South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has issued mandatory evacuations for people living along the entire coastline of South Carolina, as Hurricane Dorian is expected to affect the state by midweek. There will also be school closings, and a lane reversals of Interstate 26. Here is a breakdown of Hurrican Dorian evacuation tips, routes and lane reversals.
McMaster announced the evacuations Sunday night at a news conference at the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. The move affects nearly one million people in the state.
In addition to the evacuations, he’s planning on shutting down schools in the affected areas too.
“This is a very serious hurricane,” McMaster said.
Here are the affected areas by the evacuations, information on school closings, and the lane reversals.
MANDATORY EVACUATIONS: BEGINNING 12 P.M. SEPTEMBER 2ND
Southern Coast
- Colleton County Evacuation Zones A, B
- Beaufort County Evacuation Zone A
- Jasper County Evacuation Zone A
Central Coast
- Charleston County Evacuation Zones A, B, C
- Dorchester County Evacuation Zone D
- Berkeley County Evacuation Zones B, G
Northern Coast
- Horry County Evacuation Zone A
- Georgetown County Evacuation Zone A
To find out whether they are in evacuation zones, South Carolinians can use the “Know Your Zone” tool on SCEMD’s website. Residents can know their zone instantly using the SC Emergency Manager mobile app, simply by sharing their location.
Evacuation shelter locations will be available on scemd.org and in the SC Emergency Manager mobile app as soon as they are opened.
What to pack
Evacuees should pack the following essential items in case the evacuation period is lengthy: required medications, adequate clothing and essential personal items. Residents going to evacuation shelters should bring their own blankets, pillows, cots and special food items if they are on restricted diets.
Pets
Individuals and families should plan to board pets with veterinarians, kennels, or other facilities in non-vulnerable areas. While pets are not allowed inside Red Cross evacuation shelters, people with animals can take their pets with them to any shelter so volunteers can help them make arrangements.
Additionally, Governor McMaster ordered all schools and government offices in the following counties to be closed, beginning Tuesday, September 3rd: Jasper, Beaufort, Colleton, Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley, Georgetown, and Horry
SHELTERS
When shelters open, you’ll be able to find a list of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s shelters page.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
Additionally, Governor McMaster ordered all schools and government offices in the following counties to be closed, beginning Tuesday, September 3: Jasper, Beaufort, Colleton, Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley, Georgetown, and
LANE REVERSALS
Beginning Noon on Monday: Charleston to Columbia – A full, four lane reversal on I-26 in Charleston begins at the interchange of I-26 and I-526. The full reversal continues west until the I-26 crossover to I-77 just outside Columbia in Lexington County.
OTHER PREPARATIONS
McMaster also said he’s requested a federal disaster aid declaration from President Donald Trump, which will help them state with hurricane preparation efforts. McMaster said he actually spoke to the President Sunday by Skype.
McMaster said multiple state agencies are making preparations to respond to the storm.
Earlier yesterday the SCEMD moved to what’s known as ‘OPCON 1’, the highest spot on their three-level rating. That means the state is on “full alert,” and all state emergency response team agencies are activated to prepare for any potential effects from Dorian. Their operations center is now fully staffed.
