News Release #4 - Tropical Storm Elsa

The Town of James Island continues to monitor Tropical Storm Elsa closely and its potential impacts to our area. There is a tropical storm warning along our coastline. While the heaviest rainfall has shifted more inland, we could still see some heavy rains beginning this evening into tomorrow morning. Coastal Flooding impacts however are not anticipated with this storm. The main concern is heavy rainfall occurring in the evening hours on Wednesday during high tide, so please avoid traveling the roads this evening and tomorrow morning if possible. 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 is operating today until 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

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(opens in a new tab)

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(opens in a new tab)/

FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/(opens in a new tab)

National Weather Service Charleston Office: http://www.weather.gov/chs/(opens in a new tab)

Pet Friendly Hotels: http://www.pet-friendly-hotels.net/(opens in a new tab)

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/(opens in a new tab)

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(opens in a new tab)