 Tropical Storm Michael Update #2 Thursday 11 October 2018 -- 1:00 pm The Town will return to emergency readiness status of Operations Condition 5 (normal operations) effective 1:00 pm Thursday, 11 October. Town Hall will remain closed for the remainder of Thursday afternoon and will reopen on Friday, 12 October for normal business hours. Seabrook Island Municipal Court scheduled for Thursday, 11 October has been rescheduled to 6 December. The fall shredding event will take place at the Town Hall parking lot on Friday, 12 October from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm as scheduled. Berkeley Electric reported outages in its service area including one reported outage within Seabrook Island Thursday morning, 11 October. The Town does not expect to issue further emergency information updates concerning Tropical Storm Michael. For emergency response call 911. For emergency response updates and announcements from the Town of Seabrook Island:
Property Owners with rental guests should forward this notice to their rental guests.  Hurricane Michael Update #1 Wednesday 10 October 2018 -- 1:00 pm Charleston County is currently under a tropical storm warning. As of 12:00 pm on 10 October, Hurricane Michael was a Category 4 hurricane and landfall was forecasted to occur on the Florida panhandle in the early afternoon of Wednesday, 10 October. The forecast track calls for the storm to rapidly decrease in strength as it moves inland through Georgia and the Carolinas towards the Atlantic coast as a tropical storm. The most significant storm impacts for Seabrook Island are expected to occur Wednesday evening and during the day Thursday, 11 October. During the same period, conditions will be favorable for tornado formation. Expected storm impacts are: sustained winds of 25 - 30 mph with gusts of 35 - 45 mph, primarily in association with rain bands; rainfall of 1 - 2 inches; storm surge no greater than the recent high tides with potential for some beach erosion. The Charleston County Sheriff's Office has advised that motorists should not use bridges when sustained wind speeds are 30 mph or greater. On Wednesday the Governor declared a State of Emergency that includes Charleston County. Charleston County offices and Charleston County courts will be closed Thursday, 11 October. Charleston County Emergency Management Department changed its emergency response readiness status to Operations Condition 3 effective at noon 10 October. The Town remains at increased emergency readiness status of Operations Condition 4. Town officials continue to monitor storm developments as they undertake storm preparations in accordance with the Town's emergency plan. Town Hall will be closed Thursday 11 October and reopen Friday for normal business hours. Seabrook Island Municipal Court scheduled for Thursday, 11 October has been rescheduled to 6 December. The Fall shredding event will take place at the Town Hall parking lot on Friday, 12 October (10:00 am to 1:00 pm) as scheduled. Berkeley Electric reported Wednesday that they continue to monitor storm developments and have no current plans to interrupt power to Seabrook Island. Residents are advised of the potential for unplanned power interruptions in consequence of storm impacts from extraordinary flooding and downed power lines supplying power to Berkeley Electric substations. The next expected Town emergency information update is expected to be issued early in the afternoon of Thursday, 11 October. For emergency response call 911. For emergency response updates and announcements from the Town of Seabrook Island:
Property Owners with rental guests should forward this notice to their rental guests.  Hurricane Michael Advisory Tuesday 9 October 2018 -- 1:00 pm Hurricane Michael is expected to impact Seabrook Island as a tropical storm with the most significant impacts Wednesday evening 10 October through Thursday morning and gradually subsiding remainder of Thursday, 11 October. Expected impacts include sustained winds of 25-35 mph, with gusts to 45 mph; and 2-3 inches of rain. A tornado threat will exist through Thursday, 11 October. No significant storm surge is expected; however, there may be some beach erosion. Following the increased readiness status of Charleston County, Mayor Ciancio has raised the Town’s emergency readiness status to Operations Condition (OPCON) 4 and ordered that the Town officials monitor weather conditions and take preparatory measures in accordance with the Town’s Emergency plan. Town offices will remain open for normal business hours. Berkeley Electric has advised the Town that it is monitoring the situation and has no plans to interrupt power to Seabrook Island. All property owners, renters and guests should review and be ready to implement their hurricane preparedness plans. Suggested plans are set out in the Town’s website at townofseabrookisland.org under “Emergency Preparedness” at the website home page. For emergency response call 911. For emergency response updates and announcements from the Town of Seabrook Island:
