Ernesto passes by the Lowcountry; Some flooding reported

The National Hurricane Center has dropped the hurricane watch and tropical storm warning for the South Carolina coast. Tropical Storm Ernesto passed by South Carolina last night, coming ashore at Long Beach, North Carolina, about 11:30 p-m. That's about 29 miles from the South Carolina state line. Highest winds were 70 miles an hour.
  

Tropical Storm Ernesto brought heavy rains and gusty winds to South Carolina's coast, but not much damage.
  

The National Weather Service says Myrtle Beach reported a peak wind gust of 46 miles per hour last night, while North Myrtle Beach had nearly seven inches of rain.
  

Horry County officials say there were some minor power outages and a few trees down. Tropical Storm Ernesto produced heavy rains in the Lowcountry, but generally spared the area the most damaging winds.

With it's strongest winds to the south and east of the center, Charleston did not see the most damaging winds as the stom passed off the coast earlier last evening. The National Weather Service reported peak gusts in Downtown Charlotte and Folly Beach at 36 mph. Gusts of 32 mph were reported at Charleston Airport, Isle of Palms and Capers Island.

And while the winds didn't prove too difficult, there was rain. Lots of rain. Mt. Pleasant reported 5.24 inches. And Daniel Island had 4.5 inches.

Flooding was reported on several streets in downtown Charleston. At Ashley and Fishburn, water was knee deep and lapping at the steps of several homes. By 7pm Thursday, the water had started to drop.

At President and Bogard Streets, some people used sandbags to protect their homes. But here also water hadn't gotten into those homes and the water was going down.

One man was seen kayaking on Morris Street.

Charleston County officials said they felt they'd "dodged the bullet." They reduced their status to "OpCon 3" and reported about the most significant damage in the tri-county area was one downed tree.

There were some power outages Thursday, most in the Mount Pleasant area. But as of Friday morning, there were no significant outages.

During the day Thursday, Charleston Airport said some 50 flights were cancelled. They hope to return to a normal schedule by noon Friday. Travelers are encouraged to call their airlines if they have flights tomorrow.

Many lowcountry schools closed Thursday, but most will reopen Friday, with a few on a delayed basis. [School closing list]

One casualty may be tourism. There were red no swimming signs near the Pavilion in Myrtle Beach this afternoon. The hurricane watch includes the Grand Strand where businesses are hoping to salvage the holiday weekend.
  
Seventy-five-year old Marylou Hertel of Brookville, Illinois, was on the beach today with her daughters. She's been visiting Myrtle Beach for 20 years and says this is her first time as a storm approached.

A steady rain fell at midday and crews worked their way along the beach, removing trash barrels and any anything else that could be tossed around by the storm.

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