Here’s what we know now, based on the latest from the National Hurricane Center and other sources:
- Matthew will hit Seabrook as a Category 2 hurricane. It will have a 100% probability of sustained tropical force winds (1 minute average greater than 39 mph), and a 60%-70% probability of sustained hurricane force winds (1 minute average greater than 74 mph). (Source: NHC)
- There is a possibility of Matthew actually making landfall somewhere on the SC coast. It is not out of the question.
- Current rainfall estimates are for 8 to 12 inches.
- High tides will occur at mid-afternoon tomorrow as the storm is passing through.
- Berkeley Electric has suspended service to the Island to protect its equipment; the storm drain pumps will not be working during the storm event.
- There is currently a tornado watch in effect for Charleston County until midnight EDT.
The NHC has prepared the following possible surge inundation map for Seabrook Island (sorry; best resolution we could get zooming in). Blue areas represent inundation above 1 foot or greater above ground; yellow areas represent areas 3 feet or greater; orange 6 feet or greater. Conclusion: there is a good probability large parts of the Island will flood.
We have several comments and questions regarding security after the storm and the return to the Island. We are compiling responses as best we can and will be posting those later.
There is a chance that it could be several days after the storm before residents are allowed back on the Island, based solely on our assessment of the possible impacts. We encourage readers to prepare contingency plans in the event a more lengthy stay off the Island is necessary.
-Tidelines Editors
Perhaps it would be helpful if we could get an idea of the sequence of events that will follow the passing of the storm, and who is responsible for those events, so that we could all have a better idea of what to expect. I know that SIPOA has no responsibility or authority to make those decisions, because that authority rests with the Town, but perhaps a simple outline of the next steps would be helpful for everyone. Thanks for keeping everyone informed and up to date.
If you go to the Berkeley Electric outage viewer at , you will notice that the Coop has shut down other parts of their network in addition to Seabrook. Our understanding is that has been done in anticipation of a storm surge that could damage their equipment, necessitating repairs that would take far longer than bringing existing equipment back online.
-Tidelines Editor
All we have to go on at this juncture is the previous communication from Berkeley Electric. Whether it will take that long is a question that will likely be answered after the storm goes through and a valid damage assessment can be made.
-Tidelines Editor
How can we contact the powers from Seabrook and Bec that made premature decision to cut power to island with two hours notice for reimbursement for food loss from frig. I have lived at Creekwatch seven years and rarely lost power during storms even flood of thousand years Only power losses have been on. Dry sunny day oth Bec shutting don system. Also are drains not running due to running off electricity? Is so probably greatly help on homes not being flooded
Other very little
Since Berkeley has cut service does that mean it will be at least a week until we will have electricity as stated in a previous communication?