Friday, Sep. 05, 2008

Wind gusts could exceed 50 mph in Beaufort County

HILTON HEAD ISLAND -- As of 11 a.m., Tropical Storm Hanna had taken a slight turn and could impact Beaufort County this afternoon with 50-60 mph wind gusts, continuing into the late evening hours.

“We don’t expect the storm to be worse than initially thought,” said Cpl. Robin McIntosh of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, who is acting as spokeswoman for the county’s Emergency Management Division. “However, the winds are going to be potentially stronger (than originally predicted at 35 to 50 mph).”

A tropical storm warning remained in effect for Beaufort County and a hurricane watch is in effect from north of Edisto Beach into North Carolina. Tropical storm warnings now extend into New Jersey.

Residents of Beaufort County are urged to bring in all outside materials and to take action to protect themselves and their property against strong, damaging winds.

Beaufort County emergency management is encouraging businesses in the county to consider closing early today to allow employees to get home ahead of the storm and winds.

Hanna is moving northwest at 20 mph and as of 11 a.m. is 110 miles east of Daytona Beach.

National Weather Service meteorologist Frank Alsheimer said there could be 1 to 4 inches of rain over a six-to-nine-hour period. Strong rip currents, waves up to 5 feet and minor beach erosion also are possible, he said.

Hanna is expected to hit the border of the Carolinas this afternoon as a tropical storm, with winds of 65 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. That's just 5 mph below the status of a Category 1 hurricane.

It's still possible the storm could pick up that 5 mph and become a hurricane before making landfall.

Meanwhile, Ike remains a threat and is a Category 3 hurricane as of 11 a.m.

CALL AHEAD ABOUT FLIGHTS

Passengers with flights out of Hilton Head Island Airport and Savannah/Hilton Head International should call their airline for flight information.

The two airlines serving Hilton Head -- Delta Air Lines and US Airways Express -- are waiving fees for travelers who have to reschedule flights from a number of airports in Hanna's path, including Hilton Head.

US Airways is waiving its change-of-ticket fees through Sept. 7 for customers heading through Hilton Head and Savannah. Customers are urged to call 800-428-4322 for aid.

Delta also is allowing customers at the Hilton Head and Savannah airports to make a one-time change without penalty or additional fees by Sept. 12. For more information, customers should call 800-325-1999.

GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO CLOSE EARLY

Beaufort County, the Town of Port Royal and the City of Beaufort government offices will be closing at 3 p.m. today.

The Beaufort County Emergency Operations Center will open at noon today and will remain open until the storm passes.

INSURANCE

Insurance companies have claims adjusters at the ready for when Tropical Storm Hannah strikes the South Carolina coast, according to the South Carolina Insurance News Service, an industry group.

As of this morning, most insurance companies have stopped binding coverage for homeowners’ insurance along the coastal areas in the storm watch. Wind and hail insurance has a 15-day waiting period and flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, so its too late to get coverage for Hanna, according to Allison Dean Love, executive director of the insurance news service.

The South Carolina Insurance News Service offered the following tips for residents before and after the storm:

• Locate copies of insurance policies as well as names and telephone numbers of agents and insurers. Take these with you if you evacuate.

• Take an inventory of your home, whether its a list of belongings, a video or a series of photographs.

• Secure outdoor furniture and cover windows.

• If flooded, disconnect all electronic equipment and move it to a dry place.

• Photograph or video all damaged property.

• Do not throw away damaged items until an adjuster can look at it.

• Keep receipts for materials used in temporary repairs.

TAKING PRECAUTIONS

The Beaufort County School District canceled classes for today because it is concerned about the effects of possible high winds on school buses. Private schools in southern Beaufort County also will be closed.

EFFECTS OF THE STORM

The National Weather Service predicts northern South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia will be hardest hit but Hanna could make her presence known as far north as Maine.

On Thursday, S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford issued a voluntary evacuation for Georgetown and Horry counties, but ruled out the possibility of a mandatory evacuation.

No evacuation is planned for Beaufort County.

Scott Liggett, director of public projects for the Town of Hilton Head Island, said staff would monitor the beaches for erosion. If Hanna were to cause significant damage, the town would formally survey the beach with aerial photography.

Liggett said preparations have been made with the town's beach consultant -- Olsen Associates -- for any services that might be needed.

Formal surveys would be required to obtain federal funding for beach restoration if South Carolina is declared a disaster area, Liggett said.

-- The (Hilton Head) Island Packet

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