CHARLESTON, S.C. — As Hurricane Idalia bears down on the U.S., many in the Carolinas are doing what they can to prepare.
Channel 9′s Dave Faherty was in Charleston Tuesday, where for many, the biggest concern was the possibility of flooding. People were already putting out sandbags along some of the historic homes near The Battery.
Tropical Storm Warnings were up for Charleston, which could start to see some of those outer rain bands by Wednesday morning.
One thing the Charleston area is watching closely is the timing of the storm. They’re expecting a very high tide Wednesday, and the storm could make that even worse.
The city has already pre-positioned road closure signs and opened three sandbagging locations.
One woman who had already filled up 800 pounds of sand for her business in historic Charleston.
Charleston County School District has already announced schools will be let out at noon Wednesday.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency Tuesday ahead of the storm.
VIDEO: Tuesday night’s forecast update
‘We are getting prepared’
Casandra Osborne has a jewelry shop at the Charleston City Market.
“My whole life is sitting on this table all of my hard work,” said Osborne, Sea Flower Jewelry. “My blood, sweat and tears.”
Palmetto Carriage’s stable is built on high ground. However, a block away there is concern about high tide.
“We get a heavy rain on a high tide, not uncommon for it to be knee deep on Market Street,” said Tommy Doyle, general manager.
Residents and business owners went to three locations across Charleston to prepare for the storm by filling up sandbags, including the director of a local missionary.
“It’s part of our culture so we are getting prepared,” said Jermaine Husser, Lady of Mercy. “Preparing for the worse so our mission will be there for people who need us.”
People in Folly Beach were keeping an eye on the weather.
Sara Spencer, of Colorado, said she will be leaving early.
“I always leave Colorado for blizzards so I guess it’s appropriate that I’m going to have to leave Charleston because of a hurricane,” she said.
VIDEO: Myrtle Beach preps for storm
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