Hurricane Season Quickly Approaching

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP)– A cluster of thunderstorms that stalled off the southeastern U.S. coast on Saturday is expected to make for a sloppy, rainy Memorial Day on beaches and in tourist towns from Florida to South Carolina. Tropical storm warnings were in effect for the entire Georgia coastline, as well as parts of Florida and South Carolina, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. Beryl was technically still considered a “subtropical storm,” but the system is expected to bring winds and rain to the area regardless of its official classification. Tropical storm conditions — meaning maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (72 kph) — could reach the coast as early as Saturday night. Three to six inches of rain are forecast for the area. Some coastal flooding is forecast, as the rain could cause high tides. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division staff hosted Gov. Nikki Haley and some 100 of her disaster response staffers to be sure they know how to respond in the case of a hurricane. SCEMD says it’s important that every player is at the table and on the same page about responding to severe weather. Officials encourage citizens to do the same. A copy of the 2012 South Carolina Hurricane Guide is available for download at www.scemd.org.