Gov Haley: South Carolina is prepared for Irene

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Gov. Nikki Haley says state officials are focusing on South Carolina’s northern coast as Hurricane Irene’s forecast path moves northeast.

Haley said Tuesday hurricane preparedness plans will continue as the state remains in the cone of uncertainty. She says while state officials are being cautious, there’s no need for coastal residents to panic or flee the coast.

Emergency management officials say plans for lane reversals so residents could get out of Beaufort, Charleston and Horry counties are ready to go, but any calls for a potential evacuation are unlikely to come before Thursday.

Haley also says there are no reports of damage from minor shaking felt in South Carolina from an earthquake centered in Virginia. She says officials discussed the quake for a few minutes before returning to Irene.