Folly Beach Keeps a Close Watch on Hurricane Igor
Hurricane Igor Could Cause Further Erosion to South Carolina's Already Battered Beaches
The bad news for Folly Beach is that the storm could send large swells toward the coast and cause further erosion to our already battered sand dunes.
As the storm gains strength, local authorities are concerned that it could generate swells large enough to put Folly Beach County Park under water. According to the Weather Channel, the tropical-storm force wind field (up to 290 miles from the center) is now larger than both Ike and Katrina.
The onslaught of tropical storms we've experienced this season has caused the dunes on Folly Beach to erode rapidly. If the swells from Hurricane Igor are as strong as expected, the sea water could possibly flow under the Folly Beach County Park buildings and flood the parking lot. The damaged dunes that remain are not high enough to obstruct the water.
The swells from Hurricane Earl caused a similar situation earlier this month. The Washout - a favorite surfing spot on the east end of the island - experienced gigantic waves. The surfers loved it but the high tides ripped through the dunes on the west end of the island, where the Folly Beach County Park is located, and caused extensive beach erosion.
Hurricane Igor caused the surf here in the Lowcountry to rise rapidly yesterday. Waves anywhere from 4 to 8 feet are expected over the weekend as Igor passes southeast of us.
The National Hurricane Center in Charleston, South Carolina warns that swells, rough surf and dangerous rip currents pose a risk to anybody in the water. If conditions warrant, the Folly Beach County Park could be closed to swimmers this weekend. Visitors to the beaches of South Carolina, residents and boaters are urged to exercise extreme caution in and around the water this weekend.
Sources:
National Hurricane Center in Charleston
Charleston Post and Courier
The Weather Channel
Published by Langley Cornwell
Langley Cornwell has published with the Yahoo! Contributor Network since 2009 and brings 30 years of corporate experience to her writing career. Langley has a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications from... View profile
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15 Comments
Post a CommentGood report:)
Thank you, Langley!!
great report
I hope Igor dod not hit with full force like they predicted so that Folly beach and other fragile coastal areas remain safe.
I don't even want to see the first bit of wind or rain!
Igor's a suitable name for a hurricane that's for sure!
Good report!
Excellent, Langley!
This is a great report, Langley! You know how much I like South Carolina!!
Beach erosion is often overlooked in the wake of more immediate damage. Great coverage.