The latest on now Tropical Storm Irma's effects in South Carolina (all times local):
6:45 p.m.
BEAUFORT -- Authorities are in the process of performing a damage assessment of roadways and causeways in the area that is expected to be completed Tuesday morning. Once it's completed a decision regarding reentry to the evacuated barrier islands will be announced.
Forecasts indicate that conditions may deteriorate again overnight and add to the current flooding present on the roadways of the county's five barrier islands.
The 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. curfew is still in effect on Hilton Head Island, Daufuskie Island, Harbour Island, Hunting Island and Fripp Island.
6 p.m.
CHARLESTON -- The National Weather Service office in Charleston warned that the threat for additional inundation with the overnight high tide has trended up a bit. Possible inundation, up to around three feet above typical dry land is possible between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. along the entire coastline.
3:30 p.m.
ISLE OF PALMS -- A majority of roads in town are impassible due to flooding, the city said. Residents should shelter in place and stay off the roads.
2:30 p.m.
WEST COLUMBIA -- Gov. Henry McMaster said utilities have reported 146,784 power outages across the state, primarily in Beaufort, Charleston, Dorchester, Lexington and Richland counties.
The Charleston Harbor recorded its third highest tidal level at 9.92 feet behind following Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and above Hurricane Matthew last October.
McMaster said there have been no fatalities reported related to the storm at this time.
More than 80 roads are closed across seven counties due to the storm and high level bridges in Charleston have been closed due to high winds.
2 p.m.
NORTH CHARLESTON -- Charleston County EMS is resuming operations until weather conditions dictate otherwise.
12:25 p.m.
CHARLESTON – The county is suspending all EMS operations due to sustained winds more than 40 mph.
Much of the Georgia and South Carolina coast, through the Charleston area, is under a tornado warning.
Tropcial Storm Irma has brought the fourth highest tide on record to Charleston at 9.37 feet, according to The Post and Courier.
12 p.m.
CHARLESTON – Dodging flooded streets, gusting winds, which prompted a tornado warning, and stinging rain, postman Gregory Marsh and other United States Postal workers continue to deliver the mail, despite the elements.
“I mean it’s my job,” Marsh said while sporting his USPS slicker and wide-brimmed hat. “For some other hurricanes, yea I was out here. It’s not bad right now. It’s just a little windy. We can’t go through the flooding water. We just do what we can and bring it back tomorrow.”
Marsh scanned a package and then rapped on Jeff Carpenter’s door to let him know of a package.
“Thank you, very much,” Carpenter told Marsh from his side porch.
“Have a great day and be safe,” Marsh replied.
“They’re right, neither rain nor snow, here you are out here in it,” Carpenter said, quoting part of the USPS creed.
11 a.m.
WEST COLUMBIA – Gov. Henry McMaster will hold a 2 p.m. press conference with other state officials regarding Tropcial Storm Irma.
HILTON HEAD ISLAND -- Fire and EMS service has been reactivated on the island due to deteriorating conditions until further notice.
10:45 a.m.
BEAUFORT -- Utility companies report over 20,000 customers in Beaufort County are without power.
9 a.m.
BEAUFORT – The county sheriff’s office is urging motorists to stay off the roads as deteriorating conditions continue as the effects of now Tropical Storm Irma are felt.
Wind gusts in excess of 60 mph have been recorded and thousands are already without power. Conditions are expected to get worse and continue into the late afternoon.
HILTON HEAD ISLAND -- Fire and EMS service has been suspended on the island due to deteriorating conditions until further notice.
SCE&G reports around 25,800 customers without power, mainly in Beaufort and Charleston counties. Report outages at sceg.com/storm
8 a.m.
CHARLESTON – The National Weather Service office expects severe beach erosion as a result from storm surge up to 6 feet on top of elevated high tides.
“Life-threatening storm surge inundation is expected along the coast around the time of the early afternoon high tide, especially between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., when inundation levels up to 4 to 6 feet above typical dry ground could occur,” NWS Charleston said in its 8 a.m. forecast. “Storm surge inundation and rough surf could damage coastal properties, roads and dunes. Expect areas of severe beach erosion.”
South Carolina's Hurricane Irma information hotline is: 1-866-246-0133.
