Tropical storm to impact Charleston early Friday morning

Published June 6, 2013
By Public Affairs
Joint Base Charleston

JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning and Flash Flood Watch for our region due to the arrival of Tropical Storm Andrea.

As a result, tomorrow's JBC Commander's Challenge 5K run has been cancelled and all personnel are encouraged to exercise caution as the storm approaches.

Additionally, personnel should police the area outside of their work buildings and residences to secure any loose items that could blow or wash away.

Air Force Fitness Testing sessions scheduled for 0600 and 0800 for tomorrow, Friday, 7 Jun 13, are cancelled.

The Air Base and Weapons Station Fitness Centers are currently scheduled to operate during normal hours.

Forecasts indicate steady winds in the 20 to 30 mph range, with gusts in the high 30s between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. tomorrow. Storm activity is predicted to peak around 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. Personnel travelling during this time should use caution.

Heavy rain, localized flooding and strong winds will be the primary safety hazards as TS Andrea approaches.

There is potential for flash flooding across entire region. Low lying, poor drainage, urbanized areas and coastal areas are susceptible to flooding. Do not attempt to cross flooded roadways.

The storm system is moving quickly and will be over North Carolina by tomorrow evening.

National Hurricane Center:

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Charleston+AFB&state=SC&site=CHS&lat=32.9001&lon=-80.0647

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at1.shtml?5-daynl#contents

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As a reminder, hurricane season started at the beginning of this month. Take a moment and review these storm preparation actions provided by the 628th Civil Engineer Emergency Management Office.

Family Preparation Actions:

Get A Kit

- 2 Kits one for your home and one for your vehicle

- Enough food and water for three days (1 gallon of water per person per day)

- First aid and medicine

- Flashlight

- Radio

- Batteries

- Important documents (insurance paperwork, marriage license, etc)

- Go to www.ready.gov for a more complete list

Make A Plan

- Create Family Emergency Plan and Family Communication Plan and make sure all family members understand and have a copy of each

- Fill out these plans at www.ready.gov

Be Prepared

- Bring in all outdoor items (grill, lawn furniture, swing sets, bikes, etc)

- Keep cell phone batteries charged

- Ensure vehicle is full of gas

- Keep extra cash on you in case of power outage and debit card machines go down Pet Care During and After Evacuation

- Make sure that in the case of an evacuation that you bring all pets with you, don't leave any behind during the storm