Mayor Cogswell and Charleston emergency officials on an emergency council call urged residents to begin preparations for tropical disturbance 94L, which the National Hurricane Center would name Imelda if it strengthens, and outlined immediate steps the city has taken ahead of uncertain forecasts.

The chief of the city's emergency response, Chief Mike Delazata, briefed council members and said city departments have activated multiple preparedness measures, including stormwater pumps, deployed police barricades, fire department high-water vehicles, a sandbag plan from public works and coordinated public messaging. "We have also ordered that, all the lakes be lowered, including Lake Dodder," Chief Delazata said.

Daniel Flusses, an emergency-management specialist who presented the weather overview, summarized three possible National Weather Service scenarios for 94L and stressed the forecast uncertainty. He said the area should expect rain before any organized tropical system arrives — "a half inch to an inch and a half with an outlier potential of 2 to 3 inches" — and warned residents to prepare now. "Uncertainty doesn't mean don't prepare," Flusses said.

Flusses told the council the Charleston National Weather Service office had provided three potential tracks, and that forecasters were discounting one of those scenarios. He said the city may get clearer guidance later in the day and that forecast updates could appear on the National Hurricane Center products.

Council members asked about operational details. Councilman Seekings asked whether parking garages would be opened if the storm ramps up; Chief Delazata said three parking decks have been established for potential opening on Monday, with two others held in reserve, and that staff would issue a news release and publish details on the city's website when it becomes necessary.

Councilman Shealy raised concerns from residents near Lake Dodder, saying the lake "is not as low as they feel safe" and that some properties nearby have flooded multiple times in the past. City staff confirmed lakes are being lowered and that water levels are being monitored. Officials also said the city has coordinated with Charleston County and Berkeley County emergency management; Charleston County will host a county call at 5 p.m., Berkeley County at 6 p.m., and the city will hold a leadership update at 6:30 p.m.

City communications staff are preparing public notices and guidance for residents on evacuation zones. Flusses reminded listeners to consult hurricane guides on Charleston County, Berkeley County and South Carolina websites and to know local evacuation zone designations (downtown: zone B; West Ashley: zone C).

No formal council action or vote was taken during the emergency meeting; the session was informational and focused on operational preparedness and interagency coordination. Officials said they will circulate an update to council via city email after the evening calls and will provide further public guidance as forecasts clarify.