Property Owners with rental guests should forward this notice to their rental guests. It is expected that the next Hurricane Michael information update may be issued no earlier than late afternoon on Wednesday, 11 October; earlier updates will be issued as circumstances require. Hurricane Florence Update #10
September 15, 2018 -- 11:00 AM The Governor’s evacuation order for all of Charleston County was lifted effective as of 12:00 noon on Saturday, 15 September and at the same time the Mayor lifted the State of Emergency for Seabrook Island. Charleston County Sheriff’s deputies will no longer control access to Kiawah and Seabrook Islands. The SIPOA security gate will return to normal operations early Saturday afternoon, 15 September. Evacuated residents who are returning to Seabrook Island are advised that Main, Bohicket and Betsy Kerrison are clear as of 11:00 am but motorists should continue to exercise caution. Stores at Freshfields Village remained closed as of Saturday morning 15 September. The Town’s emergency response readiness status will be updated to follow the readiness status of Charleston County Emergency Management Department, which is expected to be reduced at noon Saturday, 15 September. As of 11:00 am on Saturday, 15 September, the National Hurricane Center reported that Florence is now a tropical storm and all watches and warnings for Charleston County have been canceled. The threat for sustained tropical storm force winds has ended, although occasional tropical storm force gusts and periods of heavy rain are still expected. Berkeley Electric advised the Town Saturday morning, 15 September that their status has not changed. They reported 600 power outages in their service area, none on Seabrook Island. Saturday morning, 15 September, St. Johns Fire District informed the Town that it had returned equipment to the Seabrook Island station. For emergency response, please call 911. For questions concerning non-emergency assistance during a state of emergency, please call the Charleston County Citizen’s Information Hotline at (843) 746-3900. For emergency updates and announcements from the Town of Seabrook Island:
Property Owners with rental guests should forward this notice to their rental guests. It is expected that the next Tropical Storm Florence information update may be issued no earlier than late afternoon on Saturday, 15 September; earlier updates will be issued as circumstances require. Hurricane Florence Update #9
September 14, 2018 -- 1:00 PM As of 11:00 am on Friday, 14 September, the National Hurricane Center reported that Hurricane Florence had made landfall near Wilmington, NC as a category 1 storm (sustained winds of 74 - 95 mph) and the forecasted path following landfall remains uncertain. Charleston County Emergency Management Department expects tropical storm force winds to arrive in our area beginning Friday, 14 September and worsen through Saturday, 15 September. The Governor’s evacuation order for all of Charleston County remains in effect as of 14 September. Evacuated residents should not attempt to return before the evacuation order is lifted, which is not expected prior to late afternoon on Sunday, 16 September. The Town will undertake its initial damage assessment early Sunday and communicate the results to Charleston County for inclusion in its report to the Governor. Residents should understand that the Governor’s decision to lift the evacuation order will be determined by damage assessments throughout Charleston County and on the ability to safely travel roads within the County, not only conditions at Seabrook Island. As of noon on Friday, 14 September, the emergency response readiness status of Charleston County EMD remained at OPCON 1 and its emergency information telephone service (843-746-3900) was continuously available. The Town’s emergency response readiness status remains at OPCON 1 and the Town’s State of Emergency remains in effect. Since 5:00 pm Wednesday, 12 September, Charleston County Sheriff’s deputies have been stationed outside the Freshfields traffic circle to control access to Kiawah and Seabrook Islands and will remain on duty until the Governor’s evacuation order is lifted. Residents who have chosen not to evacuate are reminded that to gain access to Seabrook Island, motorists will be required to show evidence of residency or property ownership. The Seabrook Island Property Owners Association security personnel remain on duty at the security gate. Residents who have chosen not to evacuate are