Category: Weather

The center of Tropical Storm Idalia passed over the Charleston region at approximately 10:00 pm last evening. The storm, which made landfall along the Florida Gulf Coast as a strong Category 3 Hurricane on Wednesday morning, was downgraded to a tropical storm at 5:00 pm on Wednesday. Though it gradually weakened as it moved across southeastern Georgia and South Carolina, Idalia still brought tropical storm force winds, storm surge, heavy rains and tornadoes to our part of the state. Several trees and large limbs were removed from area roads, and a 9.23-foot tide (the fifth highest ever recorded in Charleston Harbor) resulted in significant coastal flooding throughout the county, including here on Seabrook Island. No significant power outages were reported in our area.

At this time, damage appears to be limited to some downed trees, vegetative debris, and pockets of standing water. All roads to, from and within Seabrook Island remain passable. Initial damage assessments are currently ongoing, and members of town staff and volunteers from Seabrook Island CERT will complete an island-wide inspection this afternoon to check for visible damage to personal property.

Property owners who sustained structural damage, downed trees and/or flooding are asked report their damages to the town by email to jcronin@townofseabrookisland.org. Damage reports should include your name and address, a brief description of the damage sustained, an estimated value of the damage (if known), and photos of the damage (if available). Any information received from property owners will be aggregated and reported to Charleston County as part of a countywide damage assessment. Please note that the reporting of this information should not be considered a claim for reimbursement. Residents should file claims for damage or other losses with their insurance company.

Seabrook Island Town Hall will remain closed to non-essential personnel for the remainder of the day today. Town Hall will re-open for regular office hours at 8:00 am on Friday.

The Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) remains open for regular hours today. There are no restrictions on contractor entry.

This is the final advisory for Hurricane/Tropical Storm Idalia.

-Submitted by Town of Seabrook Island

The Town of Seabrook Island (TOSI)is asked to report damages from Tropical Storm Idalia to Charleston County. Property Owners are asked to submit reports of structural damage, downed trees and flooding to the Town by email to:

                             jcronin@townofseabrookisland.org

Property owner damage reports should include a brief description of structural damage sustained and, if known, the value assessment of the extent of damage (it is preferred that damage reports be submitted without a value assessment if not known). 

Please include your name, address, and photos of the damage (if available). The reporting of this information should not be considered a claim for reimbursement. Residents should file claims for damage or other losses with their insurance company.

Any information received from residents and property owners will be aggregated and reported to Charleston County as part of a countywide damage assessment.
 
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.

-Submitted by Town of Seabrook Island

Hurricane Idalia remains a category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. The center of the storm is currently located in southeastern Georgia and is moving to the northeast at 20 mph. Idalia is expected to cross into South Carolina later this evening as a strong tropical storm.

Though the most significant impacts are still several hours away, the Charleston region has already begun to feel the effects of Idalia. The Charleston County Emergency Management Department (EMD) has reported multiple tornadoes touching down throughout the county. Heavy rains across the Charleston area have resulted in flash flooding and road closures. EMD has also reported coastal flooding in parts of the county. Earlier this afternoon, St. Johns Fire District personnel also responded when a large tree fell across Bohicket Road. Conditions are expected to continue deteriorating into the evening hours.

The Town of Seabrook Island is expected to experience impacts from Idalia over the remainder of the evening on Wednesday and into the early morning hours on Thursday. Our area is currently under a Hurricane Warning, Storm Surge Warning and Flood Watch. The NWS has advised that the following impacts are possible in our area:

• Heavy rainfall and flash flooding: Between 4 and 8 inches of rainfall is forecast for the Charleston area, with higher amounts likely further inland. Heavy rains may result in flash flooding and dangerous travel conditions.
• Hurricane and tropical storm force winds: Tropical storm force winds (39+ mph) are expected to reach the Charleston area around 9:00 pm. It is anticipated that our area will experience a brief period of hurricane force winds (74+ mph) starting around 10:00 pm. High winds may result in downed trees, the loss of power and damage to structures. Peak winds are expected around 11:00 pm before tapering off during the overnight hours.
• Storm surge/coastal flooding: Hurricane Idalia is expected to bring a storm surge of 2 to 5 feet to our area. The arrival of tropical storm force winds and the resulting storm surge will coincide with the Wednesday evening high tide, which will occur around 8:30 pm. The NWS is predicting a high tide of 8.5 to 8.6 feet on Wednesday evening; however, the actual water levels may be higher than predicted. Low lying areas around Seabrook Island which are prone to flooding will likely be impacted.
• There is an elevated risk for tornadoes across the region on Wednesday evening, as well as waterspouts over the coastal waters. Several tornadoes have already been reported across the Charleston region.
• There is also a high risk for rip currents, high surf, and significant beach erosion.

