Good afternoon Island residents,

Moving into the final holiday of the summer, Town Hall would normally be advising residents to consider the weekend traffic with regard to trips on or off of the Island.  However, today it is necessary to call your attention to Tropical Storm Dorian which is currently approaching Vieques, Culebra, U.S. Virgin Islands and BVI. As the storm enters the warm water of the Caribbean, it is expected to strengthen significantly. You should now review your hurricane plan and closely monitor the storm.

Below is a summary of the storm position as of 11am this morning provided by the National Hurricane Center Advisory 17:

• Location 17.5N, 64.5W (about 25 miles SE of St. Croix; 1210 miles SE of Sullivan’s Island)
• Maximum sustained winds at 70 mph
• Present movement to the NW or 315 degrees at 13 mph
• Central pressure is at 999MB/29.5 inches
• Hurricane Warning is in effect for Vieques, Culebra, US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands
• Hurricane Watch is in effect for Puerto Rico

At this time there is a lot of uncertainty with the storm track. The GFS model has the storm making landfall somewhere in central Florida while the European model have the storm tracking a little further north along the Georgia coast. Nevertheless, most forecasts are indicating a Category 3 at landfall sometime Monday morning.  Additionally there is ample time for things to change.

For now, residents should consider the following items:

• Reviewing your family hurricane plan
• Closely monitor local media coverage for the latest information on the storm location and intensity
• Be sure your vehicle has a Sullivan’s Island re-entry sticker
• Expect a considerable amount of rain in the next few days

What the Town is doing in the next 48 hours:

• While Town remains at OPCON Level 3 and staff is standing by at the ready, initial hurricane plans have been put into operation
• Town staff participates daily with Charleston County Emergency Management Department and other federal, state and local agencies to prepare for any adverse weather conditions
• As of now, garbage collection will occur on Friday 8-30-19
• Town Hall remains at normal operation Monday through Friday 8am to 5 pm
• The Town will email storm information as available

In the event you have any questions please contact Town Hall at 843-883-3198.

Regards,

Andy Benke
Town Administrator
Town of Sullivan's Island