News Release #9—
The Town of James Island remains at OPCON 1 on Saturday, October 8th. Hurricane conditions are expected on James Island through the morning.
A state of emergency remains in effect for the Town of James Island.
The Town of James Island Municipal Operations Center (MEOC) is in Greenwood, South Carolina. Town Hall is closed.
Residents may reach the MEOC by calling the Town phone number 843-795-4141.
For emergencies, call 911.
SCE&G reports widespread power outages on James Island. There is currently a CYBER scam, asking you to "click here" for more information on your power outage. Do not open this email. Go to SCE&G's website at https://www.sceg.com/outages-emergencies/power-outages/outage-map
The James Island PSD Fire Department is on the Island. James Island incident commander, Chief Seabolt, reports Emergency vehicles will not be able to answer calls after winds reach approximately 45 mph until after the storm passes. The JIPSD has heavy equipment staged throughout the Island and is preparing to begin clearing roads as soon as the storm passes.
High-profile bridges are not safe when wind speed reaches 40 mph. However, there will be no physical barriers or law enforcement preventing access. Do not attempt to cross bridges when conditions are unsafe.
At this time, there is no specific timeline for a return to James Island.
Emergency Transportation to Shelters
The Emergency Transportation Plan ended at 12 noon on Friday, October 7.
Shelters
The following shelters are open:
Stall High School, 3625 Ashley Phosphate Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418
A.C. Corcoran Elementary, 8585 Vistavia Rd, North Charleston, SC 29406
Midland Park Primary, 2415 Midland Park Road, North Charleston, SC 29406
Ladson Elementary, 3321 Ladson Rd, Ladson, SC 29456
Items to bring if you locating to a shelter
Prescription and emergency medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents and other comfort items.
It's also important not to forget special items for children, such as diapers, formula and toys, and other items for family members who have unique needs
Forecast
FORECAST:
Hurricane Matthew is expected to make landfall on the SC coast, most likely between Pritchards Island and Edisto Island early this morning. The hurricane is then forecast to track along the SC coast through this morning, producing life threatening storm surge at the coast, damaging hurricane force wind gusts
across coastal counties and torrential rainfall/flash flooding across SC counties. Currently, the storm is Category 1.
SATURDAY TIDES:
Low – 7:04 am 1.2'
High – 1:39 pm 5.5'
Low – 8:04 pm 1.4'
ïÆË SUNDAY TIDES:
High – 1:50 am 4.9'
Low – 8:00 am 1.2'
High – 2:36 pm 5.5'
Low – 9:01 pm 1.3'
CURRENT WATCHES, WARNINGS AND/OR ADVISORIES:
Hurricane Warningfor ALL coastal counties and Dorchester County and for all adjacent coastal waters including Charleston Harbor
Flash Flood Watch for all land zones
Flash Flood Warnings for many areas
EXPECTED IMPACTS (INCLUDES TIMING AND LOCATION)
STORM SURGE:Life-threatening inundation from the upper GA coast along the SC coast. Combined with wave action will likely damage structures on barrier islands. Some coastal roads flooded, damaged, impassable. Salt water flooding within tide zone inland from the immediate coast. After the center of the hurricane passes any given location, winds will turn offshore, and water levels will begin to
recede.
WINDS: Worst conditions with damaging hurricane force wind gusts of 90 to 100 mph across coastal communities through Charleston County. Extensive tree damage, some structural damage, widespread power outages expected in these areas this morning. Tropical storm winds expected all other areas this morning
HEAVY RAIN: Torrential rainfall, flash flooding in South Carolina counties this morning. Some roads could be flooded, damaged, impassable. Significant flooding of poor drainage areas, creeks possible.
MARINE: Dangerous conditions for all vessels, even large ships.
TORNADOES: Low risk for tornadoes across the Charleston Tri-County.
POTENTIAL TIMING OF TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS
POTENTIAL ONSET TIME:Ongoing
POTENTIAL ENDING TIME: Late Saturday afternoon into Saturday evening.
Significant improvement tonight and Sunday
Other important information: 2016 Charleston County Hurricane Guide:http://bit.ly/Hurricaneguide2016 Charleston
County Citizen Alert System: Charleston County residents should register for theCharleston County Citizen Alert System, a free program that allows the public to receive voicemail, text message, and email notifications about emergency situations. Register online at https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085611698#login
High Wind and Bridge Policy:
www.charlestoncounty.org/deparments/emergencymanagement/files/bridgepro…
Definition of OPCON levels:
www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergencymanagement.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 those documents.
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 -1-899-815-0083
Non-emergency Public Safety concerns: Consolidated Dispatch – (843) 743-7200.
Here are other important links with helpful information :
South Carolina Emergency Management Division: http://www.scemd.org/
FEMA website for Citizen Preparedness: http://www.ready.gov/ FEMA:https://www.fema.gov/
National Weather Service Charleston Office: http://www.weather.gov/chs/
Pet Friendly Hotels: http://www.pet-friendly-hotels.net/