Schools in Charleston County are closed today.  We are currently under a tropical storm warning, and are advised to stay off the roads and bridges.  The worst winds are supposed to occur later today.  So Emily and I headed over to the island early to stow golf carts at some of our rental homes, and noticed that the only people on the roads are either sporting surfboards (the Isle of Palms is PACKED with surfers crossing the road, literally skipping down to the beach) or news cameras.  We spotted one funnel cloud which was later reported as a waterspout on the Isle of Palms.  On our way home, we stopped at Sullivan’s Island to watch the ocean and see the storm.  It is impressive– whether this is just the outer bands or the whole storm, we don’t know.  I was uneasy bringing my good camera out in the weather, so these photos were taken at about 10:00 am from my phone.  Shortly thereafter, it began to pour.  Now we are between bands and there is much more light.  Toone will be on the island for the duration, so she will keep us updated on the progress out there.  (“Live from #55 news!)