Hurricane Ian Expected to Make Landfall in South Carolina

September 29, 2022

The National Hurricane Center recently issued a hurricane warning for portions of the South Carolina coast. Forecasters now believe Ian, which is currently a tropical storm, will make landfall somewhere near Charleston as a Category One hurricane. Everyone should finalize their storm preparations today and continue to check the frequently changing forecasts from the Hurricane Center and local weather outlets.

“If you haven’t yet made plans for every contingency, this afternoon is the time to do so,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “We can expect to experience a lot of rain throughout the state along with dangerous storm surge in low-lying coastal areas. With the potential for hurricane force winds along our coast, it’s important for South Carolinians to plan now.

“While we will not see the full force of Hurricane Ian the way Florida did, we could see high winds, rain, flash flooding and even tornadoes,” S.C. Emergency Management Director Kim Stenson said. “Flooding due to storm surge and rain could be a major concern. Over the next day, it will be vital for everyone to be prepared to act if told to do so by your local public safety officials.”

Residents in low-lying areas prone to flooding, particularly along the coast, should have a plan to move to higher ground if their homes become unsafe.

Local agencies are opening emergency shelters based on need and storm conditions. Shelter locations, when open, will be posted on the South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s website and mobile app.

While finalizing storm preparations, keep in mind the following:

• Be aware of potential flash flooding and storm surge. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move to higher ground. Do not wait to be told to move.
• If time allows, prepare your home for a flood by moving essential items to an upper floor, bring in outdoor furniture, disconnect electrical appliances and be prepared to turn off the gas, electricity and water.
• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
• Have several ways to get emergency information. Examples include NOAA Weather Radio, CodeRED notifications, Wireless Emergency Alerts for mobile devices and others. Make sure your devices have back up batteries and extra chargers.
• If a high wind or tornado warning is issued for your area, get indoors to a pre-designated shelter area such as a basement, storm cellar or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls.

All official recommendations concerning personal safety will be based on the best available information from the NHC, local National Weather Service offices and in coordination with local and state public safety officials.

Governor McMaster will be joined by state officials for a media briefing today, Thursday, September 29 at 4:00 PM. The governor will update the public on Hurricane Ian’s potential impact on South Carolina.

WHO: Gov. Henry McMaster, state officials

WHAT: Media briefing regarding Hurricane Ian and its potential impact on South Carolina

WHEN: Today, Thursday, September 29 at 4:00 PM

WHERE: South Carolina Emergency Operations Center, 2799 Fish Hatchery Road, West Columbia, S.C.

Note: The press conference will be streamed live on SCETV’s website at scetv.org.

Warnings

Hurricane Warning

• Beaufort, SC

…HURRICANE WARNING IN EFFECT… …STORM SURGE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT… A Hurricane Warning means hurricane-force winds are expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours * LOCATIONS AFFECTED – Hilton Head Island – Beaufort – Bluffton * WIND – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind – Peak Wind Forecast: 35-45 mph with gusts to 75 mph – Window for Tropical Storm force winds: until Friday afternoon – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 74 to 110 mph – The wind threat has increased from the previous assessment. – PLAN: Plan for life-threatening wind of equivalent CAT 1 or 2 hurricane force. – PREPARE: Last minute efforts should solely focus on protecting life. The area remains subject to considerable wind damage. – ACT: Now is the time to shelter from life-threatening wind. – POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Unfolding – Potential impacts from the main wind event are unfolding. * STORM SURGE – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Life-threatening storm surge possible – Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for 4-6 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas – Window of concern: through Saturday morning – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for storm surge flooding greater than 3 feet above ground – The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. – PLAN: Shelter against life-threatening storm surge of greater than 3 feet above ground. – PREPARE: Flood preparations and ordered evacuations should be complete. Evacuees should be in shelters well away from storm surge flooding. – ACT: Remain sheltered in a safe location. Do not venture outside. – POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Unfolding – Potential impacts from the main surge event are unfolding. * FLOODING RAIN – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect – Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-6 inches, with locally higher amounts – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for major flooding rain – The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. – PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are likely. – PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. – ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life. – POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive – Major rainfall flooding could prompt many rescues. – Rivers and tributaries could rapidly overflow their banks in multiple locations. Small streams, creeks, canals, ditches may become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers could become stressed. – Flood waters could enter many structures within multiple communities; some structures become uninhabitable or are washed away. Flood waters could cover multiple escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. – Drinking water and sewer services could be negatively impacted. – Hazardous containers and materials could possibly be present in flood waters. * TORNADO – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: – Situation is unfavorable for tornadoes – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Tornadoes not expected – The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. – PLAN: Tornadoes are not expected. Showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds may still occur. – PREPARE: Little to no preparations needed to protect against tornadoes at this time. Keep informed of the latest tornado situation. – ACT: Listen for changes in the forecast. – POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None – Little to no potential impacts from tornadoes. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: – https://weather.gov/chs – https://ready.gov/hurricanes – http://www.bcgov.net

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at4+shtml/093959.shtml?key_messages#contents