Hurricane Isaias Advisory #3

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:

• Hurricane Isaias is currently a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. The storm is located approximately 600 miles southeast of Charleston and is moving in a northwesterly direction at 12 mph.
• The Charleston region may begin to see tropical storm force (39+ mph) winds starting late Sunday night or early Monday morning. Based on the current forecast, tropical storm force winds are most likely to occur during the afternoon and evening hours on Monday. The potential for tropical storm force winds will be most likely in areas immediately along the coast.
• Strong winds on Monday will have the potential to cause damage to structures, uproot trees and cause power outages. The heaviest rainfall is also expected to occur on Monday.
• Depending on the ultimate timing and track of the storm, high tides and heavy rain on Sunday and Monday may contribute to coastal flooding and beach erosion.
• Beachgoers should be aware of the possibility of dangerous rip currents between Saturday and Monday. (For more information about rip currents, including what to do if you or a loved one is caught in a rip current, please click here for additional information from the U.S. Lifesaving Association.)
• As with any storm, the track of Hurricane Isaias remains uncertain. However, the entire coast of South Carolina remains within the “cone of uncertainty.”

 
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:

• Be sure your emergency kit has enough bottled water and non-perishable food to sustain each family member for three days. Include a weather radio, flashlight, extra batteries, chargers, toiletries, change of clothes, blankets or sleeping bag, rain gear and appropriate footwear. Also include copies of important documents, such as birth certificates and insurance policies.
• Prepare your home for tropical storm conditions by making sure gutters are cleaned, storm drains are cleared and any lawn furniture is safely removed or secured.
• Keep your cell phones and mobile devices charged in case of power outages.
• Gather pet supplies and put them in an easily accessible container.
• Stay tuned to local media for the latest advisories from the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center (NHC), as well as state and local emergency management officials. Forecasts are updated regularly on the NHC website at www.hurricanes.gov.
• Follow trusted, verified sources for the latest news and be prepared to follow the instructions of state and local public safety officials.

 
Residents, property owners and visitors are also encouraged to review their hurricane preparedness plans. Additional resources are available at the following links:

• South Carolina Hurricane Guide
• Seabrook Island Emergency Guide

 
Official updates regarding Hurricane Isaias from the Town of Seabrook Island will continue to be posted on the following channels:

• Town WEBSITE: www.townofseabrookisland.org
• Town TWITTER feed: www.twitter.com/seabrookislnd87
• Town FACEBOOK page: www.facebook.com/townofseabrookisland

 
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.