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Moving Company North Charleston, SC

If you have ever moved to a new house, apartment, or office by yourself, you know how much of a pain it can be. The moving process can be filled with many different emotions. On the one hand, you're probably excited about the new adventure that lies ahead of you. On the other hand, you're probably dreading the heavy lifting, pulling, packing, organizing, and logistical aspects of moving.

At Strong Men Moving, our goal is to remove that dread so you can focus on the fun and productive times ahead. With a team of hardworking, experienced moving professionals on your side, moving to a new home or office is easy, like Sunday morning.

The best part? As local, trusted movers in North Charleston, you won't have to take a loan out from the bank to pay for our moving services. We believe in hard work, friendly attitudes, efficiency, and fair pricing.

Service Areas

 Local Movers North Charleston, SC
 Professional Movers North Charleston, SC

Convenience is King

Strong Men Moving is a full-service moving company in North Charleston. We run our trucks at 110%, meaning we go above and beyond what other movers in North Charleston are willing to do.

Are you moving from out of state? Is your new house hard to find? Don't have the time or patience to pack and wrap all of your belongings? Don't sweat it - we've got your back. There's no job that's too large or too small for our strong men to handle, and there's no place in the Lowcountry that we won't go for you.

When we say convenience is king, we mean it.  We're talking nights, weekends, and availability 24-hours a day from Monday through Saturday. Our goal is to make your move as stress-free and simple as possible. That way, you have time to focus on enjoying your new home or office, while we worry about hauling your double vanity into the back of our truck.

When you bring in the Strong Men, you can rest assured that you're getting a full-service, friendly experience from the minute we pull into your driveway to the minute we shake your hand goodbye. Unlike some moving companies in North Charleston, punctuality is not our poison. We strive to arrive on time to each job that we are hired to perform.

Here are some of the most popular moving services our customers use:

 Packers And Movers North Charleston, SC

Residential Moving

Along with divorce and the loss of a job, moving is listed as one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through in their lifetime. When you consider the packing, the lifting, the scheduling, and the general disruption that moving can have on your life, it's easy to understand why.

As the premier moving company in North Charleston, our goal is to carry your moving burden, so you can stay focused on your daily life. You can rest easy knowing our movers in North Charleston will always show up to your home with a positive attitude, friendly smile, and motivation to work. We treat your property like it was our own and take great care in handling all the items we move for you.

In addition, we prep our team of movers for many situations and provide thorough training on the fundamentals of moving, packing, risk management, and more.

If you own specialty items such as art, antiques, or other valuables, we will take every precaution necessary to ensure your possessions arrive to your new home safe and sound.

Whether you're moving to a new home down the street or are coming from another state, we have the experience, tools, and professional movers to do the job correctly. We even offer additional residential moving services that include packing, unpacking, overnight storage, and much more.

Call or text us today to discover the full range of our residential moving specialties.

 Moving Services North Charleston, SC

Labor-Only Moving

Do you already have reliable transportation but still need a team of professional movers to handle your heavy lifting? Strong Men Moving now offers labor-only moving services in North Charleston for both residential and commercial moving projects.

A few benefits of labor-only moving include:

  • Reduce damage - our professional movers in North Charleston will make sure your belongings are properly loaded into your truck, reducing the probability of damaged or broken items.
  • Maximize Space - With years of experience in the moving industry, we have a sixth sense for space-efficient packing and loading. Our strong men will make the most out of your truck's usable space, which can help reduce trip time and save money on gas.
  • Quicker Moves - A team of Strong Men Moving will almost always be able to load and unload your belongings faster than a group of your friends. It's nothing personal! With our team of professionals, you can spend less time filling up your truck and more time on getting to your new home or office.
  • Save Money - Using your friends to help you move almost certainly means you will have to compensate them one way or another. Why spend your money on cases of beer and pizza when you can use it for a safer, quicker move?
 Movers North Charleston, SC

Commercial Moving

North Charleston and the surrounding metropolitan area is a hot spot for business. Dozens of companies scout North Charleston each year as a new place to call home, where they can broaden their horizons and find new clients. What some businesses do not take into account is the logistics and headaches involved with moving to a new location.

