Hurricane Dorian

September 6, 2019

  • The City staff is actively working on damage assessments of City buildings, the community and the beach. No major damage to report so far.

  • Regular garbage collection will resume next Monday, September 9th. Regular recycling on Wednesday, September 11th. No yard debris will be picked up today. Public Works staff will focus today on damage assessment and manning the pumps between 53rd and 57th Avenue where there is still standing water.

  • Dominion Energy crews are on the island working diligently to restore power to the island. Please report power outages to 888-333-4465.

  • The Governor has lifted the evacuation order for Charleston County.

  • No permit is required to remove a downed tree. A permit is required to remove a compromised tree. To obtain a permit to remove a comprised tree, please email a photo, name and address of the property owner to Douglas Kerr, Building Director at dkerr@iop.net.

September 5, 2019

  • The City is at OPCON 1 which means that a disaster or emergency situation is in effect.
  • Please follow your local weather channels for up to date information on the storm's location and potential impacts.
  • Please follow the City's official Facebook and Twitter accounts for real time updates of the conditions of the island during the storm.
  • Dorian is a Cat. 2 moving north, northeast and is at approximately 30-40 miles offshore.
  • IOP reported wind gusts of over 70 mph. Tropical storm winds are still expected during the next several hours. Storm surge was less impactful than predicted - the timing helped in that it did not coincide with the high tide.
  • We have some standing water on the road, several downed trees and dangling power lines. We are ready to begin a full damage assessment as soon as conditions improve this afternoon and continue tomorrow.
  • There is significant beach erosion, particularly around Breach Inlet. Collins is on standby and ready to mobilize tomorrow to restore the berm/dune system in that area.
  • Most of the calls we are getting are from property owners who want PD and FD to check on their property. Public Safety Personnel will focus and prioritize on life threatening calls.

September 4, 2019

  • The City of Isle of Palms is at OPCON 1 which means that a disaster or emergency situation is in effect.
  • The City's Emergency Operations Center is located at the Homewood Suites in Mount Pleasant across the IOP Connector.
  • The City is not restricting access to the island, but citizens are urged to stay away from the beach due to dangerous waves and life threatening rip currents.
  • The current track still shows the storm passing our area offshore. However, coastal winds between 40-60 mph with gusts to 75 mph are expected. Rainfall could reach 6-10 inches and storm surge could exceed 4-7 feet above ground.
  • EMS will continue normal operations unless weather conditions force units to suspend response. If winds reach sustained 30 mph EMS will transport to the closest most appropriate facility. If winds reach 40 sustained, they will cease response but will resume as soon as it is safe to do so. Charleston County High Wind Bridge Procedure.
  • Emergency calls to 911 should be reserved to save a life, report a crime or report a fire. Do not call 911 if you have water in your home unless your life is in danger. Do not call 911 to report that power is out, report the power outage to Dominion Energy by calling 888-333-4465.

September 3, 2019

  • Charleston County is under a Hurricane Warning, which means hurricane-force winds are expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours.
  • The City's sand bag operation is ongoing. Sand is available at the large Municipal Parking Lot on Pavilion Drive and sand bags available for pick up at the Public Safety Building.
  • The City is urging citizens to stay off the beach due to life threatening waves and rip currents.
  • Please secure garbage cans, bags and any loose debris prior to evacuating. These items are likely to block storm drains and inhibit drainage if left our during the storm.
  • Please take all measures to move your family out of harms way. It may be the case that public safety personnel may not be able to respond to calls for service during extreme weather conditions.
  • What residents could expect on Isle of Palms:
    • Wind that reaches hurricane speeds
    • 6-12 inches of rain
    • Storm surge that exceeds 4 to 7 feet above ground
    • Possible loss of power – Please, do NOT approach downed power lines which may be energized.
    • Isle of Palms will experience significant impacts from this storm such as, wind driven rain, flooding, storm surge and heavy rain. Although there is increased confidence in the current track, the track may change and make landfall in South Carolina. Please continue to monitor local media outlets and the National Weather Service for the most up-to-date weather information.

Important phone numbers:

September 2, 2019

Key Points:

  • The Governor's mandatory evacuation goes into effect today at 12:00 p.m.
  • Mayor Carroll has signed a proclamation declaring a state of emergency for the Isle of Palms.
  • Beginning at Noon on Monday September 2 the eastbound lanes on I-26 will be reversed to allow for maximum departure from the coastal areas. Once on I-26, the next exit will be Columbia. The SCDOT will provide exits for fuel and emergency assistance. Highway Patrol, National Guard, Sheriffs' Deputies from various counties and local police will be coordinating the reversal.
  • Please take all measures to move your family out of harms way. It may be the case that public safety personnel may not be able to respond to calls for service during extreme weather conditions.
  • City of Isle of Palms remains at OPCON 2, which means that a disaster or emergency is likely to affect the County. Emergency operations plans are implemented.
  • Due to the closing of the Bees Ferry Landfill and the Charleston County Transfer Stations, household garbage collection has been cancelled until further notice. Residents are advised to secure their garbage cans under the house or in the enclosures.
  • City offices, including City Hall and the Recreation Center, will be closed on Tuesday, September 3 until further notice. All meetings, classes and programs have been postponed until further notice.
  • The US Post Office will close today at noon until further notice.
  • The City's sand bag operation is ongoing. Sand is available at the large Municipal Parking Lot on Pavilion Drive and sand bags available for pick up at the Public Safety Building.
  • The City is urging citizens to stay off the beach due to life threatening waves and rip currents.

