Now that Idalia has slammed into Florida as a Category 3 hurricane, South Carolina’s coastal communities are bracing for its powerful aftermath.
The storm is expected to arrive some time overnight into Thursday morning as a tropical storm or perhaps a weakened Category 1 hurricane. That means some areas could potentially see winds of more than 70 mph.
Coastal areas are also being warned about a possible storm surge of 2 to 5 feet as well as heavy rain, anywhere from 3 to 8 inches. All that water at one time could cause major flooding as it comes during tonight’s supermoon and king tide. The Charleston harbor is expected to reach more than 8 feet just before 9 p.m. Flood stage is 7 feet.
“When the tide gets that high and you get a big downpour just then, the water’s really got nowhere to go,” says Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg.
Mayor Tecklenburg is urging people in Charleston to stay home during the storm. Police will begin closing roads prone to flooding at 6:30pm and high-water vehicles will be ready in case they are needed for rescues.
Charleston has declared a state of emergency. So has Governor Henry McMaster who says he did so “out of an abundance of caution”. The order allows the state to respond to requests for help quickly.
Charleston International has halted all flights after 6 p.m. tonight until 8 a.m. tomorrow. Travelers are urged to call their airline.