Strong Men Moving has built a reputation as a leader in commercial moving services in North Charleston. We have the tools, team, and experience necessary to facilitate a smooth move for your business at a reasonable price.

In our experience as a commercial moving company in North Charleston, we have discovered that it can be complicated to move to a new business location. During this transition, we know that you need:

  • Your office furniture, equipment, and supplies packed and secured safely
  • Storage space
  • A detailed, efficient plan of action to ensure an organized move
  • Minimal disruptions to your day-to-day operations

To make sure we meet the requirements above, we will speak with you at length about your upcoming commercial business relocation. That way, we get a better understanding of the logistics involved. We will also provide you with a free quote, so you can plan your budget ahead of time.

At Strong Men Moving, some common commercial moving services include:

  • Pickup and delivery of your office equipment and supplies
  • Loading and unloading office items
  • Packing and unpacking your office supplies
  • Assembly of your office furniture
  • Provide all necessary moving equipment and packing materials

Whether you have to move a few office chairs down the street or need help transitioning to a new location, we are here to serve.

 Long Distance Moving Company North Charleston, SC

Refuse Removal and Disposal

Did you find a bunch of unwanted junk after moving to a new office? Do you have an old, stinky couch taking up room in your basement? Don't sweat it - we will remove the old junk from your home or office quicker than you can say, "trash it!"

With Strong Men Moving's refuse removal services, we can haul away all the heavy, unusable items that your trash service won't pick up.

A few common junk removal items that we can remove for you are:

  • Couches
  • Chairs
  • Bed frames
  • Futons
  • Dressers
  • Mattresses
 Long Distance Moving Services North Charleston, SC

Professional Packing

If you're like most average folks living in the U.S., you probably have hundreds of items lying around your house that need to be packed before you can move to a new home. Packing can be a massive source of frustration, especially for busy families and professionals who don't have the time or patience to pack.

Why risk a sprained back or a throbbing headache when Strong Men Moving can handle all the packing for you? With our professional packing services in North Charleston, you can sit back and sip some sweet tea while we pack your keepsakes, furniture, electronics, clothes, and more. If you have valuable items like family heirlooms or fragile china, we will take extra care to make sure those items stay safe and unbroken during your upcoming move.

Why hire a moving company in North Charleston like Strong Men Moving to help you pack? Here's why most of our clients want us to pack for them:

  • Packing is a tedious, time-consuming chore
  • Professional packing minimizes the risk of injury
  • Professional packing reduces the risk of damaged items
  • Professional packing lets you focus on the more important aspects of moving, like setting up HVAC or internet service

Don't have many items to pack this time around? Ask us about our high-quality packing supplies like boxes, tape, furniture pads, and covers. We're here to help in any way that we can!

Moving Company North Charleston, SC

Cleanout Services

If you have a large-scale cleanout project, we can help with that, too. Our home and commercial cleanout services are great if you need to dispose of a large number of items in a short period of time.

All you have to do is give us a call, and we'll come to your location to remove your unwanted items, taking care not to damage your home or office. Once we have removed your refuse, we'll dispose of it in an environmentally-friendly fashion to help protect the Lowcountry we love so much.

A few common cleanout services in North Charleston include:

  • Estate cleanouts
  • House cleanouts
  • Basement cleanouts
  • Garage cleanouts
  • Foreclosure cleanouts
  • Apartment cleanouts
  • Office cleanouts
  • Commercial space cleanouts
  • Storage space cleanouts

General Labor Services

Are you working on a project that requires a team of strong laborers? Sometimes, hiring your friends just doesn't cut it. When you need a team that arrives on time, works hard, and does so with a smile, Strong Men Moving has got the help you need! As trusted movers in North Charleston, we employ seasoned labor professionals that can assist you with your next indoor or outdoor project. Ready to get started? Call or text us today so that we can get a good understanding of your upcoming project, and how our team can save you time, effort, and money.

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About Strong Men Moving

Established in 2019, Strong Men Moving has quickly become a leading moving company in North Charleston, SC. We have built our reputation on reliability, performance, price, and a positive attitude. We truly feel privileged to serve the residents of South Carolina. Our goal is to provide quality customer service with speed and diligence to all clients. We treat all of our customers the same, whether they hire us for a multi-facility commercial move or just need help loading and unloading a moving truck.

