James Island mayor declares state of emergency ahead of Invest 94L

The mayor of the Town of James Island declared a state of emergency on Sept. 27, 2025, citing the approach of Invest 94L and invoking emergency powers under the town code and an ordinance to respond to potential storm-related rain, flooding and wind damage. "I therefore proclaim a state of emergency and invoke the emergency powers of mayor as defined by ordinance 2015-04," the mayor said during the special meeting called for that purpose.

The proclamation cites James Island Code section 30-02 and states that any emergency ordinances adopted by Charleston County Council under that county declaration "shall be applicable to and enforceable within the limits of the town of James Island," and authorizes county or state law enforcement officers to enforce those ordinances within town limits. The council accepted the declaration in a roll-call vote; the transcript records three "Aye" responses and the mayor announced, "Motion carries unanimously." The meeting record does not specify individual councilmember votes by name, and no effective or sunset date for the emergency proclamation was stated during the session.

The mayor explained the declaration was prompted by forecasts that the weather system labeled Invest 94L was likely to develop into a tropical storm and then a hurricane heading toward the Charleston area. The special meeting included a prayer and the pledge of allegiance, lasted only long enough to consider the emergency declaration, and adjourned after the vote. The transcript indicates Miss Simmons was asked to conduct the roll call, but the record does not clearly map each recorded "Aye" to a named official.