News Release #3 – Tropical Storm Elsa – July 6, 2021. The Town of James Island participated in an emergency management briefing with the National Weather Service and with Charleston County today regarding Tropical Storm Elsa and its potential impacts to our region. The worst conditions are most likely to occur Wednesday into Thursday morning. The threat for heavy rainfall and flash flooding has increased. Rainfall amounts could range from 3-5" with localized amounts in excess of 8". The threat for tropical storm force winds has increased, especially in gusts near the coast and across adjacent coastal waters. Dangerous rip currents and rough surf are expected, including rip currents, and isolated tornados and waterspouts are possible. There is considerable uncertainty about whether Elsa will remain a minimal tropical storm or will weaken to a depression after landfall. In either case, the threat for excessive rainfall and flash flooding will still exist. The Town will not be issuing sandbags for this weather event.
The Town of James Island remains in normal daily operations as we continue to monitor Elsa (OPCON 3). The Charleston County Citizen's Information Line will be staffed on Wednesday, July 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents who have questions about the storm can call 843.746.3900. Spanish-speaking staff will be available as needed.
Charleston County residents (including Town residents) can report any damage from Elsa here:
https://www.crisistrack.com/public/charlestonSC/request.html
Charleston County 2021 Hurricane Guide: https://bit.ly/3vMKMlN
Charleston County 2021 Hurricane Guide Spanish: https://bit.ly/3678pKE
OPCON Levels: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management/opcon.php
Additional Considerations During Hurricane Season:
- Citizens should avoid unnecessary travel due to possible localized flooding caused by potential heavy rainfall, particularly in downtown Charleston.
- 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.
- Emergency calls to 911 should be reserved to save a life, report a crime or report a fire.
- DO NOT call 9-1-1 if you have water in your home unless your life is in danger.
- DO NOT call 9-1-1 to report that your power is out, report the outage to your utility provider.
Bridge Procedures
Bridges located within Charleston County DO NOT close to vehicle traffic when wind speeds increase.
Charleston County's High Wind Bridge Procedures are located at: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management/files/BridgeProceduresHighWinds.pdf
Damage Reports:
Damage caused by Elsa can be reported by visiting: https://www.crisistrack.com/public/charlestonSC/citizenRequest.html
Always have these important phone numbers and links available throughout the storm season:
Dominion Energy Customer Service: 1-800-251-7234
Down/Sparking Lines: 1-888-333-4465
Gas Leaks: 1-800-815-0083
Power Outage: 1-888-333-4465
Non-emergency Public Safety concerns (Downed Trees) Consolidated Dispatch – (843) 743-7200
Outage Map: https://www.sceg.com/outages-emergencies/power-outages/outage-map
Social media – twitter - @domenergysc
Here are other important links with helpful information before, during and after an event:
South Carolina Emergency Management Division: http://www.scemd.org/
FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/
National Weather Service Charleston Office: http://www.weather.gov/chs/
Pet Friendly Hotels: http://www.pet-friendly-hotels.net/
Download the Charleston County EMD App for the latest updates by searching CC EMD in your carrier's app store.
• Emergency Management Department: https://www.facebook.com/EMDChasCo/
The Town will continue to publish news releases and share relevant information from other agencies, so please make sure your contact information is up to date to receive our news releases through email, and always make sure to monitor the Town's social media sites. If you do not receive Town News releases by email, sign up by sending an email to info@jamesislandsc.us
Every resident should sign-up for the Charleston County Citizen Alert Notification System powered by EVERBRIDGE. This system allows you to be alerted any of the following ways: home phone, mobile phone, text message, email or by fax. Mass notification keeps everyone informed before, during and after any emergency event. https://member.everbridge.net/453003085611698/login