Tropical Storm Isaias Advisory #5

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:

• Tropical Storm Isaias remains a strong tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. The storm is currently located approximately 130 miles south of Charleston and is moving in a northerly direction at 13 mph. At this time, NWS anticipates that Isaias may strengthen to a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall later this evening in northeastern South Carolina or southern North Carolina.
• Charleston County is currently under a Tropical Storm Warning. The Charleston region is currently experiencing the effects of Tropical Storm Isaias. Based on the current forecast, tropical storm force winds (39+ mph) are most likely to occur Monday afternoon and into the early evening. Sustained winds of 45-55 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph, are most likely to occur in areas along the coast. Strong winds will have the potential to cause damage to structures, uproot trees and cause power outages.
• Charleston County is currently under a Storm Surge Warning and Flash Flood Watch. Tropical Storm Isaias is currently moving faster than originally forecasted. It is anticipated that the strongest winds will be past the Charleston area prior to this evening’s high tide; however, coastal inundation of 1-2 feet and beach erosion remain a possibility along the coast.
• The heaviest rainfall is expected to occur Monday afternoon and into the early evening hours. The region may see a total of 3-6” of rain, with higher amounts possible in localized areas.
• Beachgoers should be aware of the possibility of dangerous rip currents and high surf. Heavy winds may also cause tents and other beach equipment to become airborne. The town’s Beach Patrol personnel will remain on the beach as long as it is safe for them to do so. (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.)

 
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.
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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:

• Town WEBSITE: www.townofseabrookisland.org
• Town TWITTER feed: www.twitter.com/seabrookislnd87
• Town FACEBOOK page: www.facebook.com/townofseabrookisland
• Call our toll-free number at (888) 314-3177

 
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.