Good afternoon Island residents,

This is just a short note from Town Hall to assure you that staff is closely monitoring the inclement weather conditions anticipated for tomorrow.

Be advised that a strong storm system will impact the area Tuesday into Tuesday night bringing a threat for severe weather, strong winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous beach and marine conditions. Regrettably, another storm system is expected to move through the region later Friday and Friday but with less severe impacts anticipated.

What to know about the system for Tuesday 1-9-24:

• Wind is expected to increase as early as 6am with the worst conditions occurring between 3pm to 7pm.
• Sustained wind force is expected between 30 to 40 mph with higher gusts up to 75mph.
• The tide event is expected to be slightly above 7 feet (recall that on 12-17-23 the tide event was just under 10 feet).
• High tide/flood slack water for Tuesday is at 5:49am and 5:55pm.
• Seas are expected to be between 10 to 17 feet.
• Wind direction is forecast to be north/northeast for the duration of the event.

What you should do:

• Secure any outside objects that might become projectiles such as lawn furniture, flags/flag poles, planters, trash cans, and the like.
• Check the mooring lines on your boat if it remains in the water.
• Be extremely cautious about driving through flooded streets.
• Never approach a downed power line as it or the ground around it may be energized. For downed power lines or power loss notify Dominion Energy at 1-888-333-4465.
• Sullivan’s Island Fire and Police will be fully staffed plus additional personnel to provide assistance. Dial 9-1-1 for an emergency or dial 843-743-7200 for non-emergency assistance.
• If you enter the ocean to surf/kite/wind surf use extreme caution as it may be extremely difficult for first responders to reach you if in peril.
• Please review the high wind bridge procedures for events of this nature. For winds above 25mph it is unlikely the Ben Sawyer Bridge will open for watercraft.

General information:

• Town Hall will open as scheduled Tuesday at 8am; but, staff will monitor weather conditions and close if necessary.
• Household garbage will not occur on Tuesday 1-9-24 but will be collected on Wednesday 1-10-24. It is suggested your cart remain in a secure area until 7am Wednesday.  Recycle collection this week will not change from Wednesday.
• The Council Land Use and Natural Resources meeting scheduled for Tuesday 1-9-24 at 8:45 am has been cancelled.
• Charleston County Schools and most private schools have cancelled classes for Tuesday 1-9-24.

Continue to follow regular media outlets for the latest weather updates. I anticipate another message tomorrow morning after our conference with Charleston County Emergency Management Department.

Town staff is standing by at the ready to provide you with assistance. Please do not hesitate to call if needed.

Regards,,
Andy Benke
Town Administrator
Town of Sullivan's Island