Hurricane Helene is in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to make landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida this evening. Although Kiawah is not in the probable path, the hurricane's rain bands span 300 miles.

Conditions on Kiawah are currently favorable for tornadoes. Tropical storm force winds (gusts up to 73 mph) and 1-3 inches of rain are predicted for this evening into Friday morning. If the rain comes rapidly, expect isolated flash flooding and standing water on roads. Storm surge inundation of 1-3 feet above sea level could be possible. In this situation, water can rise from the ocean, river and marsh sides.

The storm may cause trees and limbs to fall, debris, flooding and power outages. A high surf advisory is in effect and significant beach erosion is predicted.

Please take caution and stay off of roads. The severe weather is expected to pass tomorrow morning, but please remain at home so that work crews can swiftly clear roads and safety hazards, and assess any damage.

PREPARE

Prepare your property or make contact with your property manager and secure outdoor objects. Monitor local media for the latest forecast. 

WEATHER:

National Weather Service

National Hurricane Center

LOCAL MEDIA: 

Live 5 News, ABC News 4, Count on 2, Post & Courier

COMMUNITY PREPARATIONS

The town, community association, and Kiawah entities are coordinating storm preparations. 

KICA has lowered pond water levels in the largest drainage basins to accommodate the predicted rainfall and drainage gates have been closed to incoming tides.

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS

The Town of Kiawah Island leads communications in an emergency. Be sure to get the latest updates from the town by registering for CodeRED and emergency email notifications.

You can expect another email update on this storm tomorrow afternoon.