Hurricane Irma: Forecast Improves, But Concerns Remain (9/8/17)

Hurricane Irma’s shift to the west was certainly welcomed news, but there are still some concerns to prepare for. The Greater Charleston area avoided the mandatory evacuations that looked all but certain Thursday, but Gov. Henry McMaster is ordering the evacuation of the barrier islands in Colleton, Beaufort, and Jasper counties.

So what does that mean for the Holy City? It’s important to remember that we’ll still face some rough weather. There are still very real concerns about flash flooding and tropical storm force winds that could damage trees, power lines, and some structures. It appears we have dodged the worst case scenarios, but residents should remain vigilant and aware of what’s happening.

As you prepare for the storm’s arrival, you may find this info helpful:

If You Are Evacuating

• Click here to see all evacuation routes
• Officials strongly suggest that people follow evacuation routes and not rely on GPS units
• Bring whatever you may need because there is no guarantee when you may be able to return home
  • Medications, gas, water, food, clothes, important documents, pets, etc.
  • What to do for your pets when a hurricane comes (Post & Courier).

Forecasts/Advisories

• Up-to-date information can be found on the National Hurricane Center’s website.
• You can track the hurricane and its possible paths here.
• Weather forecasts can be found here

Preparedness

• Create an emergency kit
• Secure power, gas, and water utilities
• Secure items in yard (trash/recycling and building openings and utilities)
• Consult this checklist

Alerts/Information

• South Carolina
  • Gov. McMaster issued a mandatory evacuation for barrier islands in Colleton, Beaufort, and Jasper counties.
    • The mandatory evacuation starts at 10 am on Saturday, September 9th
    • The effected islands are – Edisto Beach, Dafuskie, Fripp, Harbor, Hunting, Hilton Head, Knowles, and Tullifiny Islands
  • Coast Guard: “Stay off the water. Stay off those beaches and heed those warnings”
• Berkeley Co.
  • Has moved to OPCON 2 – expecting to move to OPCON 1 on Saturday
  • INFORMATION HOTLINES:
    • County – 843-719-4800
    • Hanahan – 843-268-4281
  • Sandbags available (while supplies lasts) at:
    • Town of Moncks Corner Fire Department: 118 Carolina Avenue, Moncks Corner, SC
    • Whitesville Fire Department: 115 Sunview Avenue, Moncks Corner, SC
    • C& B Fire Department: 509 Royle Road, Ladson, SC
    • Moncks Corner Rural Fire Department: 1201 Edward Dr, Moncks Corner, SC
    • Hannahan City Hall Gymnasium on Yeamans Hall Road
      • Friday, September 8th 11 am – 7 pm
      • Saturday, September 9th 9 am – 1 pm
      • Click here for more details
• Charleston County
  
  • Has moved to OPCON 2
  • INFORMATION HOTLINES:
    • Charleston: 843-973-7219 or 843-746-3900
    • North Charleston: 843-740-2828
  • Charleston residents will be able to leave their cars in city parking garages starting at 5 pm on Friday. There is no charge to do so.
    • Excludes the Gaillard Center parking garage at 33 Alexander Street, the Marion Square garage at 399 King Street, and the first floor of the Visitor Center garage at 73 Mary Street.
    • Garage openings are for cars only and does not apply to boats or trailers.
  • CARTA plans to run through Sunday, ahead of Hurricane Irma
  • Charleston County High Wind Bridge Procedures can be found here.
  • The city will have a limited number of free sandbags available. Pick-up locations:
    • Bees Ferry Fire Station at 1985 Bees Ferry Road
    • Milford Street Public Works Operations Complex at 2150 Milford Street
      • Enter the first gate on the right and proceed to the rear of the complex
    • Sand and bags will be available for people to build their own sandbags at two places in James Island locations. Residents should bring their own shovels
      • Dock Street Park, 1433 Patterson Avenue
      • James Island Youth Soccer Fields, 871 Fort Johnson Rd
        • A limit of 10 sandbags per household
• Dorchester County
  • Has moved to OPCON 2
  • Sandbag distributions sites are OUT
• Folly Beach
  • Sign up for alerts here
• Isle of Palms
  • You can register for Alerts or Special Assistance here
  • If you have any questions, call the Non-emergency number: 843-886-6522

Closings

• The Joint Base Charleston Commander has issued a limited evacuation order because of the projected path of Hurricane Irma.
• See a full list of business and school closings here
• See a list of canceled or postponed events here

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