Good afternoon Island residents,

NHC HAS ISSUED A STORM SURGE WARNING FOR SULLIVAN’S ISLAND – This means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the coastline during the next 36 hours.

NHC HAS ISSUED A HURRICANE WARNING FOR THE COAST OF SOUTH CAROLINA – This means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area.  Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.

NHC HAS ISSUED A TROPICAL STORM WARNING FOR THIS AREA – This means tropical storm conditions are expected in the area within 36 hours.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR ISLAND RESIDENTS – While there is more confidence in the models, the track has yet to be finalized – landfall is still in play for Sullivan’s Island.  Moreover, life-threatening storm surge, dangerous winds and heavy rain are expected along the South Carolina coast. Water levels could begin to rise in advance of the wind conditions. 

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 41

• Location 27.1N 78.6W or about 40 miles N of Freeport and 415 SSE of Sullivan’s Island
• Central Pressure 28.2 inches or 955 MB
• Maximum sustained winds 110 mph with present movement to the NW at 2 mph
• The storm is projected to make a northerly track later today taking it dangerously close to the Georgia and South Carolina coasts by early morning Thursday

What to expect on Sullivan’s Island if the storm remains on track

• The threats in order of precedence - #1 storm surge; #2 high wind: and, #3 heavy rain
• While the storm is expected to remain offshore the wind field is expanding. Coastal winds between 40 to 60 mph with gusts to 75 mph are expected.  Specifically, tropical storm gusts beginning early Wednesday afternoon with the potential to reach hurricane force late Wednesday/early Thursday
• Rainfall could reach 6 to 10 inches
• Storm surge could exceed 4 to 7 feet higher than ordinary tide – any vehicles at street level are subject to flooding
• Possible loss of power – DO NOT APPROACH DOWNED POWER LINES WHICH MAY BE ENERGIZED.  If you loose power call Dominion Energy at 1-800-251-7234
• 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; the MEOC and emergency responders will be manned on a 24-hour basis beginning Wednesday
• 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 heater off at the panel box; and, (3) turn off propane tanks
• The Sullivan’s Island Volunteer Fire and Rescue Boat Landing remains open for those that must remove boats from the water
• The SCDOT or SIPD does not close the Ben Sawyer Bridge but when wind speed is elevated motorists transit at their own risk. See above chart for bridge procedure during high winds
• Controlled re-entry is determined by the extent of damage across the Island. Follow the website, Facebook, Twitter or these messages for information about restrictions

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 #41 (PDF)
Hurricane Dorian Evacuation Order (PDF)
Charleston County Bridge Procedures in High Wind (PDF)