HURRICANE ISAIAS ADVISORY #6
August 4, 2020 -- 12:00 pm The outer bands of Hurricane Isaias brushed the coast of Charleston County during the afternoon hours of Monday, August 3rd. The center of the storm remained offshore, which resulted in lower wind speeds and rainfall amounts in the Charleston region. The National Weather Service upgraded Isaias from a tropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane at 5:00 pm on Monday, with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph. Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Ocean Isle Beach, NC, shortly after 11:00 pm on Monday. As of noon Tuesday, no significant damage has been reported on Seabrook Island and all roads leading to and from the island are clear of water and debris. The Town of Seabrook Island has resumed normal operating conditions and Town Hall re-opened for regular office hours (8:00 am to 4:00 pm) on Tuesday. The Town of Seabrook Island maintains lists of local contractors who are licensed to offer emergency blue tarp services (such as placing temporary protective coverings over damaged structures) and tree removal services following a hurricane or other disaster. If your home or property suffered damage as a result of the storm, please click here to view the town’s licensed contractor lists. This is the final advisory for Hurricane Isaias. TROPICAL STORM ISAIAS ADVISORY #5
August 3, 2020 -- 2:00 pm On Monday afternoon, officials from the Town of Seabrook Island participated in a countywide conference call organized by the Charleston County Emergency Management Department (CCEMD). During the call, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service (NWS) Charleston Office briefed local officials on the current forecast for Tropical Storm Isaias. The key messages from this update were:
Seabrook Island Town Hall was CLOSED at 2:00 pm on Monday. At this time, town offices are expected to reopen at 8:00 am on Tuesday. If conditions warrant, any changes to the town’s operating hours will be posted on the town’s website and social media channels. Residents, property owners and visitors should continue to monitor local media outlets for updates on Tropical Storm Isaias. Forecasts are updated regularly on the NHC website at www.hurricanes.gov. Individuals are also to advised to avoid any unnecessary travel. In the event of an emergency, please call 911. Emergency calls to 911 should be reserved for life-threatening situations, or for the reporting of a crime or fire. Do NOT call 911 if you have water in your home unless your life is in danger. Do NOT call 911 to report a power outage. Power outages should be reported directly to Berkeley Electric Cooperative. The Town of Seabrook Island maintains a list of local contractors who are licensed to offer emergency blue tarp services (such as placing temporary protective coverings over damaged structures) and tree removal services following a hurricane or other disaster. To view a list of licensed contractors, please click here. Official updates regarding Tropical Storm Isaias from the Town of Seabrook Island will continue to be posted on the following channels:
Property owners and managers with rental guests should forward this information to their rental guests. Owners and managers of commercial establishments are also encouraged to share this information with their employees. The next town advisory is anticipated to be distributed by 2:00 PM on Tuesday, August 4th, unless conditions warrant an earlier update. TROPICAL STORM ISAIAS ADVISORY #4
August 2, 2020 -- 3:00 pm On Sunday afternoon, officials from the Town of Seabrook Island participated in another countywide conference call organized by the Charleston County Emergency Management Department (CCEMD). During the call, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service (NWS) Charleston Office briefed local officials on the current forecast for Tropical Storm Isaias. The key messages from this update were:
The Town of Seabrook Island has increased its emergency readiness status to reflect that tropical storm impacts are likely. At 1:30 pm today, the town convened a meeting of its Disaster Recovery Council to discuss continued preparations with community organizations and agencies. At this time, Seabrook Island Town Hall is expected to remain open for regular business hours on Monday (8:00 am to 4:00 pm). If conditions warrant, any change to the operational status of Town Hall will be posted on the town’s website and social media channels. At this time, residents, property owners and visitors are advised to monitor local media outlets for updates on Tropical Storm Isaias. Forecasts are updated regularly on the NHC website at www.hurricanes.gov. Residents, property owners and visitors are also encouraged to review their preparedness plans. Additional resources are available at the following links: Official updates regarding Tropical Storm Isaias from the Town of Seabrook Island will continue to be posted on the following channels:
In the event of an emergency, please dial 911. Property owners and managers with rental guests should forward this information to their rental guests. Owners and managers of commercial establishments are also encouraged to share this information with their employees. The next town advisory is anticipated to be distributed by 3:00 PM on Monday, August 3rd, unless conditions warrant an earlier update. HURRICANE ISAIAS ADVISORY #3
August 1, 2020 -- 3:00 pm Earlier this afternoon, officials from the Town of Seabrook Island again participated in a countywide conference call organized by the Charleston County Emergency Management Department (CCEMD). During the call, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service (NWS) Charleston Office briefed local officials on the current forecast for Hurricane Isaias. The key messages from this update were:
The Town of Seabrook Island has increased its emergency readiness status to reflect that tropical storm impacts are likely. At 1:30 pm today, the town convened a meeting of its Disaster Recovery Council to discuss continued preparations with community organizations and agencies. As Hurricane Isaias approaches, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) encourages residents and property owners to review their personal safety plans and consider actions they would need to take if the storm threatens the state:
