Pest Control in Charleston, SC

Updated 8:20 p.m., Aug. 30, 2023 | A weaker but still potent Tropical Storm Idalia crossed into South Carolina Wednesday evening as residents watched the nightly television news. With maximum sustained winds of 65 mph, the storm was 60 miles west of Charleston at 8 p.m., moving in a northeasterly direction at 21 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

But with a Blue supermoon pulling tides higher than normal, storm surge and flooding remained a concern Wednesday night in the Charleston area. A storm surge warning and tropical storm warning remained in effect for the Lowcountry coast.

“The center of Idalia will move near or along the coast of South Carolina through tonight, and then just offshore of the coast of North Carolina on Thursday,” the NHC forecast said. “Idalia will then move eastward over the western Atlantic into the weekend.

“Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 65 mph with higher gusts. Some additional weakening is forecast through tonight, but Idalia is expected to remain a tropical storm while it moves near the coasts of South Carolina and North Carolina.”

Isolated tornadoes, such as a weak one that apparently flipped a car on U.S. Highway 52 in Goose Creek, also remain a threat in the Palmetto State until the storm moves into North Carolina in the early hours of Thursday. – Andy Brack

Updated 3 p.m., Aug. 30, 2023 | S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster on Wednesday said state and county leaders are ready for Hurricane Idalia’s arrival as it moves north from Georgia. There will be no evacuation orders and no state agencies are planning to close as a result of the storm, he said, adding people should stay home and stay informed in the hours ahead.

“We don’t think it’s going to be as destructive [as] some, but there will be a lot of water, especially in the Lowcountry,” McMaster said. “Estimates are from Georgetown to Myrtle Beach (for) one to two feet of water, but down in Beaufort it will be higher than that.

“We’re hoping that the storm will weaken as it goes across ground, which is what they usually do,” he added. “But we’re asking everyone to realize that these storms are dangerous. There will be water on the roads that does not appear to be deep, but … if you can’t see the road, don’t drive on it.”

According to the city of Charleston, “the primary threat to the Charleston area remains heavy rainfall and major coastal flooding associated with King tides. Charleston is currently forecast to receive 2 to 4 inches of rain tonight into tomorrow morning. The King tide prediction has increased to 8’5” and is expected to peak at 8:24 p.m. tonight.

Sustained wind speeds could reach 60 mph, with gusts up to 80 mph. Tropical storm-force winds and heavy rainbands are expected to arrive as early as this afternoon.

McMaster urged residents to stay inside as much as possible. And to get all information from official sources.

“There’s always a lot of chatter on social media,” he said. “A lot of it is right, but most of it is wrong. If you get your information from official sources, you will be much better informed.”

In Charleston, police are mobilizing under a specific hurricane plan, according to Sergeant Anthony Gibson.

“You will definitely see more officers out and about today and through tomorrow in preparation for the storm,” he said. “The Municipal Emergency Operation Center is open, and we have extended to 12-hours shifts, and increased staffing across the city so we can respond to anything that comes our way. We also have officers dedicated to road closures and setting barricades out for flooding roadways.”

Updated 11:30 a.m., Aug. 30, 2023 | Hurricane Idalia, now a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 90 mph, is along the southern border of Georgia heading toward the South Carolina coast later today.

“Although Idalia will weaken further while the center is inland, it is still expected to be a hurricane through this afternoon or evening while moving across southeastern Georgia and southern South Carolina,” according to the latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center (NHC). “Idalia is forecast to be a tropical storm while moving near the coasts of northeastern South Carolina and North Carolina tonight and on Thursday.”

There are several warnings and watches relevant to South Carolinians, according to the NHC. Warnings mean associated conditions are likely in an area, while watches indicate the possibility of those conditions:

Updated 8:34 a.m., Aug. 30, 2023 | Hurricane Idalia, which struck Florida’s Gulf Coast this morning as a Category 3 storm with 120 mph winds, will spin its heavy rain, storm surge and bluster into South Carolina late this evening.

As of 8 a.m. today, a hurricane warning was in effect for the coasts of Georgia and southern part of South Carolina. The rest of the state’s coast was under a tropical storm warning.

