Charleston Flood/Weather Updates

by Holy City Sinner

October 3, 2015

12:20 PM

I am no longer updating this post. Be sure to see Sunday’s version here.

–Original Post Below–

Last update at 6:52 pm on 10/3/15

Here’s the latest regarding the weather/flooding:

MOST IMPORTANT

Charleston Police: “If you believe your safety is in danger call 911, don’t wait.“
Charleston police: No traffic allowed onto peninsula until flooding recedes. Exceptions made for emergency personnel including hospital employees.
The President has declared a federal emergency in South Carolina. The state now qualifies for public safety assistance from FEMA.
At 3 pm, Charleston County will move to OPCON 1
- Here is an explanation of OPCON and what the different levels mean.
Charleston County residents with questions about weather conditions can call 843-746-3900.
SC Emergency Management has created a phone line for severe weather questions: 1-866-246-0133.
The Dorchester County Emergency Management Department has implemented a curfew from 6 pm tonight until 7 am tomorrow. More details here.
On top of flooding, there is concern about tornado potential.
- Tornado Preparedness
- Waterspouts also possible.
If you are a Charleston resident and need sand bags, Call 843-724-7367. The sandbags have to be picked up, they will not be delivered.
- The Town of Mount Pleasant does not have sand bags to give out.
Here are the current road closures
The Union Heights neighborhood in North Charleston is being evacuated.
- The Dorchester Co. Sheriff’s office has evacuated people from Summerwood subdivision in Ladson.
Authorities issue health warnings after flooding causes sewage problems in North area and Sullivan's Island (Post & Courier).
Closing and Cancellations
CPD: Use caution if you are walking as the rain may have popped off manhole covers.
- Report overflowing manholes by calling 843-727-6800
Folly Beach is back open to non-residents.
Mount Pleasant Waterworks (MPW) is asking customers to limit toilet flushing, washing laundry, dish washing, and other water use that could contribute to increased flow to the wastewater system.
The Dorchester SPCA says all of the dogs needing foster homes have been placed. However, they will still need clean up supplies and financial support from the flooding. You can donate here: http://summervillespca.org/donate/
There have been reports of water rescues and water entering homes.
The Charleston County Sheriffs Office will open a shelter at noon for citizens who are displaced from their homes.
- Red Cross is opening a North Charleston shelter at 11 am today.
- The Charleston Fire Department will also be a temporary shelter.
- Charleston County Government has announced that the Al Cannon Detention Center Work Camp building is now open as a drying shelter. The work camp is located at the corner of Bridge View Drive and Leeds Avenue in North Charleston.
If roads become impassable, the Charleston Police Department has plans in place for hospital access and patient care.
CARTA has suspended all services for Saturday.
Follow Holy City Sinner on Twitter for the most up-to-date information, pictures of flooding, and more.
Mayor Riley calls rain, flooding an ‘unprecedented event' (Charleston City Paper).
Reports: Sinkhole at Meeting Street Road and Macon Avenue. Intersection is closed; road has partially collapsed.

OTHER

Flood Eats: Where to find food and drink downtown during the deluge (Charleston City Paper).
Slideshow (Live 5 News).
As seen through social media (Charleston City Paper).
The tide is at its highest level since Hurricane Hugo (NWS Charleston).
Flood Eats: Where to find food during the deluge (Charleston City Paper).
Charleston sets daily rainfall record by mid-morning (News 2).
Joaquin, though well offshore, brings high surf to the Lowcountry (ABC News 4).
In search of the best Charleston flooding Internet memes (ABC News 4).
Why Does Charleston flood so often and so easily? (HCS).
Enter a rain photo contest (Charleston Currents).