1. Weather Overview Goal Geography – the challenge What Worked Preparation Response Recovery Lessons learned Charleston Flooding 2015 Overview and Lessons Learned Outline

2. L Weather Factors Contributing to Heavy Rainfall A. Nearly Stationary Upper Level Low → Provided Lift Across SC L B. Surface Coastal Front and Low - Level Jet Provided Moisture C. Additional Moisture from Outer Fringes of Hurricane Joaquin D. Sea Surface Temperatures Much Above Normal (3-4.5 Deg. F) Illustration by C.E. Konrad SERCC SST Data From NOAA/ NESDIS

3. Regional Rainfall Totals Oct. 1 – 4

4. Prelim 96 Hour Average “Recurrence” created by MetStorm 10-09-15 Large Area Indicating Rainfall Values of 500-1000+ Year Values!

5. Charleston Flooding 2015 Overview and Lessons Learned Geography

7.  Oct 1-5 Unusually high spring tides forecasted  On-shore winds persisted not allowing water out  High tides were higher & low tides were higher  Add record setting rainfall = record setting high tides  Oct 3 – high tide 8.29 ft! - record  Water came in – could not get out! Charleston Flooding Tides

8. Protection of Life and Property Maintain critical lifelines Maintain critical city services Maintain critical life safety facilities & services Maintain business continuity and services Recovery operations as soon as possible Charleston Flooding 2015 Overview and Lessons Learned Goals

9. Communications w/NWS Early and often Predictions were accurate Stakeholders & Constituents Internal and External Early and Often Major employers, schools 2+ days (2xdaily) ALL Means (media, neighborhoods, in person) Acknowledged vulnerabilities i.e., parking garages, roads, expected interruptions Planned for the entire event early City Services staffed and prepped Charleston Flooding 2015 Overview and Lessons Learned What Worked - Preparation and Response

10.  Life safety facilities and services Medical, Governments engaged Appropriate Resources planned & dispatched  ICS implemented system(s) wide  Implemented Phased Road Closures for safety  Emergency Ordinance/Access to City  61 roads closed due to flooding at one point  Information flow – accurate and timely  JIC, social-media, neighborhood presidents, in-person  Requests for resources to SEOC – quickly granted  No Loss of Life Charleston Flooding 2015 Overview and Lessons Learned What Worked – Preparation and Response

11.  Stayed connected and engaged throughout  City was Open  Damage Assessments – Entire City!  3 Part Process – using technology and GIS mapping  1) self –reporting, neighborhood presidents, media  2) City assets, police and fire  3) damage assessment teams  Prepared for FEMA  GIS maps, police contacts, neighborhood contacts  DRC early, communication on location and requirements  Business Continuity Communications post event (consistent message) Charleston Flooding 2015 Overview and Lessons Learned What Worked – Recovery

12.  Use of Contractors for Debris Removal  County did admin and contracting  Effective and efficient  Our priorities were their priorities  City could focus on own damage  Used GIS to consolidate DA reports for PA  Overview of all damage to City  Insurance into discussion early Charleston Flooding 2015 Overview and Lessons Learned What Worked – Recovery

13.  Difficult to comprehend the impacts w/no reference How quick and severe City Streets flooded Timing – in relation to tides (often on backside) Water receded slowly if at all Locations for refuge, drying, staging etc.  Impact of Flooding from Ashley and Cooper Rivers Managing impact from upstream rain on tides Unpredictable after rains were gone Similar tide profiles with different results Difficult to get City moving forward with confidence Charleston Flooding 2015 Overview and Lessons Learned

14.  Motorists driving into flood waters  Would drive around barricades  This was different – message?  Need for specialized water rescue equipment and teams.  Messaging strategies on evacuation and timing going forward.  Limits on ability to move around once streets flooded – need solutions.  Pre-designate DRC locations and agreements. Charleston Flooding 2015 Overview and Lessons Learned

15.  Business community to establish consistent messages  Coordinate across all businesses, sectors & media  Update/update/update  Adjust marketing efforts  Business interruption and flood insurance  NFIP - Flood Insurance education  Many areas were not in flood zones  Does not mean will not flood  Active education campaign Charleston Flooding 2015 Overview and Lessons Learned

16.  Resource Tracking and Costs  IAPs and 204’s  Adjust dispatch records or create own to reflect effort  Payroll records and policies  FEMA coordination  Need to remain active and engaged early  POCs change frequently  Messaging was to encourage everyone to apply  On-line, phone, in-person etc.  Encouraged to appeal  Low rate of claims paid out?  PA Teams helpful but…..and later  Need to stay engaged!  Fight back to normal Charleston Flooding 2015 Overview and Lessons Learned

17.  Moving Forward – Mitigation  Know what you own  Have needs documented  Sometimes outside help is good  Sooner than later  Better mapping and understanding of vulnerabilities and risks  Messages of responsibility to the individuals! Charleston Flooding 2015 Overview and Lessons Learned