Hurricane Florence Information

SCDNR urges state residents to pay close attention to hurricane warnings and official updates

Hurricane Florence News Briefing - Director Alvin TaylorSeptember 12, 2018

Information from the National Hurricane Center released today indicates the projected path of Hurricane Florence has shifted southward, a track that could bring high winds, heavy rains and flooding to a much larger portion of South Carolina than previously forecast. In addition, the track for Florence remains very fluid at this stage and the projected landfall, size, strength and reach of the storm could change at any time and very quickly.

For these reasons, leaders of the state’s emergency management team, which includes the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), would like to encourage all residents of the state – especially those in coastal areas – to pay particularly close attention to the information coming from the S.C. Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) over the next 72 hours and to heed all warnings or evacuation orders issued by state and local leaders.

"We absolutely cannot emphasize enough the unpredictability, strength and danger of this storm," said SCDNR Director Alvin Taylor. "At this point, all residents of the state of South Carolina are potentially in harm's way from the effects of Florence, and we need for everyone to play close attention to the official warnings and information coming from the SCEMD."

Boat owners in particular in all areas of the coast should at this time be implementing their plans in terms of securing or moving their vessels inland.  Residents of the lower coast south of Charleston should also be implementing their personal emergency plans and preparing to evacuate should conditions warrant over the next 24-48 hours.  Residents of the upper coast (Charleston and Myrtle Beach areas) should already be heading inland and away from the path of the storm.

Sources for official information and Updates about the Hurricane:

SCEMD Facebook page: @SCEMD or https://www.facebook.com/SCEMD/

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Hurricane Center (NOAA/NHC): https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

In addition, the SCDNR website and social media pages will share updates from SCEMD throughout the day as conditions change, as well.  Links to the SCEMD site, current News Releases, official NOAA Weather Advisories and other information can be accessed vis www.dnr.sc.gov.