City declares state of emergency as storm approaches

City officials are ramping up preparations as a significant storm approaches Charleston, with expectations of tropical force winds and heavy rainfall. During a recent council meeting, Charleston Fire Department representatives reported that city staff has been actively monitoring the storm since Friday, coordinating emergency management efforts and preparing for potential impacts.

The National Weather Service has projected that the area could receive between ten to twenty inches of rain, with localized amounts reaching up to thirty inches, depending on the storm's trajectory. City officials are currently in a standby mode, ready to respond as conditions evolve.

In light of the impending storm, Mayor John Tecklenburg announced plans to sign an executive order declaring a state of emergency for Charleston, complementing an existing declaration from the governor. The council is set to review and potentially approve three emergency ordinances aimed at managing the situation effectively. These ordinances include provisions for establishing a curfew, restricting traffic on designated streets, and controlling access to the peninsula if flooding occurs.

The council's approval requires a two-thirds vote due to the nature of the emergency ordinances. As the storm approaches, city officials are urging residents to stay informed and prepared for possible disruptions.