Dorchester County prepares for potential tropical storm

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) – Forecasters predict the tropical storm that is brewing in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico may bring some rain and wind to the Charleston area. Emergency specialists are also still reminding residents it is still National Preparedness Month.

Emergency specialists in nearby counties are taking precautions and telling residents to get supplies. Especially in Dorchester County, where Tropical Storm Debby impacted them heavily.

“Start making preparations,” David Amann, Dorchester County emergency specialist, said. “Once you’re in that cone of uncertainty you want to have that conversation with your family. Maybe refresh your emergency kit. Don’t go too crazy like rushing to the store and buying milk and filling up gas.”

He advised to stay mindful and monitor updates, however does not predict the storm to be as powerful as the storm earlier this year.

“As of now, it’s not looking like it will be as bad in Dorchester County as Debby,” Amann said. “It’s still pretty far away to make those exact determinations, so again same thing as Debby. Refresh that emergency kit, you might’ve used that emergency kit during Debby.”

Dorchester County is among the Charleston, Berkeley, and Colleton Counties where residents can apply for SBA loans beginning on tomorrow, Sept. 24. Berkeley County will also open its Disaster Loan Outreach Center for those wanting in-person assistance.