Town of James Island Tropical Storm Debby Update 3
Town declares State of Emergency, moves to OPCON ONE in advance of storm's impacts
In anticipation of Tropical Storm Debby, Mayor Brook Lyon and Town Council have declared a State of Emergency in the Town of James Island, mirroring similar emergency declarations by Gov. Henry McMaster and Charleston County Council. Town officials are continuing storm preparations and remain in close contact with County Emergency Management and other regional and state partners.
In addition, at noon today the Town joined Charleston County in moving to OPCON ONE, meaning that an emergency is imminent or occurring, the Town's Municipal Emergency Operations Center is open and fully activated, and all personnel are activated or available for activation. The Town will continue to move in tandem with Charleston County regarding OPCON status throughout the event.
Latest forecast: National Weather Service officials continue to predict tropical storm force winds, storm surge, "historic" rainfall of up to 20 inches or more, and "potentially catastrophic" flooding in the Charleston area between Tuesday and Friday of this week. Likely impacts include flooded homes and cars, closed and washed-out roads, power outages and possible tornadoes.
Due to the forecast of extreme and potentially prolonged flooding, Charleston County is advising residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to consider relocating for the duration of storm. Residents are also encouraged to check the storm drains near their homes and clear any obstructions ahead of the storm’s onset.
Mayor Brook Lyon said, "If you haven't completed your storm preparations yet, now is the time. County emergency management officials and first responders are working tirelessly to protect our citizens and community, and it's critical that we all stay informed and follow their guidance throughout this event."
Closures and cancellations: The Town of James Island closed for regular business at 12 p.m. today and will remain closed throughout the State of Emergency as officials and staff shift into their emergency roles. In addition, all Town-sponsored public meetings have been cancelled for the week.
Sandbag distribution: Sand and bags are available until 5 p.m. today, or as long as supplies last and conditions allow, at James Island Town Hall, 1122 Dills Bluff Rd, for citizens to make their own sandbags. Residents should bring their own shovels for assembly. Staff is on-site to provide assistance as needed.
Information Line: The Charleston County Community Information Line is being staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today to provide updates and answer questions regarding the storm. For assistance in English, dial (843) 746-3900. For Spanish, call (843) 746-3909. As always, if you are experiencing an emergency, dial 911.
Emergency Management Updates: For area emergency updates, residents are encouraged to follow Charleston County Government on social media (Facebook, X/Twitter), download the 2024 Hurricane Guide, and sign up for the Citizen’s Alert System.
Latest weather: For the most accurate and up-to-date weather forecasts, residents should stay tuned to the National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service Charleston websites, as well as local media and SCEMD’s SC Emergency Manager app.