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TUESDAY, AUG. 6, 2024

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

Kiawah Experienced Severe Weather Last Night and More Historic Flooding is Predicted

OVERVIEW


As predicted, Tropical Storm Debby has stalled out near the Georgia/South Carolina coast and Kiawah is currently experiencing steady rain, with tropical storm-force winds and flooding anticipated today through Friday morning. The storm is expected to make a second South Carolina landfall on Thursday.


Last night, Kiawah experienced heavy rainfall, approximately 8 inches, and a mid-island tornado was reported which caused fallen trees, heavy debris and minor structural damage to several homes. The tornado has not been confirmed by the National Weather Service, but it is being investigated.


No power outages are currently reported.


Several roads have light to moderate flooding. Governors Drive is flooded but passable at the first intersection of Flyway Drive. Two side roads have hazardous flooding and are closed: Doral Open and Glen Abbey.


Continue to monitor local media and plan to stay at home today through Friday. Expect more flash flooding and road closures, which may limit access to and from the island. Do not attempt to drive in these flood conditions. Driving conditions are unsafe and also put emergency responders at risk.

FORECAST


The National Weather Service predicts significant rainfall that may cause catastrophic flooding through Friday morning. Tropical storm-force winds (gusts from 58-73 mph), tornados, and storm surge inundation remain a threat. Kiawah received about 10 inches of rain in the last 24 hours. Another 6-12 inches, up to 15 inches, are anticipated over the coming days. Impacts are expected through Friday morning.


Stay home! Stay safe!

WEATHER:

National Weather Service | National Weather Service: Charleston

National Hurricane Center


LOCAL MEDIA: 

Live 5 NewsABC News 4Count on 2Post & Courier

Mayor's Message to the Community


Kiawah Island Mayor Brad Belt shared this message at 1 p.m this afternoon.

Property Damage Assessment


Island entities are working together to assess and mitigate damage. If damage to personal property is visible from the road, it will be reported and the property owner notified. With this multi-day storm, a full island assessment will not be completed until the severe weather has passed.

Island Cleanup


Although it may be Friday afternoon or Saturday before full-fledged island cleanup begins, please remember to remain at home during this time so that island cleanup can be executed safely and efficiently. Roads, trails, and boardwalks may be unsafe and must be assessed.


KICA teams are currently pumping flooded areas on roads, as long as weather permits. Drainage outfalls have been opened during the outgoing tide to release stormwater.

Alligator

Another Reason to Stay Home Today:


Alligators and other wildlife get displaced with flooding. They may be in unexpected places.

Reminders


KICA SECURITY


The association's Security staff can be reached at 843-768-5566. The Main Gate will remain staffed unless conditions threaten their safety. KICA plans to remove staff from the Vanderhorst (V) gate, a vulnerable structure, during severe weather.


SOLID WASTE COLLECTION


The town's contracted trash collection services have been canceled for today, and are not anticipated on Wednesday.


UTILITIES


Kiawah currently has no reported power outages or internet/phone service outages. With more severe weather predicted, outages may occur. If critical infrastructure is at risk, services may also be temporarily suspended.


EMERGENCY SERVICES



St. John’s Fire Department is on-island. With a high call volume, there may be a need to triage and prioritize response.


CLOSURES & MODIFIED OPERATIONS


The Sandcastle is closed and may not reopen until Saturday. KICA offices are closed, but the Member Services team is available at 843-768-9194 .


Gate access for commercial services is closed. Only emergency repair services are 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.)


Town offices are closed, but staff can be reached at 843-768-9166.


Freshfields Village businesses with modified hours are listed here.


The Kiawah Island Golf Resort's modified operations are listed here.


Beachwalker Park is closed.


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.


In severe weather, KICA provides one email update daily, typically in the late afternoon. Updates are also shared at kica.us/news and on Facebook. You can expect another email update tomorrow afternoon.

MEMBER SERVICES: 843-768-9194______MAIN GATE: 843-768-5566______THE SANDCASTLE: 843-768-3875