Earlier today, Charleston County Government declared a State of Emergency as a result of Hurricane Idalia. Charleston County Government offices, including the downtown Judicial Center, will remain closed on Thursday.

The Town of Seabrook Island increased its readiness position to OPCON 2 (Likely Disaster Impacts) on Wednesday morning and remains in contact with county and state emergency management officials. Town offices will remain closed for non-essential personnel on Thursday.

Seabrook Island Beach Patrol personnel and equipment were removed from the beach around noon on Wednesday due to deteriorating conditions. Beach Patrol advises that strong currents and high surf are likely. Residents and visitors are advised to stay out of the water until the storm has passed.

The St. Johns Fire Department will respond to all calls as long as it is safe for their personnel to do so. Calls may need to be prioritized based on conditions. The department will have a high-water vehicle on-island and ready to assist as needed.

Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) administrative offices and the Lake House were closed on Wednesday. Subject to storm impacts, SIPOA does not currently anticipate any closures or contractor restrictions on Thursday.

The Seabrook Island Club has advised that all Club amenities will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday.

Berkeley Electric Cooperative has advised the town that it is continuing to monitor Hurricane Idalia and is prepared to respond to storm impacts in our area.

On Tuesday afternoon, Governor Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency in preparation for the potential effects from Hurricane Idalia. The governor’s order directs the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) to coordinate with all relevant state agencies and to be prepared to respond to any requests for state assistance from local officials and county emergency management leaders.

Residents, property owners and visitors are advised to monitor local media outlets for updates on Hurricane Idalia. Forecasts are also updated regularly on the National Hurricane Center website at www.hurricanes.gov.

Residents, property owners and visitors are also encouraged to review and be ready to implement their hurricane preparedness plans. Additional resources may be found on the town’s website.

In advance of the most significant storm impacts, residents and visitors who have not already done so are encouraged to secure or remove outdoor objects, such as lawn furniture, garbage cans and other materials, which may be blown by the wind.

Residents and visitors are also strongly encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel on Wednesday evening and into the early morning hours, especially when tides will be the highest between 6:30 pm and 10:30 pm.

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.

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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

DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES. 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.

Charleston County Citizen’s Information Hotline. The Charleston County Citizen’s Information Line is currently active. For questions concerning non-emergency assistance during a state of emergency, contact the Charleston County Citizen’s Information Hotline at (843) 746-3900.

Power Outages. Power outages may be reported to Berkeley Electric Cooperative by phone at (888) 253-4232 or online. 

Sign up for CodeRED. The Town of Seabrook Island uses the CodeRED emergency notification system. Click here to register for CodeRED alerts.

-Submitted by Town of Seabrook Island

Seabrook Island Beach Patrol personnel have been removed from the beach due to deteriorating conditions.

Strong currents and high surf are anticipated for the rest of the day today and into Thursday. Residents and visitors are advised to avoid entering the water until the storm has passed.

-Submitted by Town of Seabrook Island

Hurricane Idalia made landfall near Keaton Beach, Florida, at approximately 7:45 am on Wednesday as a powerful category 3 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Idalia is forecast to gradually weaken as it tracks to the northeast into Georgia and South Carolina.

The Town of Seabrook Island increased its readiness position to OPCON 2 (Likely Disaster Impacts) on Wednesday morning. Town offices will close at 12:00 pm on Wednesday and will remain closed for non-essential personnel on Thursday.

On Tuesday afternoon, Governor Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency in preparation for the potential effects from Hurricane Idalia. The governor’s order directs the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) to coordinate with all relevant state agencies and to be prepared to respond to any requests for state assistance from local officials and county emergency management leaders.

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

​DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES. 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.

Charleston County Citizen’s Information Hotline. The Charleston County Citizen’s Information Line is currently active. For questions concerning non-emergency assistance during a state of emergency, contact the Charleston County Citizen’s Information Hotline at (843) 746-3900.

Power Outages. Power outages may be reported to Berkeley Electric Cooperative by phone at (888) 253-4232 or online at https://www.berkeleyelectric.coop/.

Sign up for CodeRED. The Town of Seabrook Island uses the CodeRED emergency notification system.  Click here to register for CodeRED alerts.