Residents, property owners and visitors are also encouraged to review their hurricane preparedness plans. Additional resources are available at the following links: Official updates regarding Hurricane Isaias from the Town of Seabrook Island will continue to be posted on the following channels:
Property owners and managers with rental guests should forward this information to their rental guests. Owners and managers of commercial establishments are also encouraged to share this information with their employees. The next town advisory is anticipated to be distributed by 3:00 PM on Sunday, August 2nd, unless conditions warrant an earlier update. HURRICANE ISAIAS ADVISORY #2
July 31, 2020 -- 5:00 pm Earlier this afternoon, officials from the Town of Seabrook Island participated in a countywide conference call organized by the Charleston County Emergency Management Department (CCEMD). During the call, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service (NWS) Charleston Office briefed local officials on the current forecast for Hurricane Isaias. The key messages from this update were:
The Town of Seabrook Island has increased its emergency readiness status to reflect that tropical storm impacts are likely. At 2:00 pm today, the town met with representatives from SIPOA, Seabrook Island Utility Commission, Seabrook Island Club, St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center, Seabrook Island CERT, and others comprising the town’s Disaster Recovery Council to review storm development, likely impacts and preparations within the community. At this time, residents, property owners and visitors are advised to monitor local media outlets for updates on Hurricane Isaias. Forecasts are updated regularly on the NHC website at www.hurricanes.gov. Residents, property owners and visitors are also encouraged to review their hurricane preparedness plans. Additional resources are available at the following links: During a press conference this afternoon, Governor Henry McMaster stated that an evacuation order is not being contemplated at this time. Those who prefer to evacuate voluntarily for health or safety reasons should consider making early arrangements for a suitable location. Please keep in mind that the availability of accommodations (including hurricane shelters) may be adversely impacted by staffing or space limitations attributable to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Charleston County has indicated that it may begin transportation services to emergency shelters as early as noon on Saturday, August 1st, if shelters are deemed necessary. If you need assistance with evacuation, or if you know a resident who may require assistance, please contact the town by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at jcronin@townofseabrookisland.org with the name(s), address(es) and contact information for those individuals. Official updates regarding Hurricane Isaias from the Town of Seabrook Island will continue to be posted on the following channels:
Property owners and managers with rental guests should forward this information to their rental guests. Owners and managers of commercial establishments are also encouraged to share this information with their employees. The next town advisory is anticipated to be distributed by 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 1st, unless conditions warrant an earlier update. Hurricane Isaias Advisory #1
July 31, 2020 -- 9:00 am According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Isaias was upgraded from a tropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane shortly before midnight on Thursday, July 30th, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. While Hurricane Isaias is currently centered between Cuba and the Bahamas, current forecasts from the NHC indicate that the storm could impact the South Carolina coast on Monday, August 3rd, with wind, heavy rainfall and coastal flooding possible. The detailed forecast for the track and intensity remain uncertain, and it is too soon to determine the exact magnitude and location of any potential impacts. The Town of Seabrook Island’s emergency readiness status remains at Operations Condition 3 (OPCON 3 - Normal Operating Conditions) and we are continuing to monitor guidance from local, state and national officials regarding development and potential impacts of the storm. At this time, residents, property owners and visitors are advised to monitor local media outlets for updates on Hurricane Isaias. Forecasts are also updated regularly on the NHC website at www.hurricanes.gov. Residents, property owners and visitors are also encouraged to review their hurricane preparedness plans. Additional resources are available at the following links: While an evacuation order is not anticipated at this time, residents and visitors should consider making arrangements for a suitable evacuation location should an order be issued. Please keep in mind that the availability of accommodations (including hurricane shelters) may be adversely impacted by staffing or space limitations attributable to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. If you need assistance with evacuation, or if you know a resident who may require assistance, please contact the town by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at jcronin@townofseabrookisland.org with the name(s), address(es) and contact information for those individuals. Official updates regarding Hurricane Isaias from the Town of Seabrook Island will continue to be posted on the following channels:
Property owners and managers with rental guests should forward this information to their rental guests. Owners and managers of commercial establishments are also encouraged to share this information with their employees. The next town update is anticipated to be distributed by 5:00 PM on Friday, July 31st. During an emergency meeting this afternoon, Charleston County Council adopted an ordinance declaring the existence of a State of Emergency due to civil unrest. As part of this ordinance, the county has imposed a curfew between the hours of 6:00 pm on Mon. June 1st and 6:00 am on Tue. June 2nd. This curfew will apply only to unincorporated areas of the county (ie. outside the corporate limits of a city or town).
