The Governor's Evacuation Order is still in effect and schools and government offices will remain closed this week until further notice. Mayor Woolsey has declared a State of Emergency for the Town of James Island as the threat of significant impact from Hurricane Dorian remains throughout today. We urge residents to shelter in place and not venture out as the roadways are dangerous with downed trees and power lines. The Evacuation Order has not been lifted yet as residents need to stay off the roads so emergency crews can work to clear roadways of debris and restore power once wind speeds decrease and it's safe for crews to work.
Be patient with power restoration as crews cannot work to restore power until it is safe to do so – approximately when sustained winds are under 35 mph. Please remember to call 1-888-333-4465 to report downed or sparking power lines.
Tree permits for work on trees damaged by Hurricane Dorian have been suspended until further notice.
Damage Assessment Teams are prepping and ready to deploy first thing tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 6th. Residents are urged to report damages online at https://www.crisistrack.com/public/charlestonSC/citizenRequest.html
The Town of James Island's MEOC Team is operating out of the Greenwood County EOC. The Operations Team remains at James Island Town Hall to monitor conditions on James Island, however Town Hall is closed for regular business until further notice. Candidates for the 2019 Municipal Election are still able to file at Town Hall until today, Thursday, Sept. 5th at 5 pm.
The Town of James Island participated in the State Conference call at 9 am this morning as well as the Tri-County Conference call today at 12:30 p.m. with Charleston County. The Town of James Island remains at OPCON 1.
Key Messages
The worst impacts from dangerous Hurricane Dorian will occur across southeast South Carolina, particularly across our Tri-County region, into this afternoon. The National Hurricane Center forecasts Dorian to advance north then northeast off our coast. The combination of torrential rainfall and storm surge inundation will produce life threatening flash flooding in this area. Also, damaging hurricane winds are expected along the Charleston County coast, hurricane force wind gusts are expected across the rest of the SE SC coast including southern Berkeley County. Tropical storm force winds will continue across the Tropical Storm Warning area.
RAINFALL/FLOODING: Torrential rainfall will combine with storm surge inundation to create life-threatening flash flooding along the SC coast, including downtown Charleston. Rainfall amounts of 7 to 15 inches are expected across the Flash Flood Watch area today, and localized amounts could reach 20 inches in the Charleston Tri-County region. Flooding will create dangerous travel conditions.
WINDS: Expect strongest, damaging winds expected between Sullivan's Island and McClellanville along the Charleston County coast. In this area, gusts approaching 100 mph will bring down many trees/power lines, could produce significant structural damage and will lead to power outages. Elsewhere, including James Island, hurricane force wind gusts are expected near our coast, and tropical storm force winds/gusts will continue across the Tropical Storm Warning area. In these areas, expect some damage to trees, which could block some roads, as well as scattered power outages.
STORM SURGE: Expect life-threatening storm surge flooding along our coast. A reasonable worst case scenario forecasts up to 2 to 4 feet of salt water inundation (water above ground level) as Dorian passes close to James Island into this afternoon.
MARINE/OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS: Severe beach erosion and extremely dangerous conditions in the surf zone and over coastal waters will continue today.
• The Citizen's Information Line remains active 843-746-3900
Road Closure Link - https://gis.charleston-sc.gov/road-closures-regional/map/map.html?emergency=true
Residents are asked to please bring in all garbage cans from the street and secure them. Garbage and Trash operations have suspended until after the storm passes.
Shelters are used as a last resort and citizens need to bring necessary personal items with them. Transportation to shelters have suspended.
The following shelters remain open:
• Coastal Pre-Release Center (pet friendly shelter) – 3765 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston 29405
• Military Magnet Academy - 2950
Carner Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
• R.B. Stall High School - 3625 Ashley Phosphate Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418
• Jerry Zucker Middle School - 6401 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418
Charleston County recycling services are suspended until further notice.
Bees Ferry Landfill and citizen convenience centers are closed until further notice.
Charleston County High Wind Bridge Procedure: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management/files/BridgeProceduresHighWinds.pdf
If there has been disruption to utility service, please contact Dominion Energy Customer Service through the resources listed below:
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
Down Trees: Call 911
Non-emergency Public Safety concerns: 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 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/
Current Charleston County Hurricane Information: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management/index.php
ââ¬Â¯Definition of OPCON levels: ââ¬Â¯http://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management/opcon.php
Download the Charleston County EMD App for the latest updates by searching CC EMD in your carrier's app store.ââ¬Â¯Ã¢â¬Â¯Ã¢â¬Â¯Ã¢â¬Â¯Ã¢â¬Â¯Ã¢â¬Â¯Ã¢â¬Â¯Ã¢â¬Â¯Ã¢â¬Â¯Ã¢â¬Â¯Ã¢â¬Â¯Ã¢â¬Â¯Ã¢â¬Â¯Ã¢â¬Â¯Ã¢â¬Â¯Ã¢â¬Â¯Ã¢â¬Â¯Ã¢â¬Â¯Ã¢â¬Â¯Ã¢â¬Â¯Ã¢â¬Â¯Ã¢â¬Â¯
For updates, visit the Charleston County website or follow us on our social media platforms:
ââ¬Â¯Visit website: www.charlestoncounty.org
- Emergency Management Department: https://www.facebook.com/EMDChasCo/
Updates on Hurricane Dorian will be released and posted to the webpage and social media as new information becomes available. Visit website: Town of James island: www.jamesislandsc.us for latest news releases.