At 8am this morning the National Hurricane Center Miami reported Tropical Storm Elsa is approximately 35 miles west of Cedar Key, Florida or 287 miles southwest of Sullivan’s Island.  The storm will continue to move in a general northerly direction through this afternoon at 14 mph. Landfall is expected late this morning along the north Florida Gulf coast.  A turn to the north–northeast is expected later this afternoon or early evening.

Storm characteristics reported at 8am:

• Location 29.2N/83.6W or 35 miles west of Cedar Key, Fla/287 miles southwest of Sullivan’s Island
• Maximum sustained winds 65 mph
• Present movement N at 360 degrees
• Present forward speed 14 mph
• Central pressure at 29.5 inches

The National Weather Service forecast for Sullivan’s Island remains much the same as yesterday with rain and wind as our primary concern. Forecasters are slightly more optimistic that our wind will be closer to tropical depression speeds rather than tropical storm speeds.  As noted yesterday, at this time the forecast indicates the Lowcountry of South Carolina is expected to receive between 2 to 4 inches of rain driven by tropical depression winds with potential for tropical storm wind speeds. For Thursday 7-8-21, the tide chart predicts a 4.4 foot tide on flood slack water at 7:40am and a 5.7 foot tide on flood slack water at 8:03pm. With the heavy rain, shallow flooding and standing water on the roads are expected.  Winds during a tropical depression can be sustained at 38 mph while wind gusts during a tropical storm can be sustained at 73 mph.

Repeating from yesterday important information and advice for residents:

• Continue to monitor local media outlets for the latest storm developments
• Secure any outside items such as lawn furniture, plants, etc. that can become projectiles as the wind force increases
• If your watercraft remains alongside check your dock lines and bilge pump
• If your home is prone to flooding, move items off of the floor space
• If you lose power to your home contact Dominion Energy at 1-888-333-4465
• NEVER APPROACH A DOWNED POWER LINE; THE LINE OR GROUND AROUND IT CAN BE ENERGIZED!!!!!
• At this time there are no plans to activate the Municipal Emergency Operations Center but first responders will be standing by at the ready to assist residents
• For emergency dial 9-1-1; for Police, Fire or Water and Sewer non-emergency dial 843-743-7200
• The Ben Sawyer Bridge does not close to motor vehicle traffic but it is recommended that you avoid crossing during periods of high winds; watercraft may be restricted

Stay safe this evening and call the Town if you need assistance.

Regards,

Andy Benke
Town Administrator
abenke@sullivansisland.sc.gov