 Local Movers North Charleston, SC

Strong Men Moving offers service in the following communities and beyond:

  • Bluffton
  • Charleston
  • Columbia
  • Daniel Island
  • Folly Beach
  • Greenville
  • Hanahan
  • Hilton Head Island
  • Isle of Palms
  • James Island
  • Johns Island
  • Kiawah Island
  • Ladson
  • Mount Pleasant
  • Myrtle Beach
  • Nexton
  • North Charleston
  • Seabrook Island
  • Sullivan's Island
  • Summerville
  • West Ashley

Do you have questions?

Need a quote on your upcoming residential or commercial move? We are here to help however
possible. You can reach us via phone at 843-830-6305 or by email at [email protected].

We hope to hear from you soon!

Latest News in North Charleston, SC

Watch: Tornado spawned by Idalia flips car in South Carolina

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. – Hurricane Idalia produced bands of storms across South Carolina’s Lowcountry on Wednesday, with at least one tornado north of Charleston causing damage.First responders in Berkeley County reported only minor injuries when a car was apparently sideswiped by a quick twister.A video showed tropical-storm-force winds in the region associated with the heavy rainfall when the tornado formed, lif...

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. – Hurricane Idalia produced bands of storms across South Carolina’s Lowcountry on Wednesday, with at least one tornado north of Charleston causing damage.

First responders in Berkeley County reported only minor injuries when a car was apparently sideswiped by a quick twister.

A video showed tropical-storm-force winds in the region associated with the heavy rainfall when the tornado formed, lifting the vehicle and smashing it into another.

The tornado was one of several reports of waterspouts and funnel clouds in South Carolina but was the only incident where a touchdown happened as of Wednesday afternoon.

CHARLESTON SLAMMED WITH STORM SURGE AS IDALIA CONTINUES POUNDING SOUTHEAST

The National Weather Service office in Charleston will be tasked with surveying the damage and determining the rating of the twister on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.

Hurricane Idalia produced at least one other tornado in Florida, but there was not any widespread damage reported associated with the vortex.

Tornadoes often happen during hurricanes

Tropical cyclones are known to produce tornadoes, especially in the northeast quadrant of the storm.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, shear is typically the greatest in this sector as the storm interacts with other weather features and the land. The tornadoes are usually weak and short-lived, which appears to be what happened in the Lowcountry.

IDALIA DIGS INLAND AS TROPICAL STORM, IMMERSING SOUTHEAST IN FLOODWATERS FOLLOWING HISTORIC FLORIDA LANDFALL

The threat of tornadoes, flooding and gusty winds is expected to continue through Thursday morning for the Carolinas as the center of Idalia pushes eastward off the coast.

Florida and Georgia were the hardest hit states by the former Category 4 hurricane. During the peak of the event, more than half a million customers in the two states were without electricity.

Tornado watch in Charleston area

Idalia Update #3Charleston County remains at OPCON 2 as Idalia approaches South Carolina. According to the National Weather Service, the main threats include tornadoes, heavy rain, flooding and gusty winds. Carta buses will continue to bring people to the shelter until it is no longer safe to operate.“The worst of the storm is expected to move through the area this evening and into the night”, said Charleston County Emergency Management Director Joe Coates. “Please stay off the roads tonight as floodwaters are...

Idalia Update #3

Charleston County remains at OPCON 2 as Idalia approaches South Carolina. According to the National Weather Service, the main threats include tornadoes, heavy rain, flooding and gusty winds. Carta buses will continue to bring people to the shelter until it is no longer safe to operate.

“The worst of the storm is expected to move through the area this evening and into the night”, said Charleston County Emergency Management Director Joe Coates. “Please stay off the roads tonight as floodwaters are difficult to see in the dark. If you do receive a tornado warning from The National Weather Service, make sure you move into an interior room inside your home with no windows.”

Charleston County Government buildings and Charleston County Libraries and book drops will remain closed on Thursday, August 31.

High wind and bridge procedures

• Charleston County’s high wind and bridge procedures can be found online.

Citizens Information Line

• Open Wednesday, August 30, to 12 a.m.

