Hurricane Helene left catastrophic damage across South Carolina, making it the deadliest storm in the state’s history. This hurricane season, the state government is hoping to be more prepared.
Gov. Henry McMaster hosted the annual hurricane tabletop exercise on June 5, joined by his cabinet and other state officials.
The exercise tests South Carolina’s emergency operation plans and ensures each agency is prepared for hurricane season.
“If the governor gives an evacuation order, it has been made carefully, with critical thought and leadership, looking at what’s coming and how to protect the state of South Carolina,” said Rob Perry, the deputy secretary for engineering at the Department of Transportation.
Kim Stenson, the director of South Carolina’s Emergency Management Division, said South Carolinians should know their evacuation zone and how to get there and how to prepare their homes.
“As our emergency managers across South Carolina prepare each year, it’s just as important for every household to do the same,” he said.
Hurricane evacuation routes have been updated, and in the event of a coastal evacuation, lane reversal plans were tested on June 4 and are up to date for this hurricane season, according to the Department of Public Safety.
The Department of Social Services also tested its response, readying 29 shelters to support a coastal evacuation. These shelters can hold up to 23,500 people collectively.
The 2025 South Carolina Hurricane Guide is available online and around the state, with information about evacuation routes, what supplies you should have, what to do with pets, and more.