As of 4:30 pm today, several municipalities throughout the county have implemented (or are in the process of implementing) curfews, including: Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island and Sullivans Island. Some municipal curfews will begin at 6:00 pm, while others are expected to start at 8:00 or 9:00 pm this evening. At this time, the Mayor has not imposed a curfew within the town limits of Seabrook Island. The town will continue to monitor the ongoing situation and will distribute additional information if circumstances warrant. Residents and visitors who are planning to drive to or from Seabrook Island between Monday evening and early Tuesday morning are strongly advised to check with local authorities before departing so as to avoid violating a county or municipal curfew. As a reminder, all areas of Johns Island and West Ashley will be subject to Charleston city and county curfews. Stores and restaurants at Freshfields Village, which is located in the town limits of Kiawah Island, may also close early due to an expected curfew in Kiawah Island. For more information about the Charleston County curfew, please visit the Charleston County website. To view the county's emergency ordinance, please click here. Property owners and managers with rental guests should forward this information to their rental guests. Owners and managers of commercial establishments within the town, especially those with employees who reside in an area subject to a curfew, are also encouraged to share this information with their employees. In conjunction with curfews issued by the City of Charleston and the City of North Charleston, Charleston County Council has issued a countywide curfew from 6:00 pm on Sunday, May 31st, until 6:00 am on Monday, June 1st. The Town of Seabrook Island is located within Charleston County and is subject to this curfew.
A curfew requires people to stay indoors during the hours of the curfew; however, employees are permitted to travel to and from their places of employment. Residents and visitors of Seabrook Island are advised to stay indoors between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am to avoid violating the countywide curfew. Businesses may prefer to close so as not to encourage the public to be travelling to and from their places of business. For more information, please visit the Charleston County website. Property owners and managers with rental guests should forward this information to their rental guests. Owners and managers of commercial establishments within the town are also encouraged to share this information with their employees. The National Hurricane Center issued the following bulletin regarding Tropical Storm Bertha at 8:30 AM on Wednesday, May 27, 2020:
TROPICAL STORM BERTHA FORMS NEAR THE COAST OF SOUTH CAROLINA TROPICAL STORM WARNING ISSUED AND HEAVY RAINFALL EXPECTED SUMMARY OF 8:30 AM EDT INFORMATION
WATCHES AND WARNINGS A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the coast of South Carolina from Edisto Beach to South Santee River. A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning, in this case in the next few hours. For storm information specific to your area, including possible inland watches and warnings, please monitor products issued by your local National Weather Service forecast office. DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK At 8:30 AM EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Bertha was located near latitude 32.7 North, longitude 79.4 West. Bertha is moving toward the northwest near 9 mph (15 km/h) and this motion is expected to continue through tonight. On the forecast track the center of Bertha will move onshore in the warning area in the next few hours and the move inland across eastern and northern South Carolina later today and into west-central North Carolina by tonight. Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph (75 km/h) with higher gusts. Bertha is expected to weaken to a tropical depression after moving inland and become a remnant low tonight. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles (35 km) from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1009 mb (29.80 inches). HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND RAINFALL: Bertha is expected to produce total rain accumulation of 2 to 4 inches with isolated totals of 8 inches across eastern and central South Carolina into west central to far southeastern North Carolina and southwest Virginia. This rainfall may produce life-threatening flash flooding. WIND: Tropical storm conditions are expected to reach the coast within the warning area in the next couple of hours. For more information, please visit the National Hurricane Center website. Property owners and managers with rental guests should forward this information to their rental guests. April 16, 2020 -- 9:00 pm Following the severe weather event that took place on Monday, April 13, 2020, the National Weather Service (NWS) Charleston Office conducted a damage survey to determine whether a tornado touched down within the Town of Seabrook Island. The results of the damage survey were released by the NWS at 5:40 pm on Thursday, April 16th. The NWS has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado occurred within the Town of Seabrook Island at approximately 8:28 AM on Monday, April 13th. Based on their observations, the NWS estimated that the tornado had a maximum wind speed of 105 mph. The tornado traveled approximately 1.25 miles and had a maximum path width of 120 yards. A summary of NWS damage survey is included below. NWS Damage Survey for April 13, 2020 Tornado Event
In addition to the tornado which was confirmed on Seabrook Island, the NWS determined that the same storm produced tornadoes at Edisto Beach at 8:15 AM (EF-2; 125 mph) and Kiawah Island at 8:33 AM (EF-1; 105 mph). As of 6:00 pm on Thursday, April 16th, the NWS has confirmed at least 9 tornadoes across the state of South Carolina as a result of Monday’s severe weather event. The storm resulted in the deaths of at least 9 people in South Carolina, and more than 1,000 homes were damaged or destroyed. More Information: View NWS Damage Survey for Seabrook Island & Kiawah Island Blue Tarp & Tree Removal Contractors The Town of Seabrook Island maintains a list on its website of licensed local contractors who offer emergency “blue tarp” and tree removal services following a hurricane, tornado or other disaster event. Please note that all contractors operating within the Town of Seabrook Island are required to have a valid town business license. To verify the license status of a contractor who is not on the town's emergency contractor lists, or to report an unlicensed contractor doing business within the town, please contact Town Hall by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at info@townofseabrookisland.org. More Information: Town of Seabrook Island Emergency Contractor Lists Send Us Your Pictures Do you have pictures of damage or debris from Monday’s tornado? We are currently collecting photos to help document this event. Residents may send digital photos by email to info@townofseabrookisland.org. Please include your name in the body of the message, as well as the approximate location where each photo was taken. Seabrook Island Town Hall Closed As a reminder, Town Hall remains closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of town staff are working remotely to provide “virtual services” to residents and business owners. For assistance during normal operating hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm), please contact us by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at info@townofseabrookisland.org. |