CATASTROPHIC FLASH FLOODING PREDICTED

Tropical Storm Debby recently made landfall as a category 1 hurricane in Florida's Big Bend region, but the storm has since downgraded to a tropical storm. The storm is expected to move northeast and stall out over South Carolina, causing historic rainfall and catastrophic flash flooding.

Kiawah is already experiencing rain from the storm's outer bands. Rain is expected to escalate over the coming days, with the most severe weather Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Kiawah may receive 10-20 inches of rainfall, but could see up to 30 inches.

A similar storm in 2015 caused the "1,000-year flood," and resulted in flooded roads and properties across the island. Portions of Kiawah's main thoroughfares, the Kiawah Island Parkway and Governors Drive, were closed for multiple days.

Governor McMaster has declared a state of emergency for South Carolina. (No evacuation has been ordered.) Kiawah Mayor Brad Belt has also declared a state of emergency for Kiawah Island. Our island is currently under a Tropical Storm Warning, a Flood Warning, a Storm Surge Warning, a Special Marine Warning, and more.

Rain and flash flooding are the most severe threats, but tropical-storm-force winds (up to 58 mph), storm surge inundation (2-4 feet above ground level), tornados, and rip currents are also concerns.

STAY HOME, STAY OFF OF ROADS

Residents and property owners are advised to finish preparations for the storm. Vehicle parking is currently available at Town Hall (4475 Betsy Kerrison Parkway); park at your own risk. Food, water supplies, and medications should be filled.

Monitor local media and plan to stay at home on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Expect flash flooding and road closures, which may limit access to and from the island. Do not attempt to drive in flood conditions. Water depth is never certain and stalled vehicles/flood rescues put emergency responders at risk.

After the storm passes, remain at home so that island cleanup can be executed safely and efficiently. Roads, trails, and boardwalks may be unsafe and must be assessed. Alligators and other wildlife will be displaced by flooding.

HURRICANE GUIDES:

South Carolina | Charleston County | Town of Kiawah Island

WEATHER:

National Weather Service | National Weather Service: Charleston

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, in partnership with Charleston County's Emergency Management Department and regional counterparts. 

DRAINAGE INFRASTRUCTURE

KICA has lowered pond levels by approximately 12-15 inches to increase rainwater storage capacity. Please note that the pond system is not designed to mitigate storm surge inundation, nor the historic prediction of rainfall. Water pumps have been staged at locations on main roads susceptible to flooding.

SOLID WASTE COLLECTION

The town's contracted trash collection services have been canceled for Tuesday, and are not anticipated on Wednesday. The town has removed trash receptacles and other equipment from the beach.

COMMERCIAL SERVICES GATE CLOSURE

KICA does not plan to close Kiawah Island gate access to property owners, guests, or employees but will close commercial services access on Tuesday, Aug. 6, and access is expected to remain closed through Thursday. Only emergency repair services will be permitted, with authorization from KICA Security. Contact securitysup@kica.us to gain authorization and provide the service provider's name, date and time of arrival, and reason for service.

UTILITIES

Local utility companies like Berkeley Electric, Kiawah Island Utility (water), AT&T, and Comcast are preparing for the storm. Although no companies plan to turn off services, if critical infrastructure is at risk, services may be temporarily suspended.

EMERGENCY SERVICES



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.

KICA SECURITY

The association's Security staff will stay on-island throughout the storm and can be reached at 843-768-5566. The Main Gate will remain staffed unless conditions threaten their safety. KICA does plan to remove staff from the Vanderhorst (V) gate, a vulnerable structure, during the height of the storm.

BUSINESS CLOSURES

The KICA Member Services team is available at 843-768-9194, but association offices at Beachwalker Center are closed. The Sandcastle is closed, including after-hours gym access. KICA facilities are expected to remain closed through Thursday.

Town Hall is closed with essential personnel on-site and non-essential personnel working remotely. To contact town staff, residents can call 843-768-9166.

Freshfields Village anticipates some business closures, which will be shared here. Currently, Harris Teeter plans to remain open.

The Kiawah Island Golf Resort has not announced any operational changes. If any services are modified, they will be shared here.

Beachwalker Park is closed and is expected to remain closed through Wednesday.

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.