EVACUATION ORDER ISSUED BY THE GOVERNOR SUNDAY 09-01-19

I-26 LANE REVERSAL BEGAN AT NOON 09-02-19

TAKE ANY NECESSARY ACTION TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND PROPERTY NOW

Good afternoon Island residents,

I hope by this time you have begun to execute your disaster plan. Hurricane Dorian is a deadly storm that poses a legitimate threat to South Carolina and the Town. There is no question that the Island will feel the effects of this very powerful hurricane. Of great concern is wind force, rising water and heavy rain.

This message will provide you with the latest information on the storm, evacuation order from the Governor and what the Town staff is doing to protect the Island.

National Hurricane Center Public Advisory 37

• Location 26.8N 78.3W or about 30 miles NE of Freeport and 425 SSE of Sullivan’s Island
• Central Pressure 27.23 inches or 922 MB
• Maximum sustained winds 155 mph with present movement to the W at 1 mph
• The storm is projected to make a northerly track later today taking it dangerously close to the Georgia and South Carolina coasts; the storm should be near the coast of Sullivan’s Island Wednesday night/early Thursday

What to expect on Sullivan’s Island

• Wind could reach hurricane speeds
• Rainfall could reach 10 to 12 inches
• Storm surge could exceed 4 to 7 feet above ground
• Possible loss of power – DO NOT APPROACH DOWNED POWER LINES WHICH MAY BE ENERGIZED
• If you stay know that if conditions deteriorate and become perilous, it may not be possible to send first responders to answer your call for help until conditions improve
• SULLIVAN’S ISLAND WILL EXPERIENCE IMPACTS FROM THE STORM ESPECIALLY IN THE FORM OF WIND DRIVEN FLOODING AND HEAVY RAIN. THE TRACK IS STILL SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND LANDFALL IN SOUTH CAROLINA IS NOT OUT OF THE QUESTION. CONTINUE TO MONITOR LOCAL MEDIA OUTLETS FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION

General Information

• The State of South Carolina Emergency Management Division, Charleston County Emergency Management Department and the Town of Sullivan’s Island are all at OPCON Level 1
• Sullivan’s Island Municipal Emergency Operations Center is operational daily from 8am to 5pm; notice will be given for 24 hour manning
• While there is increased confidence in the models indicating a track off shore of South Carolina the final track will not be locked in until the storm turns north later today
• Household garbage, yard debris and recycle collection is suspended until further notice.  Please secure your roll out garbage carts and do not place bulk items street side.
• Charleston County School District, private schools and colleges have suspended classes until further notice
• All Charleston County offices are closed until further notice
• Charleston County Emergency Management Department Citizens’ Information Line telephone number 843-746-3900
• If you evacuate remember to (1) turn water off at customer shut off; (2) turn breaker to hot water off in the box; and, (3) turn off propane tanks

Reverting tomorrow with more information.

Good luck, stay safe and Godspeed.

Andy Benke
Town Administrator
Town of Sullivan's Island

NOAA National Hurricane Center Hurricane Dorian Advisory #37 (PDF)
Hurricane Dorian Evacuation Order (PDF)