September 1, 2019

Key Points:

  • Governor McMaster has ordered a mandatory evacuation for the South Carolina coast starting on Monday, September 2nd at 12:00 p.m.
  • City of Isle of Palms remains at OPCON 2, which means that a disaster or emergency is likely to affect the County. Emergency operations plans are implemented.
  • City staff continues to participate in daily meetings and conference calls to remain up-to-date on the storm's path and potential impacts and the City's emergency operation plans.
  • Hurricane Dorian is now a Category 5 with sustained winds of over 180 mph. Based on the current forecast, the storm will be approaching the South Carolina coast on late Wednesday, early Thursday as a Category 2 hurricane moving approximately 15 mph.
  • The Charleston area could start experiencing tropical storm force winds by late Tuesday, early Wednesday, is significant coastal flooding, storm surge, beach erosion and 6-10 inches of rain.
  • Residents are urged to finalize their emergency plans and properly clear property of outdoor furniture and debris that could damage the home during a hurricane.

  • Residents are advised to finalize emergency preparations.

    • Plan your evacuation route ahead of time.
    • Keep non-perishable emergency supplies on hand.
    • Take inventory of your personal property.
    • Review your insurance policies.
    • Take steps to protect your home.

  • Prepare to evacuate if ordered to do so: Residents should fill up their cars with gas. Road maps, nonperishable snack foods, a first-aid kit that includes a supply of your family's prescription medications, and convenience items such as diapers should be available in the car. Secure important documents in waterproof packaging.

  • The City will provide sand at the Municipal Parking Lot located on Pavilion Drive. Sand bags are available free of charge to residents at the Public Safety Building. Please note that sand and sandbags will be available on a first come/first serve basis and limited to 10 sandbags per resident. Shovels are available at the municipal parking lot, however, citizens will need to fill their own bags.

August 31, 2019

Key Points:

  • Governor has declared a State of Emergency for South Carolina.
  • City of Isle of Palms is at OPCON 2 as staff continues to prepare for the possible impacts from Hurricane Dorian.
  • City staff has participated in daily meetings and conference calls to remain up-to-date on the storm's path and potential impacts.
  • Citizens are advised to monitor local media for weather updates and review their hurricane plans.
  • Citizens are encouraged to register for the Charleston County Citizen Alert System, a free program that allows the public to receive voicemail, text message, and e-mail notifications about emergency situations, such as critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods or a hurricane evacuation order. When notified, citizens will hear a message that gives details on the emergency and includes instructions on any actions they should take. Register online at: https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085611698#/login

Sandbags

To help mitigate the impacts of Hurricane Dorian, the City will provide sand at the Municipal Parking Lot located on Pavilion Drive. Sand bags are available free of charge to residents at the Public Safety Building. Please note that sand and sandbags will be available on a first come/first serve basis and limited to 10 sandbags per resident. Shovels are available at the municipal parking lot, however, citizens will need to fill their own bags.

Protect the Home

Make plans to properly remove and secure outdoor furniture and debris that could damage the home during a hurricane.

Hurricane Re-Entry Sticker

The Hurricane Re-Entry Sticker is only necessary IF access to the island is restricted immediately AFTER a storm. Access to the island after a storm may be restricted while public safety personnel assess damages and safety conditions. The Residential Parking Decals and Wild Dunes Owners stickers will also serve as hurricane re-entry pass.

Know Your Evacuation Zone: Become familiar with evacuation routes. Residents must plan their evacuation now.

August 29, 2019

Key Points:

  • The City remains vigilant and in normal operations.
  • Residents are advised to start making preparations now in the event Hurricane Dorian becomes a threat to South Carolina.
  • Hurricane Dorian continues to move northwest at just under 13 mph. The storm is expected to turn this weekend approaching the eastern Florida coast and making landfall early next week. The storm is moving slow and expected to be a Category 4 when it makes landfall.
  • It is still too early to determine the exact impacts Hurricane Dorian will have on the South Carolina Coastline.The National Weather Service forecast calls for an increased potential of moderate to major tidal flooding next week. There is also the potential for heavy rain early next week.

August 28, 2019

Key Points:

  • The City continues to monitor the development of Hurricane Dorian.
  • Staff has participated in daily conference calls and meetings to remain up-to-date on the storm's path and potential impacts. While the path of the storm remains uncertain, citizens should take the time to review emergency plans and check supplies.
  • Dorian is approximately 1,500 miles from the South Carolina coastline.
  • Dorian is moving northwestward at just under 13 mph.
  • It is still too early to determine what, if any, impacts Dorian will have on South Carolina.
  • The National Hurricane Center's confidence in both the long term forecast track as well as the intensity forecast remains low.
  • Please follow the National Weather Service for the most up-to-date weather related information on Hurricane Dorian.

Residents are advised to begin preparations today.

  1. Plan your evacuation route ahead of time.
  2. Keep non-perishable emergency supplies on hand.
  3. Take inventory of your personal property.
  4. Review your insurance policies.
  5. Take steps to protect your home.

Important phone numbers: