Tracking beach conditions from Imelda on Tybee Island

by Madalyn Bierster

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - Leaders on Tybee Island say they’re grateful the storm is not headed their way, although they probably will see some effects.

WTOC spoke with Tybee Island’s mayor and fire chief who say they were prepared if the storm would’ve come their way.

They have been posting on social media for residents to stay up to date.

Over the weekend, they were offering sandbags in preparation.

SEE: Where to find sand and sandbags near you

Now, they say they’re grateful the storm is going in the other direction.

They did say they still expect some flooding and beach erosion, but that’s a project they continue to work on.

“This storm is probably going to wash away, even though it’s not coming here, it’s probably still going to wash away a lot of sand and we’re experiencing a lot of that. So we’re preparing publications, information for people that come to the island,” said Tybee Island Mayor Brian West.

“They’re flying double red out there which means no swimming above your knees. They’re out there, they’re being very vigilant trying to keep people as safe as possible. It would help us out a lot if folks stay out of the water for the next few days,” said Tybee Island Fire Chief, Justin McMillian.

Leaders on the island also told us if they do have a storm in the future, they tell everyone to leave the island ahead of time.

Double red flags will be flying through Thursday.