Darlington County declares State of Emergency
Darlington County declares State of Emergency
In advance of Hurricane Florence, Darlington County Council voted at their September 10 meeting to approve an emergency ordinance declaring an official State of Emergency in the county. This ordinance allows for county administrator Charles Stewart or Sheriff Tony Chavis to implement a curfew during the storm and the aftermath “for public health and safety considerations.”
If the curfew goes into effect, violators could face fines up to $200 or up to 30 days in jail.
Stewart gave Council members an overview of possible storm tracks from the National Weather Service. As of 5 p.m. on September 10, they predicted that Florence could come ashore as a Category Four hurricane, with landfall near Wilmington, North Carolina.
“We are on the south side of the storm, which is where you’d prefer to be at all times. The north side of the storm receives stronger winds – wind direction changes at 90 degrees as it passes – and you receive much more rain and a higher tornado threat,” said Stewart.
According to these models, Darlington County could receive up to four inches of rain between Monday and Friday, with strong and potentially damaging winds.
Stewart said the county’s Emergency Operations Center should open on Thursday morning, and county employees should check the private phone number they were previously given regarding work schedules and department closures.
To follow updates from Darlington County Emergency Management, visit them online at www.facebook.com/DCEmergencyManagement. After the Emergency Operations Center opens on Thursday morning, a public information line will be opened to field storm-related questions. That number will be 843-398-4448.
