Governor Henry McMaster declares State of Emergency for South Carolina

courtesy SC Governor’s office

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– On Friday, Sept. 26, Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order 2025-33, declaring a State of Emergency in preparation for the potential impacts of Tropical Disturbance 94L.

South Carolinians are asked to monitor forecasts and begin taking proper precautions.

The governor’s order activates the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan and directs the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) to commence statewide preparation and coordination procedures with all relevant local, state, and federal agencies in advance of the landfall of a potential Tropical Storm or Hurricane.

The order also allows state and local emergency management agencies to be eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursement for storm-related expenses.

“As this storm approaches our coast, I am issuing a State of Emergency to ensure Team South Carolina is able to access and deploy the resources and personnel needed to prepare for and respond to this storm,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “While the storm’s arrival, speed, and intensity remain hard to predict, we do know that it will bring significant wind, heavy rainfall, and flooding across the ENTIRE state of South Carolina. We have seen this before. Now is the time to start paying attention to forecasts, updates, and alerts from official sources and begin making preparations.”

According to forecasters with the National Hurricane Center, tropical disturbance 94L is located near Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and eastern Cuba.

It is expected to strengthen over the weekend and become a tropical storm.

Officials say while the storm’s track is uncertain, it poses a large risk of wind, heavy rainfall, and storm surge to coastal areas.

South Carolina residents and visitors in potentially vulnerable areas should review their hurricane plans now.

South Carolinians in potentially impacted areas are reminded to:

• Review emergency plans: Talk with family members about where to go and how to stay in touch if you need to evacuate.
• Build a disaster supply kit: Stock at least three days of water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and necessary medications. Don’t forget pets and infants.
• Stay informed: Download the S.C. Emergency Manager app, follow SCEMD and county emergency management agencies on social media, and listen to local news outlets for updates.
• Plan for power outages: Charge cell phones and gather backup chargers.

SCEMD has several resources available for people to prepare for hurricanes.