Gov. Henry McMaster and other state officials said Saturday that residents need to take the threat of a strengthening Tropical Depression 9 as it continues to form in the Carribbean.
McMaster declared a state of emergency for South Carolina on Friday afternoon as the state officials continue to ramp up their preparations for any potential impacts from the storm.
Watch the Saturday press conference here.
Current forecasts show a significant threat of heavy rainfall early next week from coastal Georgia through the Carolinas and into the southern mid-Atlantic states. The depression is expected to be at or near hurricane intensity as it approaches the coast, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Gov. Henry McMaster
McMaster said "the time to prepare is now" during his briefing with other state officials. “We remember Helene one year ago today and that it did not go exactly where it was supposed to go, particularly in this state,” McMaster said. “In all that uncertainty the one thing that is certain for sure is we are ready.”
McMaster said at this time there is no need to issue any coastal evacuation.
McMaster said equipment and aerial assets like helicopters have been strategically positioned around the state.
S.C. National Guard
So far 150 South Carolina National Guard troops have been activated with a primary responsibility of manning high water rescue vehicles as requested. Other assets and equipment are being positioned around the state and will be on stand by as well.
All of he 200 SCNG troops that were previously deployed to Washington, D.C., in support of President Donald Trump's move to improve security in the city, have returned to South Carolina. Troops that are on the southern border in support of the federal mission to improve security are still on mission.
S.C. Dept. of Transportation
SCDOT Secretary Justin Powell said that crews in coastal counties have been preparing equipment, addressing known drainage hot spots and positioning equipment in areas that can become difficult to access.
S.C. Emergency Management Division
Director Kim Stenson said the state emergency operations center is open and active as state, local and federal continue coordinated preparations for any impacts from Tropical Depression 9.
SCEMD has so far fielded requests from local requests for sandbags and swift water rescue teams.
Officials advise the public to continue preparations for any potential threats from the storm. People are urged to review emergency plans and talk with family members about where to go and how to stay in touch if you need to evacuate. Build or update a disaster supply kit with at least three days of water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and necessary medications. The latest information and several resources are available at SCEMD.org.
Follow along below for the latest from the Saturday press conference.