reminded that security officers may request proof of residency or property ownership to allow access through the gate; no guest passes will be honored. Berkeley Electric advised the Town Thursday morning, 13 September, that in contemplation of a need to protect its equipment from damage from potential flooding, it could no longer confirm that it will not preemptively turn off power for Seabrook and Kiawah Islands. The Town issued a comprehensive statement in that regard earlier on Thursday, 13 September. As of Friday morning, 14 September, there was no change in the Berkeley Electric status. Friday morning, 14 September, St. Johns Fire District informed the Town that it has relocated equipment from the Seabrook Island station to the St. Johns Fire District station on River Road for protection from potential flooding. For emergency response, please call 911. For questions concerning non-emergency assistance during a state of emergency, please call the Charleston County Citizen’s Information Hotline at (843) 746-3900. For emergency updates and announcements from the Town of Seabrook Island:
Property Owners with rental guests should forward this notice to their rental guests. It is expected that the next Hurricane Florence information update will be issued early afternoon on Saturday, 15 September; earlier updates will be issued as circumstances require. Hurricane Florence Update #8
September 13, 2018 -- 1:00 PM As of 11:00 am on Thursday, 13 September, the National Hurricane Center reported that Hurricane Florence had weakened to a category 2 storm (sustained winds of 96 – 110 mph) and the forecasted path and timing of landfall remain uncertain. Charleston County Emergency Management Department expects tropical storm force winds to arrive in our area beginning Friday, 14 September and worsen through Saturday, 15 September. The Governor’s evacuation order for all of Charleston County remains in effect as of 13 September. Evacuated residents should not attempt to return before the evacuation order is lifted. The lane reversal of I-26 will end at 6:00 pm on 13 September. As of noon on Thursday, 13 September, the emergency response readiness status of Charleston County EMD remained at OPCON 1 and its emergency information telephone service (843-746-3900) was continuously available. The Town’s emergency response readiness status remains at OPCON 1 and the Town’s State of Emergency remains in effect. Since 5:00 pm Wednesday, 12 September, Charleston County Sheriff’s deputies have been stationed outside the Freshfields traffic circle to control access to Kiawah and Seabrook. Residents who have chosen not to evacuate are reminded that to gain access to Seabrook Island, motorists will be required to show evidence of residency or property ownership. The Seabrook Island Property Owners Association security personnel remain on duty at the security gate. Residents who have chosen not to evacuate are reminded that security officers may request proof of residency or property ownership to allow access through the gate; no guest passes will be honored. Berkeley Electric advised the Town Thursday morning, 13 September that in contemplation of a need to protect its equipment from damage from potential flooding, it could no longer confirm that it will not preemptively turn off power for Seabrook and Kiawah. The Town issued a comprehensive statement in that regard earlier on Thursday, 13 September. On Thursday morning, 13 September, St. Johns Fire District informed the Town that it expects to relocate equipment from the Seabrook Island station for protection from potential flooding afternoon of Thursday, 13 September. For emergency response, please call 911. For questions concerning non-emergency assistance during a state of emergency, please call the Charleston County Citizen’s Information Hotline at (843) 746-3900. For emergency updates and announcements from the Town of Seabrook Island:
Property Owners with rental guests should forward this notice to their rental guests. It is expected that the next Hurricane Florence information update will be issued early afternoon on Friday, 14 September; earlier updates will be issued as circumstances require. Hurricane Florence Update #7
