Hurricane Florence predicted to be the most catastrophic storm to hit the Carolinas in recent history presents ‘great danger’

Forecasts say Category 3 Hurricane Florence will blast Carolinas with sustained winds of up to 115 mph winds. It is expected to arrive along the North Carolina coast by late Thursday.

Hurricane Florence, the first monster storm to reach the Carolinas since Hugo, is forecast to crawl up to the North Carolina coast and turn slowly left threatening storm surge in the coastal areas, hurricane-force winds, and catastrophic flooding while also endangering a large portion of South Carolina.

In the Upstate, we will likely experience high winds and flooding next week. The latest computer models indicate Hurricane Florence will reach parts of the Upstate by late Sunday or early Monday morning as a tropical depression.

What Should I Do?

It only takes one major hurricane to bring devastation to properties and lives which is why time and preparation are key factors to protect ourselves. Take these steps to prepare yourself and your loved ones from hurricane devastation.

1. Have an Emergency Plan. Create an emergency plan and let everyone in  your household know the safest location in the home.
2. Stock Up on Supplies. Make sure you have all the necessities such as water, non-perishable food, first aid kits, batteries, flashlight, clothing and bedding, tools and supplies, and pet necessities.
3. Have an Emergency Communication Plan. Make sure to have an out of state family or friend as a primary contact person to check your whereabouts.
4. Protect Important Documents/ Personal Things. Make sure important documents such as IDs and other important stuff are placed in a secured waterproof container.
5. Know Your Evacuation Route. If you are in an evacuation zone, make sure you know your evacuation route and don’t forget to keep a full tank of gas.
6. Follow Emergency Instructions. Follow emergency instructions from authorities regarding evacuation or safety protocols. Check radios or other media outlets for emergency information.

The following are important contacts in case of emergency:

S. C. Emergency Management Division- scemd.org
Public Information Phone System (PIPS) – 1-866-246-0133*
S.C. Department of Public Safety EmergencyTraffic Network –sctraffic.org
S.C. Department of Transportation – scdot.org | 855-GO-SCDOT (855-467-2368)
National Hurricane Center – hurricanes.gov
The Official Website of the State of South Carolina – sc.gov
S.C. Department of Insurance – doi.sc.gov |(803) 737-6160, (803) 768-3467
American Red Cross – redcross.org | 1-866-438-4636
S.C. Salvation Army – doingthemostgood.org | (704) 522-4970
FEMA – fema.gov | ready.gov
S.C. Commission for Minority Affairs – cma.sc.gov | (803) 333-9621
S.C. Department of Education – ed.sc.gov | 803-734-8500
SCETV – scetv.org
S.C. Public Radio – scpublicradio.org

Download the South Carolina 2018 Hurricane Guide Here.