 1-888-333-4465.
• You can keep up with Charleston road closures here
• Remember – “Turn around, don’t drown!” Don’t drive through flood waters!
  • SCEMD: “Most Hurricane deaths are the result of drownings. Don’t gamble with your life by walking or driving through flood waters.”
• If winds are strong enough, bridge travel may be discouraged. You can learn about Charleston County’s High Wind Bridge Procedure here
• If you need something during the storm, click here to see what’s open.

AFTER

• Lowcountry Local First has published a list of resources that are here to help you get back on track post-storm.
• Charleston International Airport hopes to reopen on Sunday at 6 am. You can get updates here.
• You can volunteer and donate to help South Carolinians in need of disaster assistance here
• GoFundMe: How to Immediately Help Those Impacted by Hurricane Florence

OTHER

• You can view SCDOT’s traffic cameras here
• You can view The Windjammer’s Beach Cams here
• The Town of Mt. Pleasant is offering a webcam that is streaming live from Memorial Waterfront Park:

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