HURRICANE IAN

Dear Friends and Neighbors, Governor Henry McMaster has declared a State of Emergency as a part of the State Emergency Response Team (SERT)’s preparations for severe weather anticipated from Thursday through Sunday in the Palmetto State. Some may be wondering why the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) recommended a State of Emergency for Hurricane Ian given that it will likely be a Tropical Storm by the time it impacts our State. The entire State will feel the impacts of Hurricane Ian, particularly on Friday and Saturday. South Carolina is expecting heavy rain, coastal flooding, and a storm surge along the coast, particularly in the Low Country. While a coastal evacuation has not been recommended, it is encouraged that individuals in flood-prone areas have a plan and seek higher ground before the arrival of tropical-storm force winds, which could make travel dangerous. Please pay close attention to local weather reports and advisories. As SCEMD continues to monitor the storm and support local governments in their response as needed, it may also implement the state’s Recovery Plan, which guides coordination of state-level agencies and resources to support community recovery in affected areas. Please remember that anyone can use the SCEMD mobile app Know Your Zone, to build a personal emergency plan, to find emergency shelter locations, and to stay connected with loved ones, which is available in the App Store and on Google Play: http://onelink.to/dn92rx. Other Important Links for continuing updates and coverage of the storm: