11am Situation Update
Hurricane Matthew is now forecast to make about as close of a pass to the Charleston coast as a storm could make without making actual landfall. The center is expected to be right off our coast on Saturday morning as a Category 2 storm with max winds of 100 MPH. The new track could spread hurricane force winds as far inland as Dorchester County and could spell a devastating blow to the barrier islands, beaches, downtown Charleston and Mt. Pleasant.
If the current forecast is
realized, the western eye wall of a category 2 hurricane could
brush areas such as Kiawah Island, Folly Beach, Downtown
Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island
with gusts in excess of 100 mph.
This is a very dangerous situation. The margin for error is even smaller now — the center is forecast to pass within 10 miles on Saturday morning.
With a closer pass comes an even greater concern for storm surge to the north and east of the center. 4–8 feet is the current prediction and this could likely go higher based on this new track.
If you haven’t evacuated now, you are down to a few hours. Winds and rain will steadily increase as time goes on today, and it will be too dangerous to travel after sundown.
If you aren’t leaving, it’s time to finish bringing things in and hunker in for the long haul. Charge your devices now. Get ready to remain indoors for several days.
Be safe, everyone.
