Charleston beaches pounded as Irene passed by SC

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Charleston-area beaches took a hit as Hurricane Irene passed by South Carolina.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reported (http://bit.ly/pClg4n) that area beaches were hit by Irene’s waves and an astronomical high tide.

Folly Beach Mayor Tim Goodwin says both ends of the island suffered damage. Folly Beach County Park was closed on Sunday as park officials assessed the damage.

Goodwin says he hopes the federal government will offer funds to re-nourish the beaches. Folly Beach is scheduled for an $18 million federal grant in 2013 for beach re-nourishment.

Sullivans Island also took a hit. Fire Chief Anthony Stith says the storm flattened the island’s beaches.

Isle of Palms Fire Chief Ann Graham says erosion was minimal, but was worst at the Ocean Club at Wild Dunes.

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Information from: The Post and Courier, http://www.postandcourier.com