The Town of Seabrook Island is expected to experience impacts from Idalia over the next 24 hours. Our area is currently under a Storm Surge Warning, Hurricane Watch, Tropical Storm Warning and Flood Watch. The greatest impacts are expected to occur in our area later today and into Thursday morning. The NWS has advised that the following impacts are possible:

• Heavy rainfall and flash flooding: Rainfall totals are forecast to range between 4 to 8 inches across inland areas, with 2 to 4 inches closer to the coast.
• Strong, gusty winds: There is a high probability of tropical storm force winds. A corridor of hurricane force winds is likely close to the storm center and over the Atlantic marine waters as Idalia tracks across southeastern Georgia and South Carolina. Our area will likely experience sustained winds of 39+ mph, with gusts over 50 mph possible. There is also a possibility for brief periods of hurricane force winds. The earliest onset for tropical storm force winds in our area is around 4:00 pm but will most likely occur around 8:00 pm this evening. Peak winds are expected around midnight tonight.
• Storm surge/coastal flooding: Based on the timing of the current forecast track, the Wednesday evening (~8:30 PM) high tide cycle will produce the highest water levels (3-5 feet of water inundation near the immediate coast and tidal waterways). The NWS is predicting a Wednesday evening high tide of 8.5 to 8.6 feet but advises that the actual tide may be higher than predicted.
• There is an elevated risk for tornadoes across portions of southeastern Georgia and South Carolina today and into tonight as well as waterspouts over the coastal waters.
• There is also a high risk for rip currents, high surf, and likely significant beach erosion.

Charleston County Government offices, including the downtown Judicial Center, will close at 1:00 pm on Wednesday and will remain closed on Thursday.

The St. Johns Fire Department will respond to all calls as long as it is safe for their personnel to do so. Calls may need to be prioritized based on conditions. The department will have a high-water vehicle on-island and ready to assist as needed.

Seabrook Island Beach Patrol will be on the beach on Wednesday; however, personnel and equipment will be withdrawn once conditions become unsafe. Beach Patrol advises that strong currents and high surf are likely. Residents and visitors are advised to stay out of the water until the storm has passed.

Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) administrative offices and the Lake House will close at 12:00 pm on Wednesday. All contractors must secure their job sites and must leave the island by noon on Wednesday.

The Seabrook Island Club has advised of its plan to close all amenities beginning at 8:00 am on Wednesday. Golf courses and the Island House will close at 3:00 pm on Wednesday. All Club amenities will be closed on Thursday.

Berkeley Electric Cooperative has advised the town that it is continuing to monitor the forecast for Hurricane Idalia and is preparing for a storm response within its service area.

Residents, property owners and visitors are advised to monitor local media outlets for updates on Hurricane Idalia. Forecasts are also updated regularly on the National Hurricane Center website at www.hurricanes.gov.

Residents, property owners and visitors are also encouraged to review and be ready to implement their hurricane preparedness plans. Additional resources may be found on the town’s website at https://www.townofseabrookisland.org/emergency-resources.html.

In advance of anticipated storm impacts, residents and visitors are encouraged to secure or remove outdoor objects, such as lawn furniture, garbage cans and other materials, which may be blown by the wind.

Residents and visitors are also strongly encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel on Wednesday evening and into the early morning hours, especially when tides will be the highest between 6:30 pm and 10:30 pm..

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.

-Submitted by Town of Seabrook Island

The Town of Seabrook Island is now at Readiness Status: OPCON level 2. Significant coastal flooding remains the biggest concern for the barrier islands. Keep devices charging today and weather radios handy for additional warnings.

In addition, a tornado warning has been issued for our area until 10:45 pm this evening. Please keep viligant and tuned to local media outlets.

-Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Hurricane Idalia continues to strengthen as it moves across the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Idalia is expected to make landfall along the Florida Gulf Coast on Wednesday morning as a major hurricane. After landfall, Idalia is forecast to track along the coast of southeastern Georgia and South Carolina coast as a Tropical Storm.

The Town of Seabrook Island is expected to experience impacts from Idalia over the next 24-48 hours. The NWS has issued a Tropical Storm Warning, Storm Surge Watch and Flood Watch for portions of the Georgia and South Carolina coasts, including Seabrook Island. The greatest impacts are expected to occur Wednesday through Wednesday evening.

The NWS reports increasing confidence in both the track and threat levels posed by Idalia. The NWS has advised that the following impacts are possible in our area:

• Tropical storm force winds and wind gusts are possible, especially along the coast. There is a potential for low-end hurricane force wind gusts along the immediate coast, especially in southeastern Georgia and Atlantic nearshore waters.
• Storm surge inundation of 2-4 feet above ground level is possible. The surge will be very dependent on exact storm track, intensity and timing. The highest water levels are likely to take place on Wednesday evening, particularly during the Wednesday evening high tide cycle.
• Rainfall flooding is likely across most of the area, mainly Wednesday and Wednesday night. However, NOT all locations will experience flooding/flash flooding.
• Isolated tornadoes are possible across much of area, mainly Wednesday afternoon and Wednesday night.
• Dangerous, life-threatening marine conditions are expected across ALL Atlantic waters on Wednesday through early Thursday.

On Tuesday afternoon, Governor Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency in preparation for the potential effects from Hurricane Idalia. The governor’s order directs the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) to coordinate with all relevant state agencies and to be prepared to respond to any requests for state assistance from local officials and county emergency management leaders.

