From The Blog

Tropical Storm Isaias

As part of the island’s emergency management plan, KICA and the Town of Kiawah Island issue joint emergency communications to members.

Tropical Storm Isaias is forecast 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.

Conditions are expected to continue to deteriorate this afternoon with substantial impact occurring tonight.

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 during high tide, which is at 9:13 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.

COMMUNITY UPDATE

The community association has reduced pond levels to increase drainage capacity in preparation for the storm. KICA facilities closed at noon today, with the exception of the security gates. Contractor gate access for tomorrow has been delayed until 10 a.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.

The Municipal Center closed at 1 p.m. today and will resume regular hours tomorrow (8 a.m – 5 p.m.). Tuesday’s trash collection will operate on a delay and will not begin until 10 a.m.

The Sandcastle is currently planned to reopen for the 11:30 a.m. pool session on Tuesday, Aug. 4, pending cleanup.

Beachwalker County Park closed at 2 p.m. today.

Freshfields Village merchants may have modified hours.

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