IMPORTANT! Read the following information before going to the map section. It is important that you understand storm surge basics and what the maps represent.
HURRICANE SURGE INUNDATION:
Due to the low-lying topography of the South Carolina coast, potential storm surges are some of the highest along the south Atlantic coast. Because of unavoidable inaccuracies in hurricane forecasting we cannot predict the exact track a hurricane will take. In response to this uncertainty, hurricane surge maps depict the maximum storm surges that could be generated by the different storm intensities, without regard to approach speed, direction, or track. The depicted surge maps are based on still water surge heights that include an upward adjustment for observed tidal anomalies before the arrival of the hurricane, and the coincidence of surge arriving at a mean high astronomical tide. These factors add an additional +3.5 to +5.0 feet to the computed surge height. Since the extent of flooding will actually depend a great deal on the hurricane track, the overall flooded area shown on the inundation maps for each hurricane category will never be exactly duplicated by a single storm.
What these maps do not show is wave action that rides on top of the storm surge in areas exposed to the ocean (areas along the Cooper River are considered exposed to the ocean). Also, these maps do not show areas that may be flooded by excessive rainfall. Additionally, the currently available surge data only covers the clickable areas of the map. Areas further up the Cooper River, in low lying areas, along the river, it's branches and tributaries are likely subject to storm surge and are considered evacuation areas, as well. Storm surge is a killer, why take a change.
The maps cover slow (Normal) forward moving hurricanes (5mph to 15mph), and fast (FAST) forward moving hurricanes (25mph to 35mph).
YOUR EVACUATION DECISION
If you live in a storm surge flood zone (see maps) - Plan to Evacuate.
If told to evacuate by emergency officials - Evacuate Immediately.
If you live in a mobile home or other type structure that is not designed to withstand hurricane conditions - Plan to Evacuate.
If you live in a high-rise building - Plan to Evacuate.
If you have special medical requirements/needs - Consult your doctor and make plans to evacuate to a safe location well inland, and do so early.
These maps are intended to be used for emergency management and evacuation purposes and should not be used as a basis for permitting or other legal purposes. Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM's) should be used for that purpose.
The Hurricane Evacuation Study and necessary data used to produce the following surge maps was funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Web publication is a project of Berkeley County Government. For additional information contact: Berkeley County Emergency Management 843-719-4166.
