Public news and announcements are brought to you by the Horry County Public Information Office.
On October 7, 2016 in Emergencies
Date: October 7, 2016
Time: 11 a.m.
Conway, South Carolina- Horry County remains at Operating Condition Level 1 (OPCON 1) in preparation of Hurricane Matthew which means that the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is fully staffed and evacuations are underway. County officials are in continual discussions with South Carolina Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, and other coastal communities. Horry County will continue to monitor the storm closely and review all operational plans.
A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Horry County and a Flash Flood Watch is also in effect for all areas of northeast South Carolina and southeast North Carolina.
The storm is forecast to make its closest approach to Horry County on Saturday. Winds and rainfall will begin increasing throughout the day today into late Saturday night/early Sunday morning.
Sustained winds of 40-50 mph will pick-up later tonight with gusts over 60 mph. possible. The strongest winds will occur along the immediate coast over-night tonight through late Saturday/early Sunday. Rainfall amounts throughout Horry County are anticipated to be in excess of 10-12 inches with locally higher amounts possible. This will increase the likelihood of flooding and flash flooding. Impacts include, impassable roads, road washouts, and flooding of flood prone and low lying areas.
There is a Storm Surge Watch from the South Santee River north to Cape Fear, North Carolina. Horry County can anticipate 3-6 feet of storm surge along the ocean front, tidal areas/creeks and areas along the Waccamaw and Pee Dee Rivers.
There will be rip currents along our beaches throughout the weekend.
Residents are urged to stay off the roads, if possible. If not, use extreme caution when traveling as roads will be slick and ponding will occur. Drivers are reminded to NEVER DRIVE AROUND BARRICADES/BARRELS! These are placed in the roadway for your safety. Also NEVER DRIVE THROUGH WATER! It only takes a small amount of water to sweep a vehicle away.
All residents are encouraged to secure outdoor furniture, garbage cans, etc. as winds will start increasing throughout the day.
Horry County has a map of road closures on our website, look for the link in the Hurricane Matthew information box.
Residents who experience flooding, can call the Horry County Road & Drainage Hotline at 843-381-8000.
For more information, call Horry County Emergency Management at 843-915-5150 or visit Horry County’s website. Horry County Emergency Management can also be followed on Facebook and Twitter.
On October 5, 2016 in County News, Emergencies, General, Public Safety
Date: October 5, 2016
Time: 7 p.m.
Conway, South Carolina – South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley urged Horry and Georgetown counties to prepare for a possible evacuation. This evacuation order could go into effect Thursday, October 6, 2016, at noon and would include Horry County Zone A only. Zone A includes all areas east of U.S. Business 17 (Kings Hwy), up to the intersection with U.S. 17 (Kings Hwy) and all areas east of US 17 (Kings Hwy) to the Northern county line. In addition, evacuations include all low-lying areas, mobile homes, and campground sites.
Horry County does not anticipate the need for lane reversals on Hwy. 501, but is prepared to implement the reversals if needed.
The Horry County Emergency Operations Center has moved to OPCON 2, as an evacuation order is imminent.
American Red Cross shelters are prepared to open tomorrow for individuals who must evacuate. Please see the shelter list and evacuation route list below. Individuals are reminded to secure their property BEFORE they evacuate. Shelters should be considered as a place of last resort to ride out the storm, shelters may be crowded, do not accept pets and not designed for comfort. When going to a shelter, citizens will need to take their own supplies such as batteries, bedding, identification, toiletries, clothing, etc…Shelters do not accept guns, alcohol or animals.
Once the Governor rescinds an evacuation order, Horry County Emergency Management will activate the Re-Entry Plan. Re-entry will occur in phases beginning with Level 1 access into the impacted areas. Municipalities may enforce their own identification procedures at checkpoints if deemed necessary.
Level 1
All public officials and personnel having key roles in life safety and the restoration of critical services after a disaster will be permitted to access the impacted area. All Level 1 personnel will be required to present and wear in full view an authorized employee identification badge. No personal vehicles will be permitted to enter impacted areas during Level 1 access, except governmental personal reporting for official business.
Level 2
This allows for reentry of critical support groups, relief workers, South Carolina Law Enforcement certified security officers, healthcare personnel, business owners/essential staff, insurance adjusters and any other person(s) authorized by the jurisdiction to provide services or reduce economic loss. All Level 2 personnel will be required to present and wear an authorized employee identification badge at checkpoints.
Level 3
Residents and business operators will have access to areas that have been deemed safe by the authority having jurisdiction. When possible, every effort should be made to safely assist these persons to their property if access is limited. All residents and business operations must show proper identification to enter an impacted area. Residents with special needs will be assisted back into their dwellings once sufficient support services are available to assist.
Re-Entry for Residents & Property Owners
Re-Entry for Business Owners & Essential Employees
The forecast for Hurricane Matthew may change as the storm gets closer to the coast, residents are strongly urged to monitor local news for the most up-to-date information. In addition, citizens should survey their property to make sure outside objects are secured. It is also recommended that you review your hurricane plans now.
For more information, call Horry County Emergency Management at 843-915-5150 or visit Horry County’s website. County Emergency Management can also be followed on Facebook and Twitter.
