Good Evening, Island Residents,

Town staff has just completed it 1:30pm conference call with the National Weather Service, South Carolina Emergency Management Division, Charleston County Emergency Management Department and other state, county and municipal partners.  Below is the most current information regarding Tropical Storm Ian along with updated operational status and other relevant information.

Tropical Storm Ian

• Current position is 28.9N/80.0W or 40 miles NE of Cape Canaveral, FL or 282 miles S of Sullivan’s Island
• Maximum sustained winds at 70mph with present movement to the NNE at 9mph with central pressure of 987mb

What to expect in the next 12 to 24 hours

• As the storm moves further out over the Atlantic ocean it could possibly intensify to a Category 1 hurricane prior to its arrival in this area Friday afternoon – be sure to monitor local media outlets for the latest developments
• Sullivan’s Island is currently under a hurricane warning.  A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere withing the warning area and preparations to protect live and property should be rushed to completion.
• The effects of the storm are currently noticeable with increased tropical storm gusts to 40mph and above normal tidal surge.
• By 6am Friday morning the wind will be noticeably stronger on Sullivan’s Island with the potential for rainfall to arrive
• There is a high tide Friday morning at 11:40am forecast originally at 6.0 feet
• The greatest concern for loss of live and property damage are storm surge (anticipated to be 5 to 7 feet); rainfall (6 to 10 inches on top of the surge);  and strong wind (high value tropical storm 72mph to low value Category 1 hurricane 74 to 75 mph)   
• Light possibility of tornado action in Charleston County at the time of the event
• If your home is prone to flooding, move items off of the floor space
• If you opt to leave the island it is advisable to turn off your water supply at the customer shut off valve

During the storm event

• It is highly advisable to shelter in place when wind force and rain begin to increase
• NEVER APPROACH A DOWNED POWER LINE – CONSIDER IT AND THE GROUND AROUND IT TO BE ENERGIZED
• If you lose power contact Dominion Energy at 1-888-333-4465
• If you have an emergency or see suspicious activity DIAL 9-1-1
• Enter the ocean at your own risk; it is unlikely that first responders could launch jet skis at this time for an ocean rescue

What the Town is doing Friday and Saturday

• Town has additional first responders on duty and standing by at the ready to assist. Police and Fire will respond immediately by dialing 9-1-1.
• For Police, Fire or Water & Sewer non-emergency contact Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch at 843-743-7200
• Emergency crews will be out during the duration Friday and at first light Saturday morning to clear the roads
• Town Hall is operating at OPCON 1. The Municipal Emergency Operations Center will be partially staffed  beginning Thursday evening; non-essential staff will be dismissed accordingly should weather conditions deteriorate during the day
• Sandbags are available at the temporary Fire Station on Hennessy Street with sand available on Quarter Street
• All storm preparations were completed Monday of this week.  Staff is standing by at the ready to respond during the event and initiate recovery/damage assessment operations at first light Saturday
• At this time there are no plans to restrict access to the Island
• At this time there are no plans to initiate a curfew on the Island
• Sullivan’s Island Police and Fire Departments will have additional staffing to patrol and respond during the evening

Please respond directly to abenke@sullivansisland.sc.gov if you have any questions.

Godspeed.

Andy Benke
Town Administrator
Town of Sullivan's Island