Even as a tropical storm or hurricane descends upon Charleston, the party goes on. Typically during big storms, several tried-and-true bars remain open on the peninsula for rainboot-clad partygoers in search of a cold beverage and good times. That is not the case this time around as Tropical Storm Debby swings through the Lowcountry, bringing heavy rainfall, tornadoes and flooding.
Even with lesser winds expected, the heavy rain quickly infiltrated some flood-prone areas across the peninsula — part of what spurred a downtown curfew enacted by Mayor William Cogswell and Charleston City Council. That curfew kicked off at 11 p.m.
on Aug. 5 and was extended into the morning of Aug. 7 at a yet-to-be-determined time that will be reevaluated as Debby is expected to stall off the coast.
As of 7 a.m. on Aug.
6, eight inches of rain had fallen, with more expected. Patrons walk out the front door of A.C.
’s Bar & Grill, one of the few bars and restaurants still open in the afternoon Tuesday, August 6, 2024, in Charleston. “The curfew is not just about unnecessary restrictions but about maintaining the safety of the city and our citizens,” said Police Chief Chito Walker. “By stepping up and ensuring guidance, we aim to keep everyone safe.
We know it works because the vast majority of the public has adhered to the warnings, and we need all of you to continue to make it work and to keep our city safe.” The curfew has encouraged most businesses on the peninsula, including restaur.