• Open Thursday, August 31, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• English/Spanish: 843.746.3900.

Shelter Information

• Address: 3841 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405.

• The shelter will be open until 10 a.m. Thursday, August 31.

• Residents who need transportation to the shelter need to call the Citizens Information Line.

• Pets are allowed, but residents must stay with their animals and cannot drop them off.

• Residents need to bring comfort items to the shelter with them.

Curbside Recycling, the Bees Ferry Landfill and Convenience Centers

• The Bees Ferry Landfill and Charleston County Convenience Centers will be closed Thursday, August 31.

• There will be no curbside recycling on Thursday, August 31. If your recycling service day is Thursday, August 31, your service will resume on Thursday, September 14, your next scheduled service day. Any overflow material can be dropped off at one of Charleston County’s many recycling drop sites. For location information, visit recycle.charlestoncouty.org.

Downtown Parking Garages

• Charleston County’s Parking Garages located at Queen and King Streets and 90 Cumberland are free and open. Vehicles must be removed by 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 31.

Bond Court

• Thursday, August 31: bond hearings at 7:00 p.m. only.

Online Damage Reporting

• Charleston County Residents can report damage on Charleston County’s online damage page.

Residents are encouraged to follow Charleston County Government on social media, download our 2023 Hurricane Guide, and sign up for our Citizen’s Alert System.

Tornado warning issued Charleston County

CHARLESTON - Another tornado warning as been posted in portions of Charleston and Dorchester counties.It remains in effect until 4:15 p.m.A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Magnolia Gardens at 3:38 p.m. The storm was moving north at 35 mph. Radar images indicated rotation in the storm.Impacted areas include North Charleston, Summerville, Ladson, and Magnolia Gardens. The warning also includes I-26 between mile markers 205 and 209.The National Weather Service has reported a weak t...

CHARLESTON - Another tornado warning as been posted in portions of Charleston and Dorchester counties.

It remains in effect until 4:15 p.m.

A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Magnolia Gardens at 3:38 p.m. The storm was moving north at 35 mph. Radar images indicated rotation in the storm.

Impacted areas include North Charleston, Summerville, Ladson, and Magnolia Gardens. The warning also includes I-26 between mile markers 205 and 209.

The National Weather Service has reported a weak tornado touched down in Goose Creek Aug. 30, flipping a car but otherwise not causing damage.

The vehicle was flipped at the intersection of Camelot Drive and South Goose Greek Boulevard.

The tornado warning started just before noon Aug. 30 for areas include Johns Island, Hollywood, Ravenel, Meggett, Yonges Island and Wadmalaw Island.

A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Yonges Island, moving north at 25 mph.

The NWS warning noted that “flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.”

BEAUFORT — Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida just before 8 a.m. on Aug. 30, and since then it’s been working its way across Georgia toward Beaufort County.

Rain, intense at times, has been falling in the county throughout the day, though winds at mid-afternoon were still mild.

While the storm’s exact path and projected impacts are constantly evolving, one thing is nearly certain. It’s going to get worse before it gets better.

The heaviest rains and strongest winds are still to come according to the current forecast.

Local institutions are making preparations for the storm’s arrival, and a number of closures and schedule modifications have been reported.

What to know - Schools

The Beaufort County School District announced eLearning and remote workdays for its students and staff on Aug. 30 and 31. All school district buildings will be closed those days. Extracurricular activities and afterschool programs scheduled for Aug. 30 and 31 have been canceled.

All classes at the Technical College of the Lowcountry are canceled and the campus is closed Aug. 30 and 31.

All online and in-person classes at the University of South Carolina Beaufort are canceled Aug. 30 and 31. Residence halls and ding halls will remain open but may have limited services. All other university offices will also be closed. Classes are expected to resume Sept. 1.

What to know - Government

Officials in Beaufort County declared a state of emergency that will remain in effect until Sept. 3.

The declaration allows government officials to take any action necessary to mitigate emergencies caused by Hurricane Idalia. These actions may include imposing curfews, reentry procedures and any other short term emergency matters.

No curfews or limitations on travel have been enacted in the county at this time.

Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry has likewise declared a local state of emergency for Hilton Head Island beginning Aug. 30 and continuing through Sept. 3.

“Emergency measures are necessary to cope with the existing and anticipated dangers presented by Hurricane Idalia,” Perry said in a press release.

The following local governments will be closed Aug. 30 and 31:

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Center was activated at 2 p.m. It will remain operations through the duration of the storm to address any storm-related emergencies.

The Town of Yemassee will be closed Aug. 30. Offices are tentatively scheduled to reopen Aug. 31, though a final decision based on current conditions will be made in the afternoon of Aug. 30.

Beaufort County Convenience Centers will be closed Aug. 30 and 31, and all county Parks and Recreation programs are canceled.

Jasper County is opening an emergency shelter at Ridgeland School located at 250 Jaguar Trail in Ridgeland. The shelter will open at 10 a.m. Aug. 30. The shelter can accommodate pets.

Officials recommend that people utilizing the facility bring:

Residents with pets must bring: a crate; pet food; vaccination records; rabies certificate; most recent heartworm test; most recent FeLV/FIV test result (for cats); at least a seven-day supply of their medications; litter and litter box (for cats); cleaning supplies; and food and water bowls. Pets who are not service animals will not be permitted in the main shelter area due to safety considerations.

What to know - Travel

Hilton Head Island Airport and Beaufort Executive Airport remain open, but all commercial flights in and out of Hilton Head Island Airport have been canceled for Aug. 30. Travelers are advised to check with their carriers for any possible flight delays and cancellations.

According to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, there are no plans to restrict driving within the county. However, residents and visitors are encouraged to limit unnecessary travel during peak storm hours. Standing water may be possible on roadways due to rain accumulation. Use extra caution when driving.

The Daufuskie Island Ferry service will be suspended beginning Aug. 30 following the 11:30 a.m. departure. The 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. ferries departing Buckingham and 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. ferries departing Melrose Landing are canceled.

Ferry service may resume Aug. 31 based on conditions and an assessment of the docks and boats. Be aware that the captain can suspend operations anytime it is unsafe to travel. Unscheduled delays and cancellations may occur without notice.

The parking lots at both Melrose Landing on Daufuskie and Buckingham Landing in Bluffton are in very low-lying areas and are prone to flooding. Parking in those locations is not recommended until the storm passes. Drivers are advised to move vehicles to the Daufuskie Island Visitors Center parking lot, located at Tanger 2 Hilton Head Outlets on Fording Island Road.

What to know - Utilities

Power outages can be reported to Dominion Energy at 888-333-4465, while suspected gas leaks should be reported at 800-815-0083.

Customers of Palmetto Electric Cooperative Inc., can report outages at 866-445-5551.

The Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority offices are closed Aug. 30 and 31. Maintenance crews will respond as conditions allow.

What to know - Military

No evacuation order has been given as of this time for the Marine Corps Air Station - Beaufort. Efforts to prepare Marine Corps Recruit Depot - Parris Island for the storm are reported to be underway.

Closings, cancellations announced ahead of Idalia

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Idalia is expected to impact the Lowcountry with heavy rain, flooding, gusty winds, and a risk of isolated tornadoes late Tuesday night through Thursday morning.Whi...

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Idalia is expected to impact the Lowcountry with heavy rain, flooding, gusty winds, and a risk of isolated tornadoes late Tuesday night through Thursday morning.

While forecasters are watching the track very closely and monitoring potential impacts on our area, some events have announced cancellations and some government offices are closing in anticipation of the storm.

News 2 will continue to update this list.

City of Charleston offices, including all city recreation facilities and the City Gallery, will close at noon Wednesday.

City of Isle of Palms offices, including the recreation center, will close at 2 p.m. Wednesday. All recreation department programs and classes after 2 p.m. are canceled. Municipal Court is canceled on Wednesday.

City of North Charleston offices will close at noon Wednesday and remain closed on Thursday.

Town of Mount Pleasant offices, including Town Hall and all recreation facilities will close at 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Charleston County Public Library branches and offices will close at 1 p.m. Wednesday and remain closed on Thursday.

Charleston County Parks, including facilities, will close at noon Wednesday and remain closed on Thursday.

