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

BE ADVISED

South Carolina Governor McMaster has declared a state of emergency for South Carolina. (No evacuation has been ordered.) Kiawah is under a Tropical Storm Warning, a Storm Surge Warning and a Hurricane Watch.

Today, Hurricane Ian made landfall at Captiva Island, FL as a category 4 hurricane. Ian is expected to approach the northeastern coasts of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina on Friday. It is possible that Ian will remain at hurricane-strength when it reaches South Carolina. The storm surge warning has increased estimates to 4-5 foot inundation levels.

The community should prepare for heavy rain, moderate to significant coastal flooding and tropical storm-force winds (40-73 mph) from Thursday night into Saturday morning, with the most severe impacts anticipated Friday afternoon and evening. Isolated tornados are possible. Be advised of rip currents and stay out of the water. With increasing winds, water levels may remain high, even at low tide cycles.

PREPARE YOUR HOMES & PERSONAL 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. Secure all outdoor furniture, trash cans and other personal property. Stock food and water supplies, and fill medications.

Be advised that emergency services could be delayed in the height of the storm. If you do have an emergency, dial 911, not island security.

ISLAND PREPARATIONS

The town and community association are coordinating island preparations in the event that our area is directly affected. KICA continues to lower pond levels across all drainage basins in anticipation of potentially significant rainfall and is staging water pumps in areas susceptible to flooding at the V-gate and on Governors Drive.

ISLAND CANCELLATIONS/CLOSURES

Many island entities are modifying operations, closing facilities or cancelling events beginning Thursday afternoon, through Friday and Saturday. Please view the latest information by visiting these resources from our Kiawah Island entities.

Kiawah Island Community Association

There are no plans to close property owner, guest or employee access to Kiawah Island. KICA will close the island to commercial access (with exception to emergency repair services) on Friday and Saturday. KICA offices and The Sandcastle will close Thursday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. and will remain closed on Friday. View more details on the event calendar.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort

The resort will close the Sanctuary beginning Thursday, Sept. 29 at 5 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, most resort facilities will be closed. The triathlon has been rescheduled. View the resort's full schedule of modified services here.

Freshfields Village

Harris Teeter is planning to remain open. Any closures will be shared on the Freshfields website.

Town of Kiawah Island

Town Hall will close Thursday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m., and will reopen on Monday, Oct. 3 with normal business hours. Stay informed at kiawahisland.org.

Kiawah Island Club

All Kiawah Island Club operations will be closed on Friday, Sept. 30. Club members have been notified by email, and can learn more on the member homepage. 

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.