Year in Review - The Big Picture
Historic Rain, Tidal Flooding Lead to Preventative Action by KICA
In October 2015, Kiawah Island experienced two unprecedented
flooding events within two weeks. One was caused by over 18
inches of rainfall in two days (with some help from high tides).
The second was caused by unusually high tides (colloquially
known as King Tides) that reached over nine feet in elevation.
Normal high tides on our island range from five-to-seven feet.
Both of these events were extremely unusual occurrences that
created challenges for the island’s drainage system. Despite the
infrequency of such events however, KICA is looking at ways
to better prepare going forward. Computerized control gates,
relocating/redirecting drain lines, and purchasing larger trucks to
enable KICA Security staff to move freely about the island during
flooding are just some of the possible actions being considered.
Hopefully, both of these floods were “1,000-year” events, but KICA
will continue to study and consult with engineers to see if there are
ways to reduce the inconvenience to Kiawah members and guests.
This will include intense discussion with government officials about
improving off-island roads between Kiawah and the mainland.