Charleston County Government buildings will close at 1 p.m. Wednesday and remain closed Thursday

Town of Summerville offices, including Town Hall offices, parks and recreation facilities, and municipal court, will be closed on Wednesday.

City of Goose Creek offices will close at 2 p.m. Wednesday and remain closed on Thursday.

Dorchester County Government offices, including county courts and parks, will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday. Public libraries in the county will also be closed on Wednesday.

Colleton County Government offices will close at noon Wednesday and remain closed on Thursday.

City of Walterboro offices will close at noon Wednesday.

Town of Edisto Beach offices will close at noon Wednesday.

Williamsburg County offices will close at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday and remain closed Thursday.

Goose Creek VA Clinic will close at 2 p.m. Wednesday and patients will be offered a virtual appointment, to relocate their appointment to North Charleston Clinic, or to reschedule for a future date. North Charleston VA Clinic and downtown Charleston VA Medical Center will close nonclinical services at 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Georgetown County offices are open during normal business hours on Wednesday and will open at noon on Thursday. This excludes the landfill, which will open at 10 a.m. All recycling centers will open at noon.

Mount Pleasant Waterworks will close its operation center at noon Wednesday and remain closed on Thursday. Customers experiencing water or wastewater emergencies can call (843) 884-9626 for assistance.

Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests recreation areas and offices, including campgrounds, rifle ranges, and OHV trails, will be closed on Wednesday. The Francis Marion Ranger District district office and the Forest Supervisor’s office in Columbia will also be closed Wednesday.

Charleston Water System will close at noon Wednesday and will remain closed Thursday.

West Ashley Farmer’s Market on Aug. 30 is canceled.

North Charleston Farmer’s Market on Aug. 31 is canceled.

The Colleton County Sheriff’s Office blood drive is postponed.

Boone Hall Plantation will be closed on Wednesday.

Congaree National Park and all visitor facilities, including Harry Hampton Visitor Center, will close at noon Wednesday. The Longleaf and Bluff Campgrounds are closed to reservations through Thursday.

The South Carolina Aquarium will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Gibbes Museum of Art will close at noon Wednesday.

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum will be closed to visitors Wednesday and Thursday.

The International African American Museum will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday.

Carolina Ice Palace will close on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. and reopen Thursday at 3:00 p.m.

School districts across coastal South Carolina are closely monitoring Idalia. You can find a full list of closings and schedule changes here.

Weaker Idalia pushes through the Carolinas

Updated 8:20 p.m., Aug. 30, 2023 | A weaker but still potent Tropical Storm Idalia crossed into South Carolina Wednesday evening as residents watched the nightly television news. With maximum sustained winds of 65 mph, the storm was 60 miles west of Charleston at 8 p.m., moving in a northeasterly direction at 21 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).But with a Blue supermoon pulling tides higher th...

Updated 8:20 p.m., Aug. 30, 2023 | A weaker but still potent Tropical Storm Idalia crossed into South Carolina Wednesday evening as residents watched the nightly television news. With maximum sustained winds of 65 mph, the storm was 60 miles west of Charleston at 8 p.m., moving in a northeasterly direction at 21 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

But with a Blue supermoon pulling tides higher than normal, storm surge and flooding remained a concern Wednesday night in the Charleston area. A storm surge warning and tropical storm warning remained in effect for the Lowcountry coast.

“The center of Idalia will move near or along the coast of South Carolina through tonight, and then just offshore of the coast of North Carolina on Thursday,” the NHC forecast said. “Idalia will then move eastward over the western Atlantic into the weekend.

“Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 65 mph with higher gusts. Some additional weakening is forecast through tonight, but Idalia is expected to remain a tropical storm while it moves near the coasts of South Carolina and North Carolina.”

Isolated tornadoes, such as a weak one that apparently flipped a car on U.S. Highway 52 in Goose Creek, also remain a threat in the Palmetto State until the storm moves into North Carolina in the early hours of Thursday. – Andy Brack

Updated 3 p.m., Aug. 30, 2023 | S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster on Wednesday said state and county leaders are ready for Hurricane Idalia’s arrival as it moves north from Georgia. There will be no evacuation orders and no state agencies are planning to close as a result of the storm, he said, adding people should stay home and stay informed in the hours ahead.

