Hurricane Isaias Advisory #2

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 forecast track has continued to shift slightly westward toward the Atlantic coast, making impacts in our area likely, even if the center of the storm remains offshore.
• 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 storm’s maximum sustained winds are currently 75 miles per hour, but some strengthening is expected to occur over the next 36 hours.
• Beachgoers should be aware of the possibility of dangerous rip currents beginning on Saturday, August 1st, and continuing through Monday, August 3rd. (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.)
• The current forecast anticipates strong winds, heavy rainfall and coastal flooding beginning in the evening hours of Sunday, August 2nd, and continuing into the morning hours of Monday, August 3rd.
• Depending on the ultimate timing and track of the storm, higher-than-average tides on Sunday evening and Monday morning may contribute to coastal flooding and beach erosion.

 
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:

• South Carolina Hurricane Guide
• Seabrook Island Emergency Guide

 
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:

• 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 Saturday, August 1st, unless conditions warrant an earlier update.