Rains, winds subsiding as Irene moves away from SC

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) — Residents along South Carolina’s northern coast are relieved that Hurricane Irene has moved away.

Dozens of people were out on the beach shortly after sunrise at the Cherry Grove section of North Myrtle Beach.

Mary Jane Keating, a 73-year-old resident of Little River, says the storm downed trees that broke a water line into her house. She says the state dodged a bullet but feels for the people farther northeast in North Carolina who have to deal with Irene.

Horry County officials say they are out making assessments but there have been no reports of serious damage. The most visible evidence of the storm is tree branches down and an occasional sign that had been damaged.

A tropical storm warning remains posted from Edisto Beach to the North Carolina line.