September 13, 2018 -- 10:30 AM Berkeley Electric Cooperative (BEC) has advised the Town that in the event that water levels threaten to flood its substations, the decision will be made to shut them down to avoid the potential for catastrophic damage. BEC is urging residents of the islands to prepare for extended power outages. This is especially important for residents who have medical needs requiring power. In the event of a power outage, BEC will not be able to provide a timeline for restoration until after the storm has passed and the damage to its system can be evaluated. The expected storm surge could result in coastal flooding which may close roadways and hinder BEC’s ability to respond to outages. Additionally, given that much of its distribution system is underground, crews will have to wait for flood waters to recede before beginning restoration efforts. Although this may be inconvenient, this process will actually speed up recovery. BEC has indicated that it is fully staffed and prepared to handle any potential outages resulting from Hurricane Florence. It has also secured mutual aid from neighboring states to supply additional personnel as needed. Due to work safety, crews will not be able to begin restoration efforts until after sustained wind speeds are under 39 mph. During a major outage, BEC’s goal is to prioritize restoration of power to serve the largest number of residents possible. This may mean that individual residents could be without power for a longer period. The Town urges residents to continue to monitor reporting of Hurricane Florence (e.g., www.nhc.noaa.gov) and emergency response agencies for changes pertaining to potential storm impacts. Information concerning residential hurricane preparations is available at the Town’s website (townofseabrookisland.org) under “Emergency Preparedness.” While forecasts of movement of Hurricane Florence currently indicate movement of the most severe impacts north of Charleston County, the Town encourages residents to adhere to the Governor’s evacuation For emergency response, please call 911. For questions concerning non-emergency assistance during a state of emergency, please call the Charleston County Citizen’s Information Hotline at (843) 746-3900. For emergency updates and announcements from the Town of Seabrook Island:
Property Owners with rental guests should forward this notice to their rental guests. It is expected that the next Hurricane Florence information update will be issued early afternoon on Thursday, 13 September. Hurricane Florence Update #6
September 12, 2018 -- 6:00 PM Berkeley Electric has advised that it is no longer able to confirm that it will not pre-emptively turn off power for Seabrook and Kiawah Islands, as we have previously reported. Berkeley stresses that there are no immediate plans to turn off power within the next twenty-four hours. However, because the situation remains fluid and it appears Florence will have a greater impact on our area than originally thought, there is now a greater possibility that it may have to shut off power to protect its equipment and avoid an even lengthier power outage. While the information provided is tentative, we are passing it on to give residents and property owners an early heads up. Because we have reported on Berkeley's intentions in the past, we thought it necessary to keep you informed of the latest developments. We will continue to keep you advised as soon as we learn anything further. For emergency response, please call 911. For questions concerning non-emergency assistance during a state of emergency, please call the Charleston County Citizen’s Information Hotline at (843) 746-3900. For emergency updates and announcements from the Town of Seabrook Island:
Property Owners with rental guests should forward this notice to their rental guests. It is expected that the next Hurricane Florence information update will be issued early afternoon on Thursday, 13 September. Hurricane Florence Update #5
September 12, 2018 -- 2:00 PM As of 11:00 am on Wednesday, 12 September, the National Hurricane Center reported that Hurricane Florence remained a category 4 storm (sustained winds of 130 – 156 mph) and the forecasted path and timing of landfall remains uncertain. The Governor’s evacuation order for all of Charleston County remains in effect as of 12 September. As of noon on Wednesday, 12 September, the emergency response readiness status of Charleston County Emergency Management Department remains at OPCON 1, and its emergency information telephone service (843-746-3900) was continuously available. The Town’s emergency response readiness status remains at OPCON 1 and the Town’s State of Emergency remains in effect. As of 5:00 pm Wednesday, 12 September, Charleston County Sheriff’s deputies will be stationed between the Freshfields traffic circle and the entrance from Betsy Kerrison Parkway to Kiawah’s Town Hall to control access to Kiawah and Seabrook Islands. To gain access to Seabrook Island, motorists will be required to show residency or property ownership. The Seabrook Island Property Owners Association has arranged with its security contractor to have security personnel posted at the security gate throughout the storm. From 5:00 pm, 12 September, security officers may request proof of residency or property ownership to allow access through the gate; no