Gov. McMaster declares State of Emergency
SC Governor Henry McMaster.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has issued Executive Order 2024-24, declaring a State of Emergency in anticipation of Hurricane Helene’s potential impacts on the state. The order activates the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan and directs the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) to coordinate with state agencies to ensure a prompt response to any requests for assistance from local and county officials.
While the current forecast suggests that South Carolina will not bear the full force of the storm, Governor McMaster emphasized the importance of preparation. “Although South Carolina will likely avoid the brunt of Hurricane Helene’s impacts, the storm is still expected to bring dangerous flooding, high winds, and isolated tornadoes to many parts of the state,” McMaster said. “This State of Emergency ensures that Team South Carolina has the necessary resources in place to respond to these potential impacts. Residents in potentially affected areas should start to take precautions now and monitor local weather forecasts over the next several days.”
According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Helene is currently in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to intensify before making landfall along the Florida coast today. The storm is projected to move northward, impacting South Carolina and other southeastern states with strong winds, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and an increased risk of isolated tornadoes.
The SCEMD is urging residents to use available resources to prepare for the storm. Tools like the interactive website, hurricane.sc, and the SC Emergency Manager mobile app, available on both the App Store and Google Play, offer valuable information on hurricane preparedness. The 2024 South Carolina Hurricane Guide, available in both English and Spanish, can also be accessed at scemd.org.
As Hurricane Helene approaches, Governor McMaster advises all South Carolinians to remain vigilant and take appropriate safety measures to protect themselves and their families.
