hurricane irma

Hurricane Irma Washes Away Folly Boat Into James Island Backyard

Featured Image Credit: WCIV

The Folly Beach Boat is a staple to the Charleston Community. It’s hard to miss while you’re driving along the highway on your way to Folly Beach. It’s always painted differently with a different design and a different message. It all started when Hurricane Hugo Hit in 1989 and the boat washed ashore on the side of the highway. Now, 28 years later, Hurricane Irma has washed it away and into the backyard of a James Island resident.

People from all over come to Folly to cover the landmark with painted messages for all occasions such as birthdays, weddings, graduations, disasters, encouraging notes, and much more. The boat was most recently painted with “Godspeed Florida” and “This Too Shall Pass” in honor of Hurricane Irma hitting the coast.

Stephanie Lee took this photo of the famous Folly Boat on Sunday night and it had messages of support for the Florida Keys and others impacted by Hurricane Irma. Image Credit: Stephanie Lee

Then Monday came and so did Irma….

Charleston did not get directly hit by the hurricane but experienced violent winds, heavy rain, and tons of flooding. The Folly Boat has swept away with the storm and the Charleston community was threatened with losing the boat along with all the memories. Thankfully, the sentimental boat turned up in a James Island backyard after floating a half-mile and crashing into a local dock owned by Chris John. Social media kept people updated about the boat’s disappearance and rediscovery.

“All the sudden, it was just floating by,” said Chris. The boat currently resides in his front yard. We hope the boat will be able to be returned to its original location and provide messages to the community again. The condition and if it will be returned to its home is still unknown.

The messages this boat has endured is important to the people and community. The boat has become a part of Folly Beach life and we are glad that we did not lose it for good!

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High Tide And Hurricane Irma Hit Charleston Area At The Same Time

Featured Image Credit: Mic Smith, AP

While Hurricane Irma has been downgraded to a tropical storm, the storm is still striking at high tide in the Lowcountry. Already today there have been thousands left without power and multiple trees knocked down. The tide is expected to be between 10-12 feet today.

The record high tide is 12.52 feet in 1989. The most recent record high was 10.23 in 2016. There are many items to be concerned with when the tide is this high. As we know, Charleston floods during regular storms and some places flood during a normal high tide. The combination of both will result in a major salt water flood in downtown Charleston.

Waves breaking over the wall at the Battery in downtown Charleston. ?? #Irma? pic.twitter.com/XsN9r5rJaJ

— Trooper Bob_SCHP (@TrooperBob_SCHP) September 11, 2017

People should prepare for flooding today. The last flooding like this occurred during Hurricane Hugo. To compare to the most recent Charleston hurricane, Matthew, this tide will be a foot or two higher.

The wind will also be a concern today. The tropical storms wind field is over 415 miles wide. Storm surge warnings have been in effect and should be taken seriously. The storm will dump many inches of rain on the Charleston area. Flash Flood warnings have also been issued to several places around the area. Along with the wind and rain, this storm also is showing tornado threats. Many places have been under tornado watches and warnings.

There is expected to be better weather overnight and we are hoping to do away with the storm by Tuesday!

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Essential Tips On Preparing For Hurricane Irma

Featured Image Credit: National Hurricane Center

South Carolina just issued a state of emergency for Hurricane Irma. A state of emergency means that the government suspends normal constitutional procedures to regain control. These are normally issued during potential natural disasters. Irma has already destroyed buildings and flooded a few Caribbean islands. The storm is set out to hit Puerto Rico first and then Florida after that.

The National Hurricane Center forecasts Irma to turn north on Saturday, expecting to reach South Carolina late Sunday. No evacuation orders have been ordered due to the unexpected track of the storm. While previous hurricane, Matthew, didn’t do as much damage as expected to the Charleston area, hurricane warnings are always to be taken seriously.

Evacuation Tips:

Fill up your gas tank

There will be heavy traffic on expressways during evacuations. Also, everyone will be trying to get gas at the same time. We advise you to get gas before the gas stations run out and so you don’t have to stop on your way out.

Leave as early as possible

People like to hold out the storm, however, getting a head start can be vital in these situations. By heading out early, you can get ahead of the traffic and beat the storm.

Know where you are going

Whether you are going to family or friends, figure it out ahead of time. If you are planning on staying in a hotel, make your reservation asap. Many hotels around the southeast are booking up due to Florida evacuating now.

Pack clothes, cash, food, important documents, and first-aid kits

Make sure you are prepared to leave for a few days. It is always important to have cash in case your credit card declines for being in a different city. Secure important documents so you don’t lose them in the storm. Lastly, carry a first-aid kit with you in case of small emergencies!

Staying Tips:

Prepare to lose power & water

Hurricane winds are known for knocking over powerlines and leaving people without electricity and water. Be sure you are prepared for this! Have food on hand you can cook without electric, stock up on paper plates and plastic silverware. Also, be sure you have batteries, flashlights, and candles!

Prepare your house: trim your trees, secure all gutters, board up windows

Trim your trees so that limbs and branches are less likely to fall and cause damage. Be sure that all gutters are in the correct place to clear water away from your house. Board up windows so winds have a lesser chance of breaking windows.

Make sure you have water and food

It is important to have bottled water at your service in case the water goes out. This will help you stay hydrated, bathe, and brush your teeth!

Get a full tank of gas

Again, even if you are staying make sure your car has a full tank. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Sometimes, people decide to leave last minute and it is helpful to have gas before you desperately need it.

Have pet care items

Make sure if you have pets, they are well taken care of. Stock up on food and water for them as well as treatment pills they might require.

Secure important documents

Hurricanes can destroy homes and it would be dreadful to lose one of those important documents you need. Make sure they are high up in your house and in a safe place where they won’t get wet.

These are just some tips to help you during this hurricane. Use your best judgment and most importantly, stay safe Charleston.