Tropical storm force winds (39 mph to 73 mph) should arrive in the Palmetto State in midafternoon. By the time the center of Idalia gets to South Carolina late Wednesday or early Thursday, forecasters say it will again be a tropical storm, but its impact could be significant due to the confluence of heavy rains, wind and a supermoon that will exacerbate flooding and storm surge.

Local schools generally have a half-day today and will be closed Thursday for an e-learning day. People in businesses and homes have been preparing by securing property, stockpiling goods and bringing in things in yards that could soar.

This morning in Florida, the National Hurricane Center said the eye of Idalia was moving inland at 18 mph in a north-northeasterly direction along the Big Bend Coast with catastrophic storm surge and damaging hurricane-force winds.

On Monday, S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency ahead of Idalia’s arrival. He encouraged residents to make preparations and keep tuned into the latest developments.

“Although South Carolina may avoid the worst of Hurricane Idalia’s impacts, this state of emergency is issued out of an abundance of caution to ensure that we have the necessary resources in place to respond to flooding events and are able to respond quickly if the forecast worsens,” McMaster said in a statement.

Also Monday, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said the city was taking aggressive steps to prepare because the storm is anticipated to hit Charleston Wednesday night when the area is likely to experience a higher-than-normal king tide of nearly 8 feet.

Getting ready. Follow these links to read the City Paper’s emergency kit checklist and safety tips for hurricane preparedness and Charleston County’s 2023 Hurricane Guide. – Andy Brack

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CHARLESTON - Another tornado warning as been posted in portions of Charleston and Dorchester counties.

It remains in effect until 4:15 p.m.

A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Magnolia Gardens at 3:38 p.m. The storm was moving north at 35 mph. Radar images indicated rotation in the storm.

Impacted areas include North Charleston, Summerville, Ladson, and Magnolia Gardens. The warning also includes I-26 between mile markers 205 and 209.

The National Weather Service has reported a weak tornado touched down in Goose Creek Aug. 30, flipping a car but otherwise not causing damage.

The vehicle was flipped at the intersection of Camelot Drive and South Goose Greek Boulevard.

The tornado warning started just before noon Aug. 30 for areas include Johns Island, Hollywood, Ravenel, Meggett, Yonges Island and Wadmalaw Island.

A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Yonges Island, moving north at 25 mph.

The NWS warning noted that “flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.”

BEAUFORT — Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida just before 8 a.m. on Aug. 30, and since then it’s been working its way across Georgia toward Beaufort County.

Rain, intense at times, has been falling in the county throughout the day, though winds at mid-afternoon were still mild.

While the storm’s exact path and projected impacts are constantly evolving, one thing is nearly certain. It’s going to get worse before it gets better.

The heaviest rains and strongest winds are still to come according to the current forecast.

Local institutions are making preparations for the storm’s arrival, and a number of closures and schedule modifications have been reported.

What to know - Schools

The Beaufort County School District announced eLearning and remote workdays for its students and staff on Aug. 30 and 31. All school district buildings will be closed those days. Extracurricular activities and afterschool programs scheduled for Aug. 30 and 31 have been canceled.

All classes at the Technical College of the Lowcountry are canceled and the campus is closed Aug. 30 and 31.

All online and in-person classes at the University of South Carolina Beaufort are canceled Aug. 30 and 31. Residence halls and ding halls will remain open but may have limited services. All other university offices will also be closed. Classes are expected to resume Sept. 1.

What to know - Government

Officials in Beaufort County declared a state of emergency that will remain in effect until Sept. 3.

The declaration allows government officials to take any action necessary to mitigate emergencies caused by Hurricane Idalia. These actions may include imposing curfews, reentry procedures and any other short term emergency matters.

No curfews or limitations on travel have been enacted in the county at this time.

Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry has likewise declared a local state of emergency for Hilton Head Island beginning Aug. 30 and continuing through Sept. 3.

“Emergency measures are necessary to cope with the existing and anticipated dangers presented by Hurricane Idalia,” Perry said in a press release.

The following local governments will be closed Aug. 30 and 31:

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Center was activated at 2 p.m. It will remain operations through the duration of the storm to address any storm-related emergencies.

The Town of Yemassee will be closed Aug. 30. Offices are tentatively scheduled to reopen Aug. 31, though a final decision based on current conditions will be made in the afternoon of Aug. 30.

