The Latest on Hurricane Matthew – Saturday Edition

October 8, 2016

12:24 PM

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Last updated on 10/8/16 at 12:36 pm.

Tip – consider taking screenshots of important information so you can access to it if you lose power.

Although I will do my best to pass along relevant and accurate information, be sure to follow local/national media and local government too. They are professionals and will have the best possible information.

WARNINGS/WATCHES

If you did not evacuate, you should shelter in place
Hurricane Warning remains in effect until Matthew is gone
Flood Warning until 4:30 pm: Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley, and Colleton Counties
Charleston County has deemed bridges not safe for travel due to high winds
- At the direction of the SCDOT, the Mount Pleasant and Charleston Police Departments have closed the Ravenel Bridge
  - There is no estimated re-opening time
At this time, many emergency response teams (fire, police, etc.) have suspended their services due to the current conditions.
There is no access to Folly Beach. Residents won’t be allowed back until tomorrow morning (at the earliest).
There is also no access to Kiawah or Seabrook Islands

THE LATEST INFORMATION

The most up-to-date storm tracker from the National Hurricane Center can be found here.
- Matthew is currently a Category 1 Hurricane
  - It made landfall southeast of McClellanville in Charleston County just after 11 am
  - Winds and flooding will be the biggest concerns over the next few hours
  - Wind: Gusts of 80-100 MPH are possible for beaches and downtown Charleston through 10 am
  - Expected rainfall: 8-14″
    - SCDNR: 6-12 inches of rain has fallen
  - Possible Storm Surge: 4-8′ above ground
    - SCEMD: “Life threatening storm surge (over 8 feet) expected on SC coast.”
  - SCDNR: Wind should fall below tropical storm strength by 1 pmat Beaufort, 6 PM at Charleston
    - Rains should taper off and cease by midnight .
Click here for open Shelter locations and addresses.
Click here for updates from South Carolina Emergency Management Division.
- Get critical info from SCEMD via Twitter alerts – click here for more details
Click here for updates from Charleston County Government.
Tune to the following radio stations for messages from the Emergency Alert System:
- WIWF- Nash FM 96.9
- WEZL – 103.5
- WSCI – 89.3
- WXST- Star 99.7
- WAVF- Chuck 101.7
- WMXF- Mix 95.9
- WCKN- Kickin’ 92.5

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Call 9-1-1 for real emergencies only
South Carolina Emergency Management Division: 1-866-246-0133
S.C. Department of Transportation: 1-888-877-9151
Charleston City Police Non-Emergency Line: 843-577-7434
Charleston County Citizen's Information Hotline: 843-746-3900
Charleston County Emergency Management Department: 843-746-3800
Charleston County Special Medical Needs: 843-953-0077
Charleston Water System: 843-727-6800
Berkeley County Emergency Preparedness Department: 843-719-4800, 843-719-4166, or 843-719-4047
Berkeley County Water and Sanitation: 843-572-4400
Dorchester County Citizen's Information Hotline: 843-832-0393
Dorchester County Emergency Services Department: 843-832-0341
Dorchester County Water and Sewer Department: 843-832-0075 or 843-563-0075
Mt. Pleasant Non-Emergency Police Line: 843-743-7200
Santee Cooper (to report a power outage): 1-888-769-7688
SCE&G (for power outages and downed/damaged power lines): 1-888-333-4465
- Click here for an outage map
SCE&G (for gas leaks): 1-800-815-0083

TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

Close storm shutters, and stay away from windows. Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.
Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.
Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

SHELTERS

Click here for Open Shelter locations and addresses
Items to bring if you are relocating to a shelter:
- Prescription and emergency medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents and other comfort items.
- It’s also important not to forget special items for children, such as diapers, formula and toys, and other items for family members who have unique needs

BRIDGES

Charleston County has deemed bridges not safe for travel due to high winds.