MONITORING STORM
Kiawah Island community entities are actively monitoring Tropical Storm Debby, in collaboration with Charleston County's Emergency Management Department and regional counterparts.
BE ADVISED
Tropical Storm Debby is currently about 100 miles west-southwest of Key West, Florida. While there continues to be considerable uncertainty regarding the strength and track of this system, thunderstorms with tropical storm force winds (up to 58 mph) are expected to impact Charleston County beginning on Sunday and continuing into next week.
Monday through Thursday, 6 to 12 inches of rainfall is predicted, but up to 18 inches is possible. Flash flooding is likely. Be prepared for standing water on roads. Never drive through waters of unknown depths and stay off the roads during the storm if possible.
There is currently a high rip current risk today until 8 p.m. Please be cautious in the ocean during the heightened risk. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
BEGIN YOUR PREPARATIONS
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.
HURRICANE GUIDES:
South Carolina | Charleston County | Town of Kiawah Island
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 begun lowering pond levels to increase rainwater storage capacity and drainage gates have been closed to incoming tides. This process relies on the outgoing tide to pull water out of the ponds, so lowering is a multi-day process.
Freshfields Village does not anticipate any closures but will keep their website updated.
St. John’s Fire Department has a high-water vehicle and is ready to assist. The department will respond to all calls. With a high call volume, there may be a need to triage and prioritize response.
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.
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