Dewees Island and Isle of Palms are vulnerable to the danger from torrential rains, which precede tropical storm winds by more than 24 hours. These rains may cause trees to fall and block roadways. Combined with high tides, storm surge may make exiting from the islands impossible. Because of this vulnerability, the Charleston County Emergency Management may recommend evacuation of the islands more than 24 hours before the arrival of tropical storm winds.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR EVACUATION
The Governor or Dewees General Manager may order evacuation. High winds and storm surge may be present. Individual residents and guests should evacuate when evacuation is recommended. The Dewees Ferries will be removed from service after the recommended evacuation period. Recommendations will always be on the safe side even if it turns out that evacuation was not necessary. Hurricanes behave erratically, and strength, speed, and direction can change from hour to hour.
Emergency personnel cannot keep up with absentee owners or rental houseguests. Everyone should know the plan and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Err on the side of caution.
Owners and guests who leave early will be able to choose their preferred evacuation route. Those who wait for an evacuation order may not be able to evacuate to a location of their choice but will be directed to the nearest available public storm shelter. MAKE PLANS TO LEAVE EARLY FOR THE MOST OPTIONS.
Owners and guests who wait until mandatory evacuation orders are given will be required to follow designated evacuation routes.
Charleston County designated evacuation route for Isle of Palms: Take the Isle of Palms connector (SC 517) to US 17.
The right lane will turn north onto US 17. Next, proceed to take SC 41 to SC 402; then US 52 to SC 375; then to US 521 to SC 261; and then US 378 to Columbia.
Evacuees using the left lanes of the Isle of Palms connector will turn left to go to I-526 west and then on to I-26 west.
Evacuees on I-526 west approaching I-26 from East Cooper will be directed to the normal lanes of I-26 westbound if in the right lane of I-526.
Those in the left lane of I-526 will be directed into the reversed lanes of I-26.