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Mandatory Evacuations Ordered for S.C. Coast as Hurricane Florence Nears

by Nikki Gaskins Campbell

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–During a news conference Monday in Columbia, Governor Henry McMaster stated that mandatory evacuation orders will go out along South Carolina’s entire 187-mile coastline border starting at 12 pm Tuesday.

Hurricane experts are predicting that Florence could be the first Category 4 hurricane to make landfall in the Carolinas since Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

“This is a very dangerous hurricane. We are expecting more wind than we had in Hugo and more water than we had in Matthew,” stated McMaster. “We want everybody to be prepared.”

McMaster is ordering the mandatory evacuations of residents in the following eight counties:

  • Jasper County
  • Berkeley County
  • Beaufort County
  • Colleton County
  • Charleston County
  • Georgetown County
  • Horry County
  • Dorchester County

McMaster stated that the eastbound lanes of I-26 heading into Charleston and U.S. Highway 501 into Myrtle Beach will be reversed when the order takes effect, opening all lanes to evacuees. Highway 278 in Beaufort County will be on standby for a potential reversal. An official decision will be made tomorrow.

“About a million people, we think, will be leaving the coast trying to escape this big hurricane,” stated McMaster.

While the track of the hurricane shows landfall around northeast North Carolina, hurricane experts say it’s important to remember a couple of things.

“One—don’t focus on the landfall location depicted in the hurricane center forecast. Instead, look at the cone of uncertainty,” stated John Quagliarielloro with the National Weather Service. “This means the hurricane can still make landfall along portions of the northern or central portions of the South Carolina coast. Two, the cone doesn’t imply where impact from the hurricane will occur.”

Quagliarielloro added that tropical storm force winds will arrive well before Florence makes landfall, likely Thursday morning. Landfall along the Carolina coast looks to occur by late Thursday night, he stated. Life-threatening storm surge is likely along portions of the coastline. This is in addition to the high surf and deadly rip current risk which will continue through the week.

Once Florence moves inland, it’s expected to weaken and move very slowly. This will result in a prolonged and heavy rainfall along the north of the track.

“Depending on where the heaviest rain occurs, this could result in significant river flooding across portions of the state into next week,” stated Quagliariello.

Following the announcement of the mandatory evacuations, McMaster has ordered the closure of 26 state-government agencies and schools. The exception is essential emergency personnel.

“The county and municipal governments will decide when to close their offices.

For additional information on shelters, lane reversals, evacuation routes, etc.–make sure to click here.
Nikki Gaskins Campbell
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