Charleston, South Carolina – Some municipalities began reducing storm preparations on Sunday, citing model data that show fewer local impacts from Tropical Storm Imelda due to a forecast track far from the coastline.
The City of Charleston will not distribute sandbags on Monday, and the opening of some city-owned garages for free storm parking will be delayed, according to a city official. These plans could be put into action on Tuesday if necessary.
“Crews continue to clear drains, stage barricades, and monitor low-lying areas. “If conditions change, the city will adjust resources accordingly,” the city stated.
Georgetown County resumed normal operations Sunday afternoon, with an improved forecast for tropical impact. The county’s emergency operations center will not be activated on Monday as originally planned.
“We are encouraged by the latest forecast and are confident in returning to normal operations,” Georgetown County Emergency Services Director Brandon Ellis stated. “However, our team will continue monitoring the storm closely and remain ready to respond if conditions change.”
Folly Beach’s city hall will reopen once employees complete their emergency staffing duties. Staffed sandbag operations will end at 4 p.m. on Sunday; however, sand will remain until depleted.
North Charleston will also resume normal operations, and residents are asked to keep sandbags on hand for future storms.
Earlier model data for then-Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 predicted the storm would hit the Carolinas as a low-end hurricane. The forecast track now shows future Imelda heading out to sea.
Hurricane Humberto, which is intensifying in the Atlantic, is expected to play a key role in diverting the system eastward before it reaches the southeastern United States coast.
Some impacts, such as dangerous rip currents, beach erosion, wind, and rain, are still expected.
The state and local’state of emergency’ declarations remain in effect, and residents are advised to monitor the forecast for any changes.
