Tropical Storm Debby Update #3

The Town of Seabrook Island is continuing to monitor and prepare for impacts from Tropical Storm Debby. Charleston County is now under a tropical storm warning, storm surge warning and flood watch. Charleston County and Seabrook Island have moved to OPCON 1 as of noon today. Governor Henry McMaster has declared a State of Emergency for South Carolina. Mayor Bruce Kleinman has also declared a State of Emergency for the Town of Seabrook Island as of 12:00 PM today.
 
According to the National Weather Service and Charleston County officials, the most significant impact anticipated for our area continues to be major rainfall that could lead to what they are calling “catastrophic flooding.” The forecast models continue to show the storm sitting along the Atlantic coast for several days.
 
The National Weather Service is forecasting heavy rain in our area to continue through at least Thursday. The forecast calls for 10 to 20 inches of rain, with localized amounts of up to 30 inches possible along the coast. Tropical storm force winds could also be felt as early as Monday evening and continue through Thursday. A 2- to 4-foot storm surge is also possible. Depending on how long Tropical Storm Debby spends over the Atlantic Ocean, additional strengthening may be possible.
 
The Town of Seabrook Island is urging residents to stay off the roadways during the storm as some roads could become dangerous or impassable. Motorists should never drive around barricades or through waters of unknown depth.
 
The St. John’s Fire Department has a high-water vehicle on-hand and stands ready to assist as needed. They have also requested additional high-water and marine resources. Chief Ryan Kunitzer is urging people to keep travel to a minimum Tuesday through Thursday as road closures could be possible due to flooding.
 
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office will have deputies on hand around the clock. Two ambulances will also on standby. Please keep in mind that emergency response may be delayed if roads become impassable due to flooding.
 
Town Hall closed at 1:00 PM on Monday and will remain closed through at least Wednesday. All town meetings for this week have been cancelled.
 
Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) facilities, including the Lake House and SIPOA administrative offices, will close at 5:00 PM on Monday and will remain closed through Wednesday. The SIPOA gate will be closed to contractors on Tuesday and Wednesday.
 
All Seabrook Island Club facilities will be closed Monday through Wednesday.
 
Seabrook Island Beach Patrol will not be patrolling Tuesday and Wednesday. Residents and visitors are advised to stay off of the beach due to storm surge, as well as an elevated risk of rip currents, heavy surf and waterspouts.
 
The Seabrook Island Utility Commission offices will close at 4:00 PM today.
 
Bohicket Marina will have limited staff through at least Thursday.
 
Charleston County is opening a general population shelter at Dunston Elementary School at 1825 Remount Road, North Charleston, at 5:00 PM today. This is the primary shelter for the county. There is also a pet-friendly shelter open now at the Sheriff’s Office at 3841 Leeds Avenue in North Charleston. The county will be using normal CARTA routes for those who need transportation.
 
Charleston County has set up a community information line, which will be available daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The number is (843) 746-3900 (3909 for Spanish).
 
Berkeley Electric Cooperative has sandbags available for residents who need them at their office 1135 Main Road on Johns Island.
 
The Town encourages residents and visitors to continue to monitor local meteorologists weather updates this week to get the latest updates on Tropical Storm Debby. Now is the time to sign up for CodeRED to get emergency updates. The Town will continue to follow guidance from federal, state and county leaders and will provide updates throughout the week.
 
SAFETY REMINDERS

• DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES. Emergency calls to 911 should be reserved for life-threatening situations, or for the reporting of a crime or fire.
• SECURE BELONGINGS. Residents should secure outdoor furniture, trash cans, and other materials which may become airborne during high winds.
• STAY HOME. If possible, residents are encouraged to stay off the roads during the storm. Do not attempt to drive through water of unknown depth. Turn around, don’t drown!
• MONITOR LOCAL NEWS OUTLETS. Residents are advised to monitor local media outlets for storm updates and emergency notices.
• REPORT POWER OUTAGES. Power outages may be reported to Berkeley Electric Cooperative by phone at (888) 253-4232 or online at https://www.berkeleyelectric.coop/. 
• FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA. For the most up-to-date information, follow the Town of Seabrook Island on Facebook and X.

 
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.