Good afternoon Island residents,

It is very unusual to be giving you a tropical storm warning in November; however, you should be monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Nicole as it approaches the central Florida coast. Sullivan’s Island is expected to be impacted when the storm and its remnants move north after landfall. Please note the following information regarding the system but also follow the progress through the National Hurricane Center or local media outlets:

• At 1PM EST Tropical Storm Nicole was located at 26.5N 77.3W or approximately 475 miles SSE of Sullivan’s Island. Maximum sustained winds are at 70mph with a westerly track of 265 degrees at 12mph. The central pressure is at 29.09 inches/985MB and falling.  TS Nicole is expected to become a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall in Florida.
• A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect for the South Carolina coast south of the South Santee River. A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when 39mph plus winds are expected or imminent and generally issued 36 hours ahead of when the winds are expected to increase. A Storm Surge Watch is when the possibility of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline somewhere within the specified area, generally within 48 hours, in association with a tropical or subtropical system.
• There is high confidence by the National Hurricane Center that the storm will track north through South Carolina well to the west of Sullivan’s Island.
• NHC has expressed concern for isolated tornadoes over much of South Carolina starting in the Lowcountry late Thursday, spreading northward, and ending on Friday.
• Coastal flooding and storm surge flooding remain the primary concerns for the coastal areas. Each high tide through Friday morning will bring coastal flooding due to strong onshore winds and high astronomical tides.  
• The wind risk remains low overall but the main area of concern is near the coast of the Lowcountry. Additionally, the combination of rain and locally gusty wind results in a slight risk for isolated tree and power line damage. The heaviest rainfall occurs in the Lowcountry Thursday afternoon and night. NHC anticipates 2-4 inches of rainfall from the storm event.

Helpful and important storm information

• Town first responders will be available and standing by at the ready throughout the duration of the event.
• For emergency assistance always dial 9-1-1. For non-emergency assistance from Police, Fire or Water and Sewer contact Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch at 843-743-7200.
• Report a power outage to Dominion Energy at 1-888-333-4465. Never approach a downed power line as it or the ground around it could be energized.
• At this time the Town will remain on normal operating hours (OPCON 3) but will continue to monitor the storm. 
• Wind, currents and swells are expected to increase locally by Thursday. Use care while surfing; check the dock lines and bilge pump on your boat; and, secure plants or lawn furniture that could become projectiles.   
• Details such as school closures, shelter information  and the like will follow as available.
• If your home is prone to flooding, consider removing items from the ground floor space.
• Continue to review your emergency plan. If you have not already done so consider stocking up on drinking water, non-refrigerated foods and batteries. Check on elderly residents throughout the event.

Other Sullivan’s Island news for your guidance:

• Remember the Second Annual Sullivan’s Island Police Department Bicycle Drive.  The department has already begun collecting new bicycles for “Toys for Tots” with the goal of donating 300 bikes this year to the US Marines. The collection effort runs through 12-18-22. Visit the Department’s Facebook page or contact Town Hall for donations.  The Department would also like assistance in assembling the bicycles before the delivery date.

• here are several holidays observed by the Town in November. While all employees serving as first responders will remain on duty, all non-essential personnel will be dismissed including the closure of Town Hall.  The November observed holidays are:

                  11-11-22 Veterans’ Day

                  11-24-22 Thanksgiving Day

                  11-25-22 Day after Thanksgiving Day

• The next Town Council meeting will be held at 6pm on 11-15-22 at Town Hall located at 2056 Middle Street. The public is always welcome and encouraged to attend.

Stay safe during the coming days and please contact the Town if you need assistance.

Regards,

Andy Benke
Town Administrator
Town of Sullivan's Island
abenke@sullivansisland.sc.gov