The city of Charleston, in tandem with South Carolina Emergency Management and Charleston County, has moved to OPCON 4, as officials continue to closely monitor Hurricane Michael’s track and prepare for any local impacts.
A partial staffing of the Public Safety Operations Center occurred earlier today. There is no plan to close city offices at this time.
Based on the most recent forecast, potential impacts for the Charleston area include wind and threat of tornadoes, with rainfall expected through Friday morning. Ponding on roadways is possible, which could result in some road closures.
Public Service crews have secured pumps and begun clearing drains to prepare for the effects of potential flooding, and the Parks Department is lowering the water levels in Colonial Lake and Lake Dotterer.
City officials remain in close coordination with tri-county officials and other local agencies and will continue to receive regular updates from the National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service in Charleston.
Due to anticipated wind and rainfall from Hurricane Michael, the West Ashley Farmers Market originally scheduled for Wednesday, October 10 has been cancelled. It is expected to resume Wednesday, October 17 through Wednesday, October 24.
Residents are encouraged to review the city’s Hurricane Information webpage and the available resources at http://www.charleston-sc.gov/hurricane-information.
For the most accurate and up-to-date weather forecasts, residents should stay tuned to the National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service Charleston websites, as well as local media and the FEMA app.
Citizens and visitors with questions may call the Citizen Services Desk at 843-724-7311. Additional hurricane preparedness information can be found at www.scemd.org and in the downloadable Charleston County Hurricane Preparedness Guide.