HORRY COUNTY EVACUATION ROUTES
Residents that live in Evacuation Zone C should utilize the closest available evacuation route to safely evacuate the area.
When evacuating, it is important to take a road map. Motorists should be aware that law enforcement and the South Carolina National Guard may be posted along evacuation routes to provide assistance. Evacuation routes and maps are available on Horry County’s office website.
AMERICAN RED CROSS SHELTERS IN HORRY COUNTY
On October 5, 2016 in Closings, Emergencies, General, Public Safety
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Conway, South Carolina – South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley urged Horry and Georgetown counties to prepare for a possible evacuation. This evacuation order could go into effect Thursday, October 6, 2016, and would include Horry County Zone A only. Zone A includes all areas east of U.S. Business 17 (Kings Hwy), up to the intersection with U.S. 17 (Kings Hwy) and all areas east of US 17 (Kings Hwy) to the Northern county line. In addition, evacuations include all low-lying areas, mobile homes, and campground sites.
The Horry County Emergency Operations Center opened at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, October 5, 2016, to support the possible evacuation.
Level 1-All public officials and personnel having key roles in life safety and the restoration of critical services after a disaster will be permitted to access the impacted area. All Level 1 personnel will be required to present and wear in full view an authorized employee identification badge. No personal vehicles will be permitted to enter impacted areas during Level 1 access, except governmental personal reporting for official business.
Level 2-This allows for reentry of critical support groups, relief workers, South Carolina Law Enforcement certified security officers, healthcare personnel, business owners/essential staff, insurance adjusters and any other person(s) authorized by the jurisdiction to provide services or reduce economic loss. All Level 2 personnel will be required to present and wear an authorized employee identification badge at checkpoints.
Level 3-Residents and business operators will have access to areas that have been deemed safe by the authority having jurisdiction. When possible, every effort should be made to safely assist these persons to their property if access is limited. All residents and business operations must show proper identification to enter an impacted area. Residents with special needs will be assisted back into their dwellings once sufficient support services are available to assist.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
On October 4, 2016 in Emergencies, General, Public Safety
Date: October 4, 2016
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Conway, South Carolina – South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley urged coastal counties to prepare for a possible evacuation to include Horry County. This evacuation order could go into effect Wednesday, October 5, 2016, and would include Horry County Zone A only. Zone A includes all areas east of U.S. Business 17 (Kings Hwy), up to the intersection with U.S. 17 (Kings Hwy) and all areas east of US 17 (Kings Hwy) to the Northern county line. In addition, evacuations include all low-lying areas, mobile homes, and campground sites.
The Horry County Emergency Operations Center will open at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, October 5, 2016, to support the possible evacuation.
American Red Cross shelters are prepared to open tomorrow for individuals who must evacuate. Please see the shelter list and evacuation route list below. Individuals are reminded to secure their property BEFORE they evacuate. Shelters should be considered as a place of last resort to ride out the storm, shelters may be crowded, they do not accept pets and not designed for comfort. When going to a shelter, citizens will need to take their own supplies such as batteries, bedding, identification, toiletries, clothing, etc…Shelters do not accept guns, alcohol or animals.
Additional hurricane information can be found on Horry County’s website. This link contains information on how to prepare for an emergency, evacuation routes and maps, re-entry information, shelters, etc. Horry County Emergency Management can also be followed on Facebook and Twitter.
When evacuating, it is important to take a road map. Motorists should be aware that law enforcement and the South Carolina National Guard may be posted along evacuation routes to provide assistance. Evacuation routes and maps are available on Horry County’s offical website.
On October 4, 2016 in County News, Emergencies, General, Public Safety
Date: October 4, 2016 Time: 12 p.m. Conway, South Carolina – Horry County has moved to OPCON 3 (Level 3 Operating Condition) in preparation of Hurricane Matthew. OPCON 3 means the storm poses a significant threat to Horry County. County officials are in continual discussions with South Carolina Emergency Management, coastal communities including local municipalities, the Governor’s office and will continue to monitor the situation closely. The Horry County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is NOT fully activated at this time however it is prepared to fully activate if the Governor issues a mandatory evacuation order. Should mandatory evacuation order be issued, it is important that residents are familiar with the evacuation zones as follows:
Prior to any evacuation orders, it is important that residents are familiar with the evacuation route that they will take:
Residents that live in Evacuation Zone C should utilize the closest available evacuation route to safely evacuate the area. When evacuating, it is important to take a road map. Motorists should be aware that law enforcement and the South Carolina National Guard may be posted along evacuation routes to provide assistance. Evacuation routes and maps are available on Horry County’s office website. Whether required to evacuate or not, citizens should:
If an evacuation order is given, 16-area schools will be opened as American Red Cross Shelters. Shelters should be considered as a place of last resort to ride out the storm, shelters may be crowded, they do not accept pets and not designed for comfort. When going to a shelter, citizens will need to take their own supplies such as batteries, bedding, identification, toiletries, clothing, etc…Shelters do not accept guns, alcohol or animals. To easily locate a shelter, download the American Red Cross’ Shelter Finder application on the Apple iTunes Store or Google Play. Additional hurricane information can be found on Horry County’s website. This link contains information on how to prepare for an emergency, evacuation routes and maps, re-entry information, shelters, etc.
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