Closures and cancellations due to Tropical Storm Debby

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – With Tropical Storm Debby rapidly approaching the region, there have been announcements of changing schedules, closures, and postponements.

The following are the closures, cancellations, and changes that have been announced thus far:

Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System

The Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System is operating on a modified schedule this week due to Tropical Storm Debby. The VA Medical Center’s inpatient care units and Emergency Department will remain open and operational. They have announced outpatient closures and virtual care options available.

• Beaufort VA Clinic: Closed Aug. 5-6, open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 7-8.
• Trident VA Clinic: Open 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 5, closed Aug. 6-8.
• Goose Creek VA Clinic: Open 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 5, closed Aug. 6-8.
• North Charleston VA Clinic: Open 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 5, closed Aug. 6-8.

Colleton County School District

The Colleton County School District, in collaboration with local and state emergency management teams, is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Debby to ensure the safety of students, staff, and families. Superintendent Jessica Williams emphasized the district’s commitment to precautionary measures and timely updates.

On August 5, 2024, the district will implement an early release schedule:

• Black Street Early Childhood Center: 10:40 am
• Elementary Schools: 11:00 am
• Colleton County Middle School: 12:15 pm
• Colleton County High School: 12:30 pm

Students will attend classes on the first day and receive Chromebooks in preparation for potential e-learning days. School buses will operate, but routes may be adjusted based on weather conditions. Parents should ensure their contact information is updated and monitor the district website and social media for updates.

Families are advised to have a personal emergency plan, including essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents. The district remains committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment.

Charleston County Public Library

Due to the threat of severe weather from Tropical Storm Debby, Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) branches and offices will be closed on Monday, Aug. 5. Staff will be monitoring the weather closely and future closures will be announced if needed.

Book drops and automated material returns will also be closed during this time. Patrons are asked to not leave items outside of the book drops. As a reminder, patrons may still access our digital resources during the closures by visiting ccpl.org. 

For updates on CCPL branches, visit ccpl.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park and Charles Pinckney National Historic Site

Monday, August 5, Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park and Charles Pinckney National Historic Site are temporarily closed in preparation for Tropical Storm Debby and the safety of visitors and staff. All concession-operated ferry trips to Fort Sumter have been suspended and no special park use permits will be issued until further notice.     

All closures will remain in place until severe weather passes, and the National Park Service conducts post-storm assessments to determine that employee and visitor facilities are safe. The status of the parks will be posted as an alert on the park’s websites. 

If the storm track changes, the parks may issue a new advisory with updated status, including any lifting of closures. Please check “Alerts” on the park website for current information. The NPS Hurricane and Severe Weather Response has updates for all National Park Service sites. 

For more information about Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park and Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, visit www.nps.gov/fosu and www.nps.gov/chpi  or follow the park on Facebook.

Boone Hall Plantation

Boone Hall Plantation will be closed this coming Monday, August 5th, and Tuesday, August 6th due to potentially hazardous weather conditions brought into our area by Tropical Storm Debby.

At this point, we don’t know what our schedule will be for other days later in the week. That will be determined as we evaluate the potential impact on the area from this storm. 

It is important to note tickets purchased to tour Boone Hall Plantation are valid forever for any one day in the future ticket holders choose to tour the venue. 

Any questions or concerns can be sent to [email protected].

Public Meetings and Collection Services

All public meetings at the City of Charleston are canceled for the remainder of the week. Garbage collection will proceed as scheduled tomorrow but will be expedited. No trash or garbage collection will occur on Tuesday and Wednesday (subject to change). 

Recreation and Summer Camps

Summer camps will operate as scheduled tomorrow morning with an early release at 3:00 p.m. However, camps will be canceled on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Municipal Golf Course Camp is canceled for the entire week. Please note that all schedules are subject to change based on evolving weather conditions.

National Night Out

The North Charleston Police Department has postponed its National Night Out event has been postponed to October 1.