The Town of Seabrook Island remains at OPCON 3 (Normal Operations) and will continue to monitor the storm. It is expected that the town will increase its readiness position to OPCON 2 (Likely Disaster Impacts) on Wednesday morning. Town offices will close at 12:00 pm on Wednesday.

Charleston County Government offices, including the downtown Judicial Center, will close at 1:00 pm on Wednesday and will remain closed on Thursday.

The St. Johns Fire Department will respond to all calls as long as it is safe for their personnel to do so. Calls may need to be prioritized based on conditions. The department will have a high-water vehicle on-island and ready to assist as needed.

Seabrook Island Beach Patrol will be on the beach on Wednesday; however, personnel and equipment will be withdrawn once conditions become unsafe. Beach Patrol advises that strong currents and high surf are likely. Residents and visitors are advised to stay out of the water until the storm has passed.

Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) administrative offices and the Lake House will close at 12:00 pm on Wednesday. All contractors must secure their job sites and must leave the island by noon on Wednesday.

The Seabrook Island Club has advised of its plan to close all amenities beginning at 8:00 am on Wednesday. Golf courses and the Island House will close at 3:00 pm on Wednesday. All Club amenities will be closed on Thursday.

Berkeley Electric Cooperative has advised the town that it is continuing to monitor the forecast for Hurricane Idalia and is preparing for a storm response within its service area.

Residents, property owners and visitors are advised to monitor local media outlets for updates on Hurricane Idalia. Forecasts are also updated regularly on the National Hurricane Center website at www.hurricanes.gov.

Residents, property owners and visitors are also encouraged to review and be ready to implement their hurricane preparedness plans. Additional resources may be found on the town’s website. 

In advance of anticipated storm impacts, residents and visitors are encouraged to secure or remove outdoor objects, such as lawn furniture, garbage cans and other materials, which may be blown by the wind.

Residents and visitors are also strongly encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel on Wednesday evening, especially when tides will be the highest between 6:30 pm and 10:30 pm.

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.

-Submitted by Town of Seabrook Island

The Town of Seabrook Island is expected to experience impacts from Idalia over the next 24-48 hours. The NWS has issued a Tropical Storm Watch, Storm Surge Watch and Flood Watch for portions of the Georgia and South Carolina coasts, including Seabrook Island. The greatest impacts are expected to occur late Wednesday morning through early Thursday morning.

While the track, intensity and timing of Idalia are still being refined, the NWS has advised that the following impacts are possible in our area:

• Heavy rainfall and flash flooding: Up to 4-8 inches of rain is possible across southeastern Georgia and South Carolina.
• Strong, gusty winds: The probability of tropical storm force winds remains moderate to high, especially along the coast. Wind gusts of 60 mph or higher are possible along the coast.  
• Storm surge/coastal flooding: A storm surge of 2-4 feet is possible along the coast. Based on the timing of the current forecast track, the Wednesday evening (~8:30 pm) high tide cycle could produce the highest water levels.
• Tornadoes: There is a risk for tornadoes across the coastal counties of southeastern Georgia and South Carolina during the day Wednesday and into Wednesday evening.
• Rip currents, high surf, and significant beach erosion are possible along the coast.

Storm impacts, including localized flooding, storm surge, wind damage and power outages are possible. Berkeley Electric Cooperative has advised the town that it is continuing to monitor the forecast for Hurricane Idalia and is preparing for a storm response within its service area.

The Town of Seabrook Island remains at OPCON 3 (Normal Operations) and will continue to monitor the storm. It is expected that the town will increase its readiness position to OPCON 2 (Likely Disaster Impacts) on Wednesday morning.

Residents, property owners and visitors are advised to monitor local media outlets for updates on Hurricane Idalia. Forecasts are also updated regularly on the National Hurricane Center website at www.hurricanes.gov.

Residents, property owners and visitors are also encouraged to review and be ready to implement their hurricane preparedness plans. Additional resources may be found on the town’s website .

  In advance of anticipated storm impacts, residents are encouraged to secure or remove outdoor objects, such as lawn furniture, garbage cans and other materials, which may be blown by the wind.

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.

DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES. 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.

Charleston County Citizen’s Information Hotline. The Charleston County Citizen’s Information Line will be activated on Wednesday at 8:00 am. For questions concerning non-emergency assistance during a state of emergency, contact the Charleston County Citizen’s Information Hotline at (843) 746-3900.

Power Outages. Power outages may be reported to Berkeley Electric Cooperative or by calling (888) 253-4232

Sign up for CodeRED. The Town of Seabrook Island uses the CodeRED emergency notification system. Click here to register for CodeRED alerts. 

-Submitted by Town of Seabrook Island