TROPICAL STORM AND STORM SURGE WATCH IN EFFECT

The Kiawah Island Community Association, Town of Kiawah Island and Charleston County Emergency Management officials are actively monitoring Hurricane Ian. 

A Tropical Storm Watch (wind gusts from 40-73 mph) and a Storm Surge Watch (2-4 foot surge) have been issued for the southeastern South Carolina coastline.

Hurricane Ian has now entered the Gulf of Mexico after passing through western Cuba with a Category 3 wind speed. Hurricane Ian is expected to continue to strengthen as the storm approaches the west coast of Florida. 

The forecast track remains uncertain, but Kiawah property owners should expect potentially heavy rain, high winds, storm surge, and coastal flooding, with the greatest impacts anticipated Friday and early Saturday.

The town and community association are coordinating island preparations in the event that our area is directly affected. 

GOVERNOR McMASTER'S HURRICANE IAN BRIEFING 

Governor Henry McMaster is currently holding a media briefing with state emergency management officials, which started at 4 p.m. The governor is updating the public on Hurricane Ian's potential impact on South Carolina. Watch here.

PREPARE YOUR PROPERTY

Residents and property owners are advised to monitor local media, review their hurricane plans, and prepare their property or make contact with their property managers. 

KICA’S STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PREPARATIONS

Kiawah’s pond system was strategically designed for stormwater management and all ponds are interconnected. With the threat of a potentially significant rainfall and storm surge, KICA began lowering pond levels today in our two largest drainage basins (Beachwalker and Canvasback) to increase water storage capacity. Staff will continue to monitor the storm forecast and will manipulate the stormwater management system accordingly. In the island's largest drainage basins, it can take several days to noticeably lower ponds. 

KICA is staging water pumps along road areas susceptible to flooding, but with the anticipated potential significant rainfall, storm surge and higher than normal tides, members can still expect to see water on roads and will need to use caution.

ISLAND CANCELLATIONS/CLOSURES

Most cancellations or island facility closures are anticipated to be announced tomorrow.

The Kiawah Island Golf Resort has rescheduled this weekend's Triathlon for Sunday, Oct. 16.

The community association has cancelled Food Truck Friday and the Sandbar will be closed Friday and Saturday. The Sandcastle's water aerobics classes have been cancelled on Friday and Saturday. KICA cancellations will be posted to KICA's event calendar and fitness schedule as they are determined.

HURRICANE GUIDES

South Carolina | Charleston County | Town of Kiawah Island

HELPFUL LINKS

National Weather Service

National Hurricane Center 

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS

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

You can expect KICA to share another email update tomorrow around 4 p.m.