Hurricane Ian Advisory #3
September 27, 2022 – 5:00 pm
As of 5:00 pm on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, Hurricane Ian is a category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph. The hurricane should remain in a favorable environment for strengthening over the next day or so while it moves over the warm waters of the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. While confidence in the storm track remains uncertain, current models predict Ian will make landfall on the Florida Gulf coast late Wednesday or early Thursday as a major hurricane.
Earlier today, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Tropical Storm Watch and Storm Surge Watch for coastal South Carolina, from the Savannah River to the South Santee River. According to NWS Charleston, there is high confidence that Hurricane Ian will impact our area. Below is a summary of today’s report from NWS Charleston:
Minor to moderate wind damage will be possible beginning on Thursday and continuing into Friday. The best chance for tropical storm force winds will be along the immediate coast and within any rain bands. Scattered power outages due to downed trees and limbs are a possibility.
Moderate to major coastal flooding may occur between Thursday and Saturday, especially during high tides. A storm surge of 2-4 feet is possible along the South Carolina coast.
Moderate rainfall flooding is possible, especially Friday through early Saturday. The highest potential for rainfall flooding is expected to be near the coast, including tidal urban areas such as Downtown Charleston. A total of 6-10 inches of rain is possible along the coast.
Isolated tornadoes are possible, mainly within stronger rain bands between Friday and early Saturday morning.
Life-threatening marine/surf conditions are possible, especially Thursday through Saturday. Moderate to severe beach erosion, high surf conditions, and dangerous rip currents are likely.
Residents, property owners, and visitors are advised to monitor local media outlets for updates on Hurricane Ian and to make early preparations for potential storm impacts, including possible power outages. Forecasts are also updated regularly on the National Hurricane Center website at www.hurricanes.gov.
The Town of Seabrook Island remains at OPCON 3 (Normal Operating Conditions) as we continue to monitor Hurricane Ian.
The next Town advisory is anticipated to be distributed on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 28th, unless conditions warrant an earlier update.
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.
========
Official updates from the town will be posted on the following town channels, as warranted:
Website: www.townofseabrookisland.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/townofseabrookisland
Twitter: www.twitter.com/seabrookislnd87
Toll Free Number: (888) 314-3177
Sign up for the Town’s emergency notification system CodeRED. If you are unsure if you are registered, you can re-register without receiving duplicate notices. Be sure to opt-in for severe weather warning alerts. Click here to register.
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.
-Submitted by Joseph M. Cronin, Town Administrator, Town of Seabrook Island