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Breach Inlet has restricted access due to the current sand refurbishment project.

Hurricane Dorian- Message #9

Wed, 09/04/2019

Good afternoon Island residents,

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR ISLAND RESIDENTS –

  • There is still time to evacuate; if you do not feel comfortable on the Island LEAVE NOW
  • Flooding is expected – move your belongings from lower levels and relocate you vehicles to higher elevations
  • Tropical storm winds are expected with potential for gusts up to hurricane force wind speed
  • Mt. Pleasant, Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island do not have any plans to close their respective causeways at this time. Flood slack water (high tide) on Thursday is 0103 hours with a 5.5 tide plus flood surge.  The Police Departments will be monitoring conditions throughout the evening and make a decision regarding access near flood slack water (high tide) accordingly.  Nevertheless the important consideration is NO NOT DRIVE THROUGH WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE. The storm surge may take some time to recede on Thursday; therefore, mobility may still be compromised that morning.
  • Controlled access after the storm event is be dependent upon the extent of damage and time needed for assessment  

 

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 29.8N 79.7W or 205 miles S of Sullivan’s Island
  • Central Pressure 28.47 inches or 964 MB
  • Maximum sustained winds 105 mph with present movement to the NNW at 9 mph
  • The storm is projected to continue a northerly track taking it dangerously close to the Georgia and South Carolina coasts before taking an easterly route away from the coast

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. ANTICIPATE RISING WATER TO BEGIN THIS EVENING AROUND 10PM  
  • 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 winds beginning 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 being flooded
  • 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
  • Should 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
  • I-26 LANE REVERSAL ENDED TODAY AT 2 PM

DIAL 9-1-1 IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY

Reverting tomorrow with more information.

Good luck, stay safe and Godspeed.

Andy Benke
Town Administrator
Town of Sullivan's Island

Charleston County Bridge Procedures in High Wind (PDF)