August 03, 2020
Tropical Storm Isaias Update #3
Tropical Storm Isaias is forecasted to regain hurricane strength later today and make landfall as a Category 1 near Georgetown, South Carolina.
Kiawah Island remains under a tropical storm warning and storm surge warning. Our community may experience sustained wind speeds of 45-55 mph with gusts up to 70 mph, excessive rainfall (3-6 inches), isolated tornado threats, flooding, dangerous storm surge, and minor erosion.
As a result, power outages and falling trees and large debris are possible. If storm surge levels threaten Berkeley Electric’s equipment on the island, a preemptive power shutoff could occur.
Flooding will likely occur tonight at high tide (8:59 p.m.). Dangerous surf and rip currents are already present and expected to continue through this week. Stay out of the water. In tropical storm conditions, even knee-deep water contains strong currents and can quickly become dangerous. Beach Patrol will retract its staff during the storm.
Conditions are expected to continue to deteriorate this afternoon with substantial impact occurring tonight.
Community Update
The Community Association (KICA) has made adjustments to pond levels in preparation for the storm. KICA facilities closed at noon today except for the security gates. Contractor access for tomorrow has been delayed until 10 a.m.
Tuesday’s trash collection will operate on a delay and will not begin until 10 a.m.
The Municipal Center closed at 1 p.m. today and will resume regular hours tomorrow (8 a.m – 5 p.m.).
The Town’s damage assessment team will begin at 6 a.m. to perform a windshield survey of the island. This survey does not take into account damage to property not seen from the road.
Beachwalker County Park will close at 2 p.m. today.
Freshfields merchants may have modified hours which will be posted on their website.
Prepare
Residents should wrap up their personal preparations and plan to shelter in place. Please make sure all trash cans are secure. Remember, in an emergency, dial 9-1-1, not the main gate. The Town of Kiawah Island, Kiawah Island Community Association, and Charleston County Emergency Management officials continue to monitor Tropical Storm Isaias and prepare for potential impacts. Property owners and managers with rental guests should forward the information above to their guests.
Helpful Links
National Weather Service | National Hurricane Center
Communication
Official updates from the Town will be posted on our website and social media outlets. The next update will be tomorrow by 5 p.m. Any breaking news will be released before our scheduled communication. Anyone not receiving our updates via email can register here.
Notifications
Sign up for the Town’s emergency notification system CodeRED.
If you are unsure if you are registered, you can re-register without receiving duplicate notices. Be sure to opt-in for severe weather warning alerts. Register here. CodeRED is typically reserved for short evacuation related messages sent with only pertinent information and is different from the Town’s detailed updates that are sent via email.