Hurricane Idalia strengthens to Category 1 storm
Hurricane Idalia has intensified to a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm is moving north-northwest at 14 mph and is expected to make landfall near the South Carolina-Georgia border on Monday afternoon.
The hurricane is forecast to bring heavy rain, strong winds, storm surge, and isolated tornadoes to the coastal areas of South Carolina and Georgia. The NHC has issued a hurricane warning for parts of both states, including Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, Savannah, and Tybee Island.
Residents in these areas are advised to prepare for possible power outages, flooding, and damage to homes and businesses. Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard to assist with the response. He has also urged people to evacuate if they are in the path of the storm or in low-lying areas prone to flooding.
Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka on Hurricane Idalia: What to know
Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka held a press conference on Sunday morning to update the public on the town’s preparations for Hurricane Idalia. She said that the town is working closely with the county and state authorities to coordinate the emergency operations and resources.
She also said that the town has activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and is monitoring the situation closely. The EOC is located at the Bluffton Police Department and can be reached at (843) 706-4550.
Mayor Sulka urged residents to follow the instructions of the local officials and heed the warnings of the NHC. She said that people should stay indoors during the storm and avoid driving or walking in flooded areas. She also asked people to check on their neighbors, especially the elderly and those with special needs.
She said that the town will provide updates on its website, social media platforms, and local media outlets. She also encouraged people to sign up for the CodeRED emergency notification system, which can send alerts via phone, text, or email.
School closings for Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties
As Hurricane Idalia approaches, several school districts in the region have announced closures for Monday and Tuesday. The following school districts will be closed:
- Beaufort County School District
- Jasper County School District
- Hampton County School District
- Colleton County School District
- Allendale County School District
- Bamberg County School District
- Barnwell County School District
The school districts said that they will monitor the weather conditions and announce any further changes as needed. They also said that they will provide updates on their websites, social media platforms, and local media outlets.
How to stay safe during Hurricane Idalia
Hurricane Idalia poses a serious threat to life and property in the coastal areas of South Carolina and Georgia. Here are some tips on how to stay safe during the storm:
- Follow the evacuation orders issued by the local authorities. If you are in an evacuation zone or in a low-lying area prone to flooding, leave as soon as possible and seek shelter in a safe location.
- If you are not in an evacuation zone or decide to stay at home, make sure you have enough supplies such as water, food, medications, flashlights, batteries, radios, and first aid kits. Secure your windows and doors with shutters or plywood. Move any outdoor furniture or objects inside or tie them down. Fill your bathtub with water for flushing toilets or washing.
- Stay indoors during the storm and away from windows and doors. Do not go outside until the storm has passed and it is safe to do so. Avoid driving or walking in flooded areas or near downed power lines.
- If you lose power, use a generator or a battery-powered device for lighting or charging your phone. Do not use candles or open flames as they can cause fires. Do not run a generator indoors or near windows or vents as it can produce carbon monoxide poisoning.
- If you experience an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number. Do not call 911 for non-emergency situations such as power outages or road closures.
- Stay informed by listening to local radio stations or checking online sources for updates on the storm’s track, intensity, impacts, and recovery efforts.
