County Government Closed

Charleston County Government has closed all non-essential offices today. Aside from law enforcement and emergency workers, the county has sent home all employees.

"Right now in Charleston County, we are expecting high winds and marine activity from Irene," said Cathy Haynes, Charleston County Emergency Management Department’s Chief of Operations. "Secure any objects on your property like trash cans, lawn chairs, children’s toys, anything that could become a projectile. Stay out of water. This marine activity means rip currents, high seas and beach erosion through Saturday."

In the wake of high wind and rains brought by Hurricane Irene, which is passing the area today, county schools were closed today as well. The storm is a Category 2 storm and is expected to make landfall in Cape Hatteras, N.C., tomorrow.

It may hit New York City as a Category 1 over the weekend, forecasters predict.

In Charleston, jurors should not report for duty today, as all courthouses are also closed, the county reported in a press release. Court dates and times originally scheduled for August 26 will be rescheduled. All County offices will re-open on Monday, August 29.

Charleston County is still at OPCON 4 with Emergency Management staff monitoring the situation.