HOPKINS, SC -Staff at Congaree National Park are currently preparing for the expected impacts of Hurricane Idalia. Currently located in the Gulf of Mexico north of Cuba, the current forecast is calling for the storm to strengthen into a major Category 3 hurricane before making landfall along the Florida Gulf Coast. The storm is forecast to travel through coastal Georgia before reaching South Carolina in the early morning hours of August 31.
Storm impacts, including high winds up to 36 mph and between 4-6 inches of rain, will begin affecting our region starting on Wednesday, August 30 and continue through the morning hours of August 31. The most hazardous conditions are likely to occur in the overnight hours as the storm passes through our area. These conditions can result in numerous trees and large branches capable of heavy damage and/or severe injury, to fall.
The park and all visitor facilities, including the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and all hiking and paddling trails, will close to entry on Wednesday, August 30 at 12:00 p.m. until the storm has passed and park staff have been able to assess conditions to ensure visitor and staff safety. The Longleaf and Bluff Campgrounds are closed to reservations through Thursday. The park is scheduled to reopen at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, September 1 if conditions allow. Additional details and updates on park status will be posted on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/cong/planyourvisit/conditions.htm, as well as on the park’s social media channels.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service