Beaufort County Convenience Centers will be closed Aug. 30 and 31, and all county Parks and Recreation programs are canceled.

Jasper County is opening an emergency shelter at Ridgeland School located at 250 Jaguar Trail in Ridgeland. The shelter will open at 10 a.m. Aug. 30. The shelter can accommodate pets.

Officials recommend that people utilizing the facility bring:

Residents with pets must bring: a crate; pet food; vaccination records; rabies certificate; most recent heartworm test; most recent FeLV/FIV test result (for cats); at least a seven-day supply of their medications; litter and litter box (for cats); cleaning supplies; and food and water bowls. Pets who are not service animals will not be permitted in the main shelter area due to safety considerations.

What to know - Travel

Hilton Head Island Airport and Beaufort Executive Airport remain open, but all commercial flights in and out of Hilton Head Island Airport have been canceled for Aug. 30. Travelers are advised to check with their carriers for any possible flight delays and cancellations.

According to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, there are no plans to restrict driving within the county. However, residents and visitors are encouraged to limit unnecessary travel during peak storm hours. Standing water may be possible on roadways due to rain accumulation. Use extra caution when driving.

The Daufuskie Island Ferry service will be suspended beginning Aug. 30 following the 11:30 a.m. departure. The 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. ferries departing Buckingham and 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. ferries departing Melrose Landing are canceled.

Ferry service may resume Aug. 31 based on conditions and an assessment of the docks and boats. Be aware that the captain can suspend operations anytime it is unsafe to travel. Unscheduled delays and cancellations may occur without notice.

The parking lots at both Melrose Landing on Daufuskie and Buckingham Landing in Bluffton are in very low-lying areas and are prone to flooding. Parking in those locations is not recommended until the storm passes. Drivers are advised to move vehicles to the Daufuskie Island Visitors Center parking lot, located at Tanger 2 Hilton Head Outlets on Fording Island Road.

What to know - Utilities

Power outages can be reported to Dominion Energy at 888-333-4465, while suspected gas leaks should be reported at 800-815-0083.

Customers of Palmetto Electric Cooperative Inc., can report outages at 866-445-5551.

The Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority offices are closed Aug. 30 and 31. Maintenance crews will respond as conditions allow.

What to know - Military

No evacuation order has been given as of this time for the Marine Corps Air Station - Beaufort. Efforts to prepare Marine Corps Recruit Depot - Parris Island for the storm are reported to be underway.

Travelers can expect delayed flights and plans this week, as Hurricane Idalia disrupts the airline system in the Southeast.

All flights in and out of Charleston International will be halted at 6 p.m. Aug. 30 when the air traffic control tower is expected to shut down. Many were canceled Wednesday, ahead of the arrival of the named storm.

Flight traffic is expected to resume after 8 a.m. Thursday, according to airport officials.

On Wednesday, at least 49 flights were affected and at least 17 more on Thursday have been disrupted.

“Our airline partners are adjusting their flight operations, and it looks like the last arriving and departing flights will take prior to the tower closing today,” airport spokesman Spencer Pryor said. “Travelers should contact their airline for any questions regarding delays, cancellations and rebooking.”

The runways, which are owned and shared by the neighboring Air Force base, are closed when sustained winds reach 40 mph.

The storm’s winds are expected to pick up as Idalia’s path covers the Palmetto State coast with heavy rainfall and strong winds, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Visitor attractions and hospitality businesses were shutting down across the Lowcountry on Wednesday and Thursday, just ahead of the typically busy Labor Day weekend.

Idalia will cost many of them at least one day of revenue that can’t immediately be recaptured.

The International African American Museum was among the many attractions that opted to close out of precaution. Ticketholders who had reservations for Aug. 30 or Aug. 31 will receive automatic refunds.

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum along the Mount Pleasant waterfront also closed as Idalia passes. It plans to reopen at 10 a.m. Sept. 1.

Last year, hotels in the greater Charleston area were at 86 percent occupancy for Labor Day weekend, with more than 49,212 room nights sold between that Friday and Sunday, according to the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis. Occupancy tends to spike around holidays, as travelers take advantage of the holiday to extend their trip.

Explore Charleston spokesman Chris Campbell said that while the weather has caused flight delays and difficulties for travelers midweek, there is a sense of optimism for numbers to remain on track over the weekend.

