Hurricane Irene churns over the Atlantic in this NASA image. Now a category 3 storm it is building in intensity and tracking north-westward towards the Carolina coasts where it is predicted it will reach category 4 strength.
UPDATE: AUGUST 26, 7:00 PM EST, HURRICANE IRENE IS SKIRTING THE SOUTH CAROLINA COASTLINE. IT HAS NOW DROPPED FROM A CATEGORY 3 STORM TO A CATEGORY 2 STORM. GOOD NEWS FOR THE U.S. HOWEVER IT IS TRACKING FURTHER WEST (INLAND) FROM YESTERDAY'S EXPECTATIONS AND THEREFORE POSES AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS THREAT. ODDLY, TEA PARTY PUNDIT, GLENN BECK HAS CALLED IT "A BLESSING."
South Carolina is particularly vulnerable to severe storms like Hurricane Irene which is expected to hit the United States as a category four storm tomorrow. Severe weather is a constant threat to the State's valuable tourism industry as they cause heavy beach erosion and threaten the Port of Charleston and other critical infrastructure.
South Carolina is particularly vulnerable to severe storms like Hurricane Irene which is expected to hit the United States as a category four storm tomorrow. Severe weather is a constant threat to the State's valuable tourism industry as they cause heavy beach erosion and threaten the Port of Charleston and other critical infrastructure.
Category 4 hurricane defined: wind speeds between 131 and 155 mph; waves 13-18 feet high. They "tend to produce more extensive curtainwall failures, with some complete roof structural failures on small residences. Heavy, irreparable damage and near complete destruction of gas station canopies and other wide span overhang type structures are common. Mobile and manufactured homes are leveled. These storms cause extensive beach erosion, while terrain may be flooded far inland. Total and long-lived electrical and water losses are to be expected, possibly for many weeks. Source: Wikipedia and CBS News
The vast majority of climate scientists attribute the increase in severe storms to man made-fossil fuel generated global warming. Nonetheless as a friend to major oil and energy interests who contribute to his campaign and PAC, South Carolina's Senator Jim Demint consistently denies science while South Carolina pays the price.
Senator Demint's office offered this guidance for constituents as they face the prospect of facing Hurricane Irene and the loss of property and life.
August 23, 2011
Be Prepared for Hurricane Season
by Jim's Staff
As we continue to monitor Hurricane Irene’s progress towards the East Coast, South Carolina remains at high risk for major effects from the storm.
Be sure to stay tuned to local news for the latest updates on the path of Hurricane Irene and if you live in a coastal area, please make sure that you know your evacuation route.
Everyone should have an personal emergency plan in place for them and their family, whether for hurricanes or any type of disaster. Please take a few minutes to review the following information: it will be time well-spent!
Resources:
General information on emergency preparation: http://www.ready.gov
Get hurricane current updates & South Carolina-specific info: http://www.scemd.org/
Find your closest Red Cross shelter: http://www.redcross.org/contactus/
Please contact our Columbia office, 803-771-6112, or our Greenville office at 864-233-5366 if we can be of additional assistance.
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