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

BE ADVISED

Governor McMaster has declared a state of emergency for South Carolina, but evacuation has not been ordered. Kiawah is under a Hurricane Warning (recently upgraded from a Watch) and a Storm Surge Warning.

The center of Ian has emerged into the western Atlantic and is currently a category 1 hurricane.  The path is still uncertain but forecasters are predicting a South Carolina landfall around 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30. 

Rainfall, Storm Surge, Wind & Coastal Flooding

The storm is anticipated to bring 6-10 inches of rain. There may be isolated areas that receive as much as 12 inches. Coastal flooding is anticipated.

Tropical storm-force winds (40-73 mph) are expected from Thursday night into Saturday morning, with the most severe impacts anticipated late morning or afternoon on Friday. Isolated tornados are possible.

The storm surge warning estimates 4-7 foot inundation levels. Inundation is the total water level that occurs on normally dry ground as a result of the storm tide, and is expressed in terms of height of water, in feet, above ground level.

The tide levels and the wind direction at the time the storm reaches Kiawah will greatly influence coastal flooding and storm inundation levels. Winds and tide can push water inland or pull water away. While the pond system is designed to manage rainfall events, it is not designed to manage storm inundation. In the event of storm surge inundation, members should stay in their homes until waters have receded. Eventually tides will pull water away from the island and out through the pond system. The ponds do not have a pump system and rely on low tides for drainage.

Tide Levels on Friday, Sept. 30 

5:26 a.m. low tide | 11:55 a.m. high tide | 6:21 p.m. low tide



Be advised of rip currents and stay out of the water. With increasing winds, water levels may remain high, even at low tide cycles.

STAY SAFE, STAY HOME

As conditions deteriorate this evening, residents should be finalizing preparations, with plans to stay home on Friday. All outdoor furniture, trash cans and other personal property should be secured and food, water and other supplies (like medications) filled or stocked.

Please note: If you choose to drive in flood conditions, six inches of water can reach the bottom of most passenger cars. One foot of water can float a vehicle. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and trucks.

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 have completed most storm preparations for the island. KICA has lowered pond levels across all drainage basins in anticipation of potentially significant rainfall and has staged water pumps in areas susceptible to flooding at the V-gate and on Governors Drive.

If conditions threaten electric infrastructure, Berkeley Electric may cut power to parts or all of the island, but there are no current plans to cut power. Power outages can be viewed or reported here.

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. Starting tonight, for the safety of our staff, the V-gate will not be staffed through the storm. The main gate will remain staffed throughout the storm, unless storm conditions threaten the safety of staff. 

ISLAND CLOSURES/CANCELLATIONS

Many island entities have closed facilities tonight and tomorrow (Friday) with many closures continuing on Saturday. Please view the latest information by visiting these resources from our Kiawah Island entities.

Kiawah Island Community Association

KICA offices and The Sandcastle are now closed and will remain closed on Friday. View more details on the event calendar. Commercial work/access is not permitted Friday or Saturday, unless an emergency repair is needed. To request island access authorization for an emergency repair, contact securitysup@kica.us, and provide the service provider's name, date and time of arrival, and reason for service. 

Kiawah Island Golf Resort

The resort closed the Sanctuary today 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. Most businesses will be closed on Friday. View modified hours on the Freshfields website.

Town of Kiawah Island

Town Hall is now closed 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. 

Beachwalker Park

Beachwalker Park is closed now through Friday. Learn more.

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.