guest passes will be honored. On Wednesday, Berkeley Electric confirmed that it had no current intentions to pre-emptively cut power; it may do so if circumstances change and conditions worsen. The Town will notify residents of any change in that regard immediately upon being advised accordingly by Berkeley Electric. The Seabrook Island Utility Commission has brought in generators and by-pass pumps and is prepared to provide backup power generation for the sewerage system should there be an extended power outage. Seabrook Island Utility Commission has no present intention to interrupt water or sewerage services. The Town urges residents to continue to monitor reporting of Hurricane Florence (e.g., www.nhc.noaa.gov) and emergency response agencies for changes pertaining to potential storm impacts. Information concerning residential hurricane preparations is available at the Town’s website (townofseabrookisland.org) under “Emergency Preparedness.” While forecasts of movement of Hurricane Florence currently indicate movement of the most severe impacts north of Charleston County, the Town encourages residents to adhere to the Governor’s evacuation order. For emergency response, please call 911. For questions concerning non-emergency assistance during a state of emergency, please call the Charleston County Citizen’s Information Hotline at (843) 746-3900. For emergency updates and announcements from the Town of Seabrook Island:
Property Owners with rental guests should forward this notice to their rental guests. It is expected that the next Hurricane Florence information update will be issued early afternoon on Thursday, 13 September. Hurricane Florence Update #4
September 11, 2018 -- 2:00 PM As of 11:00 am on Tuesday, 11 September, the National Hurricane Center reported that Hurricane Florence remains a category 4 storm (sustained winds of 130 – 156 mph). While the Governor has announced changes to the evacuation order, the evacuation order remains in effect for all of Charleston County. To facilitate the evacuation, all eastbound lanes on I-26 between Columbia and Charleston have been reversed as of 12:00 pm Tuesday. Charleston County Emergency Management Department increased its emergency readiness status to OPCON 1 on Tuesday, 11 September. In accordance with Town policy to follow the lead of Charleston County, on Tuesday, 11 September, the Town increased its emergency response readiness status to OPCON 1, reflecting the existence of an evacuation order applicable to the Town. Also effective Tuesday, 11 September, the Mayor declared a State of Emergency and ordered that all Town meetings, including board and commission meetings, scheduled for the week of 11 September be rescheduled to a later date. Town Hall was closed noon on 11 September and will remain closed until the Governor’s evacuation order is lifted. While circumstances may change, Berkeley Electric has confirmed that, as of now, it does not intend to pre-emptively cut power to Seabrook Island. The Seabrook Island Utility Commission is not planning to interrupt water or sewerage services. As of 5:00 pm on Wednesday, 12 September, Charleston County Sheriff’s deputies will be stationed between the Freshfields traffic circle and the entrance from Betsy Kerrison Parkway to Kiawah’s Town Hall to control access to Kiawah and Seabrook Islands. To gain access to Seabrook Island, motorists will be required to show residency or property ownership. The Town urges residents to continue to monitor reporting of Hurricane Florence and emergency response agencies for changes pertaining to potential storm impacts. Information concerning residential hurricane preparations is available at the Town’s website (townofseabrookisland.org) under “Emergency Preparedness.” While forecasts of movement of Hurricane Florence currently indicate movement of the most severe impacts north of Charleston County, the Town encourages residents to adhere to the Governor’s evacuation order. For emergency response, please call 911. For questions concerning non-emergency assistance during a state of emergency, please call the Charleston County Citizen’s Information Hotline at (843) 746-3900. For emergency updates and announcements from the Town of Seabrook Island:
Property Owners with rental guests should forward this notice to their rental guests. It is expected that the next Hurricane Florence information update will be issued early afternoon on Wednesday, 12 September. |
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Town of Seabrook Island
2001 Seabrook Island Road Seabrook Island, SC 29455 Phone: (843) 768-9121 Email: info@townofseabrookisland.org Town Hall Hours: M-F 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Privacy Policy |
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