Hurricane Information & Policies
When you live and play in paradise, occasionally the same forces that created the comfortable climate and lush landscape can damage them, as well. On the Charleston Beaches, the same forces that create balmy breezes and warm waves also can bring high winds, heavy rain and in rare instances, a hurricane.
Because we are situated along the eastern seaboard, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, and Dewees Island are occasionally threatened by tropical storms, a generic name for a low-pressure weather system with organized thunderstorm activity and circular winds. When the wind speed of a tropical storm reaches a sustained 74 mph, it is classified a hurricane. Fortunately, unlike with earthquakes and tsunamis, modern-day tropical weather forecasting provides ample time for preparation to protect visitors and residents.
The City of Isle of Palms has an Emergency Preparedness page on their website to inform guests and residents about impending storms. This page provides crucial information to help visitors safely exit Isle of Palms in the event a hurricane threatens the region. The Town of Sullivan’s Island also has a similar Emergency Preparedness page on their website as well. Dewees Island does not have a town or city website; however, there is a community website with information on emergency services in the event of a hurricane or storm.
The City Councils for both Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island have developed these pages because the citizens of both Islands care deeply about the visitors who come to their islands. These websites provides honest, trustworthy information about traveling to the Charleston area, and even advises people when it is not appropriate to travel in the event of a storm threat.
Island Realty has developed a list of Frequently Asked Questions to provide factual information about hurricanes and how to safely and conveniently travel during the summer and fall to our beaches. Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, and Dewees Island are all wonderful, safe beach destinations, but it is always important to be prepared in the event of a storm or hurricane.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.live5news.com/
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
http://www.postandcourier.com/
http://www.iop.net/departments/EmergencyPreparedness.aspx
http://www.sullivansisland-sc.com/EmergencyPreparedness.aspx
http://www.charlestoncounty.org/guides.htm
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the History of Hurricanes?
In 1494, during his second voyage, Christopher Columbus experienced a tropical storm. This was the first written European account of a hurricane. On Christopher’s 4th voyage in 1502, he experienced his second hurricane. Columbus warned the governor of Santo Domingo about the approaching storm, but his warnings were ignoring. The Spanish fleet lost 20 ships from not heeding Columbus’ warning. The first hurricane reported in Charleston was in 1825.
When is Hurricane Season?
The Atlantic hurricane season formally begins June 1 and ends November 30. Historically, the chances of hurricane activity are greatest between August 15 and October 1. Between 1900 and 2000, only 14 hurricanes have made landfall along South Carolina’s coast. Therefore, South Carolina experiences a landfall hurricane once every seven years historically.
Can I Travel to Charleston's Beaches During Hurricane Season?
Absolutely! The Charleston Beaches are very popular with vacationers in the summer and fall months. Many great events are scheduled during that time, such as Restaurant Week in Downtown Charleston and the Fall Tour of Homes in historic Charleston. Late summer and early fall typically offer the best vacation values, because school is back in session and family vacationing is at a lull. Historically, the chances that your Charleston beach vacation will be interrupted by a hurricane
What is the Difference Between a Hurricane Watch and a Hurricane Warning?
A hurricane watch means a hurricane may threaten coastal and inland areas, and that hurricane conditions are a real possibility; it does NOT mean they are imminent. A hurricane warning is issued when a hurricane is expected to strike within 24 hours.
What Can I Do to Protect My Vacation Plans?
We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. We offer travel insurance through Travel Guard for an additional 7% of your total rental charge. The travel insurance coverage is quite comprehensive, and covers you and everyone in your party. If there is a mandatory hurricane evacuation, if weather prevents you from arriving (road closures, bridge closures, etc) or if weather delays your arrival, you are covered under this policy. These are just some of the circumstances covered by the policy. Travel Insurance must be purchased prior to final payment and no later than 30 days prior to your arrival. If you would like to add the insurance to your reservation, feel free to call or email us. You may view general information and complete coverage details on the Travel Insurance on our website: http://www.islandrealty.com/rentinfo.htm
Should I Call Island Realty With My Questions?
In the event of tropical activity, we anticipate higher than usual call volume. We appreciate your patience and your call will be answered in the order it was received. For the most up-to-date information, please monitor media outlets for weather related information. For information including bridge closures in the Charleston area, you may visit www.live5news.com
What Will Happen in a Voluntary Evacuation?
Based on the National Weather Service forecasts, the County Emergency Preparedness Plan may issue a recommendation to evacuate barrier islands like the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. Once this action is taken:
- Radio and TV will broadcast the recommendation
- Wild Dunes Security will issue leaflets to all vehicles passing through the gate advising of the recommended evacuation.
- The Island Fire Departments will dispatch trucks throughout the Island broadcasting the recommendation for voluntary evacuation.
- The Municipal Emergency Operations Center (MEOC) will begin notifying area business and rental agencies.
What Will Happen in a Mandatory Evacuation?
- Police will restrict Island access at the Breach Inlet Bridge and IOP Connector to all except for emergency and official vehicles.
- It in possible that by the time of a mandatory evacuation order is issued, authorities will already be blocking island bound traffic from the Mount Pleasant causeways.
- Given conditions are still favorable and manpower is sufficient, the fire and police departments will go door to door to advise those remaining on the island of the mandatory evacuation.
- The media will broadcast the evacuation order.
- Once the Fire and Police personnel are required to evacuate, there will be no police or emergency medical assistance on the island and accesses will be blocked.
What is Island Realty's Policy on Hurricanes?
Island Realty will take steps to inform you of updates in the event of inclement weather. For prompt delivery of this information, we recommend you provide us with both a cell phone number and email address. We will remain open with limited personnel during a voluntary evacuation, but will close upon a mandatory evacuation.
