Monitoring potential tropical cyclone

The Charleston Southern University Emergency Management Team continues to monitor the path and projected impacts of two tropical systems in the Atlantic: Hurricane Humberto and Invest 94L (now called Potential Tropical Cyclone 9). According to the National Hurricane Center, Humberto has become a powerful Category 4 hurricane and, thankfully, remains out at sea. Potential Tropical Cyclone (PTC) 9 is still disorganized as it interacts with Cuba and Hispaniola. Local meteorologists believe it will become Tropical Storm Imelda and eventually into a Category 1 hurricane. 

Most models bring future Imelda close to the South Carolina coast, but some have it stalling and moving back out to sea while others have Imelda visiting onshore. There is still much to be seen as weather experts also say that Humberto could become strong enough at a Category 5 to change the steering currents to guide Imelda away from the coast. 

As of now, CSU will remain on its current operating schedule. We do not anticipate an evacuation at this time as the potential strength of the storm should not warrant this. However, you should always have a personal emergency plan in place based on different scenarios.  

It is important to note that Gov. Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency yesterday ahead of potential impacts of PTC 9. Please do not be alarmed by this—it is a standard operating procedure for our state as we have weathered many a storm. The governor’s order allows the state’s Emergency Management Division to coordinate with state agencies, and it allows for eligibility for federal reimbursement for storm-related expenses. 

We will continue to alert the campus of decisions that ensure the safety of our campus family. As always, important updates will be sent via campuswide email, with urgent releases also communicated via BucAlert, the website, and social media as necessary. 

If you have not already done so, brush up on CSU’s emergency procedures here as well as personal emergency planning with the latest Hurricane Guide here. 

Tonight, we hope to see you at Buccaneer Field as our Bucs take on the SC State Bulldogs. This is a sold-out crowd with the potential to host the largest attendance in football history.  

Stay safe and go Bucs!