“Understandably, the weather is having an impact on visitor activity this week,” he said. “We’ve been in contact with our industry partners and many have experienced mid-week cancellations. Fortunately, the weather is forecast to be beautiful this weekend. If the storm passes without significant impacts in our region, we anticipate it can be a successful Labor Day weekend.”

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - As the peak of hurricane season approaches, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring six active systems in the Atlantic.

The next system to take on a name is expected to be a low-pressure system that was west-northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands as of Friday morning and became better defined since Thursday. Shower and thunderstorm activity associated with the system is showing signs of organization and it could become a tropical depression or Tropical Storm Katia later on Friday morning.

The National Hurricane Center places its chance of development at near 100 percent.

Click here to download the free Live 5 First Alert Weather app.

Live 5 First Alert Meteorologist Chris Holtzman says it’s too early to tell where the storm will go and whether it will pose a threat to the southeastern United States.

The National Hurricane Center is also watching a tropical wave expected to move off the African coast this weekend. The environment could make some gradual development possible during the early and middle parts of next week and a tropical depression could form as it moves west or northwest over the eastern and central portions of the tropical Atlantic.

The National Hurricane Center places its chances of development at 50% over the next week. If it were to reach tropical storm strength, it would become the season’s 12th named storm and take the name Lee.

“Of course, we always have to watch that area as we are approaching the peak of hurricane season,” Holtzman said.

The closest to the southeastern coast is Post-Tropical Storm Idalia, which turned east-southeastward after making landfall in Florida and spinning across Georgia and South Carolina on Wednesday.

READ MORE: Flooding expected for several Lowcountry rivers, officials say

Idalia is next expected to affect Bermuda over the weekend. Maximum sustained winds were at 60 mph with higher gusts and the agency expects Idalia to strengthen back into a tropical storm on Saturday.

READ MORE: Idalia likely to have brought bacteria to waterways

Hurricane Franklin is expected to weaken from a Category 1 hurricane into an extratropical cyclone as it spins away from the United States toward the northeastern Atlantic.

Gert was a tropical depression as of Friday morning with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. Gert could likewise become a tropical storm again as early as Friday, but weakening is expected this weekend.

Tropical Storm Jose, which formed as a tropical depression on Tuesday afternoon and strengthened to a tropical storm on Thursday, was moving to the north as of Friday morning. Jose is expected to weaken before being absorbed by Franklin either Friday night or early Sunday.

The peak of hurricane season is Sept. 10. The season runs through Nov. 30.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Now that Tropical Storm Idalia is out of the Lowcountry, people are focusing on the Labor Day weekend, which for some involves travel plans.

But those hitting the road can expect higher prices at the pump with South Carolina ranking in the top 10 in the country for the highest gas prices, according to AAA.

Despite the storm, AAA says, based on their bookings, travel is up 4% domestically and 44% internationally.

Charleston International Airport’s control tower reopened Thursday morning after a brief closure that began Wednesday night. Pilots connected to an airport traffic control tower in Jacksonville during the Charleston airport’s tower closure when that was necessary.

Ahead of the storm, gas prices went up eight cents in the last week. For the Labor Day holiday weekend, gas will cost about the same as last year or possibly a few cents more.

AAA advises drivers to make sure their tires, windshield wipers, and battery are in the best condition. In Carolinas alone, AAA expects they will assist between 10,000 to 15,000 stranded motorists during the holiday.

AAA Public Affairs Director Tiffany Wright says the biggest thing a driver needs to be aware of is road closures.

“Sometimes you might be using your GPS, and it might even just show you that there’s a huge tree in the middle of the road,” Wright says. “So, I would suggest that everybody be a little extra vigilant out there Give yourself even more time to reach your destination because you just don’t know what you might be facing.”

Wright also says motorists need to be mindful of emergency workers as they hit the road.

“They’re rescuing stranded motorists. They’re trying to save lives. And so, when we’re talking about your emergency, emergency personnel and first responders, or even our tow truck operators at AAA, they’re going to be rescuing stranded motorist all throughout the holiday weekend,” she said.

Flight Aware reported a total of 23 flight cancellations in the last 24 hours. Passengers can check with Flight Aware’s website to monitor any changes.

But airports are also advising passengers to check with their airlines about any potential delays.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.