The Town of James Island moved to OPCON 1 today at 1:00 PM in preparation for Hurricane Irma.
James Island is under a storm surge warning, flash flood watch, and a tropical storm warning.
Winds are expected to be 35 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. The most likely time of arrival is between 5 AM and 9 AM Monday morning. It is possible that high winds could arrive as early as 11 PM tonight.
Strong offshore winds are expected to lead to a storm surge of four to six feet. Some flooding is possible at tonight's high tide at midnight. The most serious flooding is expected on Monday between 10 AM to 3 PM.
Rain is forecast to be 3 to 6 inches. This will likely cause additional flooding on James Island.
Residents located in low lying areas that have flooded in past should relocate to higher ground. If possible, stay with friend or family on higher ground. A hotel or motel in the north area should also be considered.
Charleston County has made available a shelter at 3765 Leeds Avenue. It is open to everyone, including those with pets. Please bring any supplies you or your pet need.
For those without transportation, evacuation busses will begin operation at 1:00 PM today until 8 PM tonight.
On James Island the stops are:
Earth Fare - 74 Folly Road (South Windermere Shopping Center)
Fast Point Food Store - 1029 Harbor View Road (Harbor View Road at Quail Drive)
Wal-Mart – 1231 Folly Road and Griffith Road
Folly Beach Shopping Center - 907 Folly Road (Camp Road and Folly Road)
Harris Teeter – 1739 Maybank Highway and Folly Road
Hot Wheels – 1523 Folly Road
Camp Center – 1238 Camp Road
Harris Teeter – 1985 Folly Road and Sol Legare Road
Harris Teeter – 675 Folly Road
Murray Elementary School – 691 Riverland Drive
James Island High School – 1000 Ft. Johnson Road
Hideaway Pizza Kitchen – 608A Harborview Road & Clearview, near Ft. Johnson
The Town' sand bag distribution has ceased. The Town has no sandbags or fill material remaining.
The Town's Office will be closed to regular business on Monday, September 11; and Tuesday, September 12.
The Town will send out regular updates as information becomes available. Please visit the Town's website at www.jamesislandsc.us
Other important information:
- Citizen Hotline: (843) 746-3900
- 2017 Charleston County Hurricane guide: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management/files/hurricane-guides/2017-Hurricane-Guide-Color-Fold.pdf
- Charleston County Citizen Alert System: Charleston County residents should 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 emergencies. Register online at: https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085611698#login
- High Wind and Bridge policy: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management/files/bridgeprocedureshighwinds.pdf
- Definition of OPCON levels: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management.opcon.php
The Charleston County Emergency Management Department developed and maintains an Emergency Operations Plan and Re-Entry Plan for the entire County. Please visit their website at www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management for more information and links to these documents.
In case of an event, here are some important numbers or websites you need to know.
Downed Trees: Call 911
Downed Power lines: SCE&G - 1-888-333-4465
Gas Leaks: SCE&G - 1-800-815-0083
Non-emergency Public Safety concerns Consolidated Dispatch - 743-7200
Here are other important links with helpful information before, during and after an event:
South Carolina Emergency Management Division - http://www.scemd.org/
FEMA website for Citizen Preparedness http://www.ready.gov/
National Weather Service Charleston Office http://www.weather.gov/chs/
Pet Friendly Hotels http://www.pet-friendly-hotels.net/