From the US National Weather Service Charleston SC
…STORM SURGE WATCH IN EFFECT…
…TROPICAL STORM WATCH IN EFFECT…
A Storm Surge Watch means life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, is possible somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours
A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm-force winds are possible somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours
* LOCATIONS AFFECTED
– Hilton Head Island
– Beaufort
– Bluffton
* WIND
– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Strong Tropical Storm
force wind
– Peak Wind Forecast: 45-60 mph with gusts to 70 mph
– Window for Tropical Storm force winds: Wednesday
afternoon until early Thursday morning
– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL
FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY:
Potential for wind 74 to 110 mph
– PLAN: Plan for life-threatening wind of equivalent CAT 1 or
2 hurricane force.
– PREPARE: Efforts to protect life and property should now be
rigorously underway. Prepare for considerable wind damage.
– ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind
becomes hazardous.
– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive
– Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some
window, door, and garage door failures leading to
structural damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with
some destroyed. Damage accentuated by airborne
projectiles. Some locations may be uninhabitable for weeks.
– Danger of death or injury from falling objects and airborne
projectiles outside.
– Large trees snapped or uprooted.
– Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within
urban or heavily wooded locations. Several bridges and
access routes impassable.
– Large areas with power and communications outages, which
could persist for days.
– Several secured small craft could break free from moorings.
* STORM SURGE
– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Life-threatening storm surge
possible
– Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for 2-4 feet
above ground somewhere within surge prone areas
– Window of concern: Wednesday afternoon until early
Thursday 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
– PLAN: Plan for life-threatening storm surge flooding of
greater than 3 feet above ground.
– PREPARE: Storm surge flooding preparations should be
underway. Assemble disaster supplies and know your
evacuation route.
– ACT: Leave if evacuation orders are given for your area.
Failure to heed evacuation orders may result in the loss of
your life.
– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
– Areas of inundation of saltwater along immediate shorelines
and in low-lying spots farther inland near rivers and
creeks, with storm surge flooding accentuated by waves.
Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast.
– Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads
become weakened or washed out, especially in normally
vulnerable low spots.
– Moderate to major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching
dunes. Strong and numerous rip currents.
– Minor to moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks,
and piers. Several small craft broken away from moorings,
especially in unprotected anchorages. Some navigation aids
possibly displaced well off station, creating difficult
navigation near inlets and waterways.
* FLOODING RAIN
– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
– Peak Rainfall Amounts: 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
– 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 somewhat favorable for tornadoes
– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL
FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY:
Potential for a few tornadoes
– PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for a
few tornadoes.
– PREPARE: If your shelter is particularly vulnerable to
tornadoes, prepare to relocate to safe shelter before
hazardous weather arrives.
– ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter
quickly.
– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
– Isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency
plans.
– Isolated locations could experience tornado damage, along
with power and communications disruptions.
– In isolated locations, tornadoes could damage trees,
vehicles, boats and buildings, especially mobile homes and
other poorly constructed structures.
* FOR MORE INFORMATION:
– https://ready.gov/hurricanes
#BTFD#SCWX#Idalia#TropicalStorm
Please continue to prepare for tropical storm conditions to effect our area tomorrow into Thursday.
Updates will be provided as they are made available by US National Weather Service Charleston SC.