The Latest on Hurricane Matthew – Thursday Edition

Last updated on 10/6/16 at 6:55 pm.

First and foremost, I hope everyone stays safe during Hurricane Matthew. Although I will do my best to pass along relevant and accurate information, be sure to follow local/national media and local government too. They are professionals and will have the best possible information.

Below are some important resources and info regarding the storm.

THE LATEST INFORMATION

• Hurricane Warning: Charleston, Coastal Colleton, Berkeley, Beaufort, Beaufort, and Jasper Counties
  • Tropical Storm Watch: Colleton, Dorchester, and Georgetown counties
  • The Charleston County Emergency Operations Center is at OPCON 1. Click here for a description
  • President Obama has declared a state of emergency in South Carolina
• The most up-to-date storm tracker from the National Hurricane Center can be found here.
  • Matthew is currently a Category 4 Hurricane
    • It’s expected to be a Category 2 when it reaches South Carolina
    • Wind: Tropical storm force likely, but hurricane force gusts possible
    • Expected rainfall: 8-14″
    • Possible Storm Surge: 4-8′
  • Landfall expected in Florida early Friday
    • Hurricane is expected to pass the SC coast from Friday afternoon into Saturday morning
  • Charleston “high level bridges” including the Ravenel and I-526 will shut down when wind hits 40 mph
• Click here for open Shelter locations and addresses
• Click here for updates from South Carolina Emergency Management Division.
• Click here for updates from Charleston County Government.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

• Call 9-1-1 for real emergencies only
• South Carolina Emergency Management Division: 1-866-246-0133
• S.C. Department of Transportation: 1-888-877-9151
• Charleston County Citizen’s Information Hotline: 843-746-3900
• Charleston County Emergency Management Department: 843-746-3800
• Charleston County Special Medical Needs: 843-953-0077
• Charleston Water System: 843-727-6800
• Berkeley County Emergency Preparedness Department: 843-719-4800, 843-719-4166, or 843-719-4047
• Berkeley County Water and Sanitation: 843-572-4400
• Dorchester County Citizen’s Information Hotline: 843-832-0393
• Dorchester County Emergency Services Department: 843-832-0341
• Dorchester County Water and Sewer Department: 843-832-0075 or 843-563-0075
• Mt. Pleasant Non-Emergency Police Line: 843-743-7200
• Santee Cooper (to report a power outage): 1-888-769-7688
• SCE&G (for power outages and downed/damaged power lines): 1-888-333-4465
• SCE&G (for gas leaks): 1-800-815-0083

EVACUATIONS

• Evacuations have been ordered. Click here for more information.
  • SCDOT: All lanes of I-26 eastbound have been reversed. Visit ABC News 4 for more information.
    • Gov. Nikki Haley: I-26 lane reversals likely to stop on Friday
  • Troopers have opened some exits from reversed lanes of I-26. Click here to see which are open.
• For information about evacuation routes, pick-up points, and shelters visit www.scemd.org and download the Charleston County Hurricane Preparedness Guide.
• Click here for information on taking a bus to evacuate.

PREPARATION

• What to do in a hurricane/tropical storm (Ready.gov).
• How to make an emergency kit (Red Cross).
  • The Red Cross has a few free apps that are useful too (Red Cross).
  • Preparing a survival kit for hurricanes (ABC News 4).
• Hurricane Preparedness Guide – Charleston County
  
  • Spanish version
• Preparedness Guide for Sullivan’s Island
• Preparedness Guide for Isle of Palms

SHELTERS

• Click here for Open Shelter locations and addresses
• Charleston County is providing citizens transportation to local shelters from designated hurricane pick-up points. Buses will run until 8 pm tonight and operations tomorrow will be dependent on the weather.
• Items to bring if you are relocating to a shelter:
  • Prescription and emergency medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents and other comfort items.
  • It’s also important not to forget special items for children, such as diapers, formula and toys, and other items for family members who have unique needs

BRIDGES

• Authorities: Charleston high level bridges including the Ravenel and I-526 will shut down when wind hits 40 mph.
• The Mount Pleasant Police Department provided this info on Bridge Procedures in High Winds:
  • 

PARKING GARAGES

• All City of Charleston parking garage locations will be open to the public to park their cars through the storm for free.
• Gates are open through 8 am on Monday, October 10th.
• These facilities will not be staffed during the storm.
• Elevators will not be operational.
• Do not park on the ground level or the top deck.

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