HISTORY 22 t’s that time of year again. Hurricane season. It’s also the anniversary of what many folks in the Lowcountry consider a day that will live in infamy: September 21, 1989. If you were living anywhere near here at the time, you know exactly what that date signifies. “Where were you during Hugo?” are words that many long-time residents still ask one another. I personally recalled that, beforehand, I thought it was much ado about nothing. Standing in line at K-Mart waiting to buy a bedspread, I saw other customers stocking up on batteries, flashlights and the like. I thought, ‘These folks clearly are not from here.’ We’ve seen enough hurricanes to know that there will be a day or two of no power and a few tree limbs down in the yard, minor inconveniences, but nothing to become alarmed about. Boy, was I wrong! Pictorial books, videos and countless news articles have captured the terror, trauma and devastation that “the storm” brought to the Lowcountry. The eye of the Category 4 hurricane targeted Breach Inlet, but as any armchair meteorologist can tell you (and numerous local residents have since had the misfortune of becoming one), the area to the northeast of the eye gets the worst of it. That meant northern Mount Pleasant, Awendaw and McClellanville were sitting ducks. As bad as things were for the more populated areas south and west of the eye, including the cities of Charleston, North Charleston and Summerville, the damage east of the Cooper was utterly unimaginable. Before Hugo, flood zone maps hadn’t been updated in decades, so countless homeowners were unaware they were sitting in harm’s way. The maps ‘Storm of the Century’ Lifelong lessons learned from Hurricane Hugo By Mary Coy I IslandVibesIOP.com The Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce is proud to connect the island’s business community, not only as professional partners, but as champions and friends. IOPchamber.com From forgotten pirates to resilient spirits, embark on a dark journey that uncovers the secrets hidden beneath the starlit skies and flickering bonfires that bring the Lowcountry's soul to life. We're thrilled to tea up with Crabpot Players to bring Tales of the Lowcountry to Wild Dunes Resort. Experience it for yourself EVERY Friday and Saturday night in October. Purchase your tickets and learn more visit TalesOfTheLowcountry.com Photos Provided Continued on Page 23
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