“We don’t think it’s going to be as destructive [as] some, but there will be a lot of water, especially in the Lowcountry,” McMaster said. “Estimates are from Georgetown to Myrtle Beach (for) one to two feet of water, but down in Beaufort it will be higher than that.

“We’re hoping that the storm will weaken as it goes across ground, which is what they usually do,” he added. “But we’re asking everyone to realize that these storms are dangerous. There will be water on the roads that does not appear to be deep, but … if you can’t see the road, don’t drive on it.”

According to the city of Charleston, “the primary threat to the Charleston area remains heavy rainfall and major coastal flooding associated with King tides. Charleston is currently forecast to receive 2 to 4 inches of rain tonight into tomorrow morning. The King tide prediction has increased to 8’5” and is expected to peak at 8:24 p.m. tonight.

Sustained wind speeds could reach 60 mph, with gusts up to 80 mph. Tropical storm-force winds and heavy rainbands are expected to arrive as early as this afternoon.

McMaster urged residents to stay inside as much as possible. And to get all information from official sources.

“There’s always a lot of chatter on social media,” he said. “A lot of it is right, but most of it is wrong. If you get your information from official sources, you will be much better informed.”

In Charleston, police are mobilizing under a specific hurricane plan, according to Sergeant Anthony Gibson.

“You will definitely see more officers out and about today and through tomorrow in preparation for the storm,” he said. “The Municipal Emergency Operation Center is open, and we have extended to 12-hours shifts, and increased staffing across the city so we can respond to anything that comes our way. We also have officers dedicated to road closures and setting barricades out for flooding roadways.”

Updated 11:30 a.m., Aug. 30, 2023 | Hurricane Idalia, now a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 90 mph, is along the southern border of Georgia heading toward the South Carolina coast later today.

“Although Idalia will weaken further while the center is inland, it is still expected to be a hurricane through this afternoon or evening while moving across southeastern Georgia and southern South Carolina,” according to the latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center (NHC). “Idalia is forecast to be a tropical storm while moving near the coasts of northeastern South Carolina and North Carolina tonight and on Thursday.”

There are several warnings and watches relevant to South Carolinians, according to the NHC. Warnings mean associated conditions are likely in an area, while watches indicate the possibility of those conditions:

Updated 8:34 a.m., Aug. 30, 2023 | Hurricane Idalia, which struck Florida’s Gulf Coast this morning as a Category 3 storm with 120 mph winds, will spin its heavy rain, storm surge and bluster into South Carolina late this evening.

As of 8 a.m. today, a hurricane warning was in effect for the coasts of Georgia and southern part of South Carolina. The rest of the state’s coast was under a tropical storm warning.

Tropical storm force winds (39 mph to 73 mph) should arrive in the Palmetto State in midafternoon. By the time the center of Idalia gets to South Carolina late Wednesday or early Thursday, forecasters say it will again be a tropical storm, but its impact could be significant due to the confluence of heavy rains, wind and a supermoon that will exacerbate flooding and storm surge.

Local schools generally have a half-day today and will be closed Thursday for an e-learning day. People in businesses and homes have been preparing by securing property, stockpiling goods and bringing in things in yards that could soar.

This morning in Florida, the National Hurricane Center said the eye of Idalia was moving inland at 18 mph in a north-northeasterly direction along the Big Bend Coast with catastrophic storm surge and damaging hurricane-force winds.

On Monday, S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency ahead of Idalia’s arrival. He encouraged residents to make preparations and keep tuned into the latest developments.

“Although South Carolina may avoid the worst of Hurricane Idalia’s impacts, this state of emergency is issued out of an abundance of caution to ensure that we have the necessary resources in place to respond to flooding events and are able to respond quickly if the forecast worsens,” McMaster said in a statement.

Also Monday, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said the city was taking aggressive steps to prepare because the storm is anticipated to hit Charleston Wednesday night when the area is likely to experience a higher-than-normal king tide of nearly 8 feet.

Getting ready. Follow these links to read the City Paper’s emergency kit checklist and safety tips for hurricane preparedness and Charleston County’s 2023 Hurricane Guide. – Andy Brack

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