Hurricane Ian - Tropical Storm and Storm Surge Watch in Effect for IOP

Update: 1:00 p.m., September 27, 2022

According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Ian will likely bring impacts to the area late this week and into the weekend. Residents are urged to continue monitoring the weather and make preparations for tropical storm impacts. 

Weather Overview and Expected Impacts: 
Hurricane Ian will emerge from Cuba into the eastern Gulf today and will track toward the western Florida coast. Ian is expected to impact the local area later this week into the weekend. The forecast track remains somewhat uncertain, but the probability for heavy rain, coastal flooding and gusty winds is increasing.

Timing - The greatest impacts are likely to occur Thursday night into Saturday.

Rainfall: Rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall are likely Thursday night through Friday. Locally heavy rainfall could result in flooding, especially in low lying and poor drainage areas . The potential for excessive rainfall will be greatest near the coast. 

Coastal Hazards: The risk for coastal flooding will increase with the high tides beginning on Wednesday. Tides could reach moderate to major coastal flood levels Thursday morning, Thursday evening into Saturday. Any rainfall that coincides with high tide will exacerbate coastal flooding.

High surf, dangerous rip currents, and beach erosion are expected.

Winds: Gusty winds, possibly to tropical storm force, are expected to develop Wednesday night through Friday. Winds will be highest over the coastal waters and along the immediate coast . Gusty winds and saturated ground could contribute to localized downed trees.

Tornadoes: Isolated brief tornadoes/waterspouts are possible late Thursday night into Friday.

Sandbag Operations: Sand and sandbags will be available on a first come, first serve basis for IOP residents starting tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. at the Municipal Parking Lot on Pavilion Drive. 

Suggested preparations:

  • Citizens should avoid unnecessary travel due to possible localized flooding caused by potential heavy rainfall.
  • Please remove any items around your home that could cause damage due to the potential for strong wind gusts.
  • Please follow directions on traffic and message boards for road closure information and remind the public, “Turn around, Don’t drown.”
  • In the event of possible flooding, citizens are asked not to drive around barricades or drive through standing water.

Important phone numbers:

Please monitor the National Hurricane Center for the latest weather updates.

Additional hurricane preparedness information and resources from the city are available here.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
▪National Hurricane Center: nhc.noaa.gov
▪NWS CHS Tropical Webpage: weather.gov/chs/tropical
▪Tide Forecasts: Charleston Harbor | Fort Pulaski
▪Weather Prediction Center: Rainfall Forecasts | Excessive Rainfall Outlooks

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