News and Announcements

HURRICANE DORIAN UPDATE

Horry County Government's offices, and all circuit/family and magistrates courts will be closed Thursday, September 5, 2019, and Friday, September 6, 2019. At this time, Horry County Government offices will remain open on a normal operating schedule Wednesday, September 4, 2019. However, staffing may be lighter than usual and we encourage members of the public to call before they travel to the Government and Justice Center to ensure the office they are visiting is open. 

In addition, the Public Safety Committee meeting scheduled to take place next week on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 has been cancelled. 

Between 60 to 70 percent of Horry County’s workforce are deemed “essential” employees and will be working to support the Horry County Emergency Operations Center, the ongoing evacuation of Horry County Zone A and the needs of our citizens and local businesses. 

Other items of interest:

• The Myrtle Beach International Airport will remain open. People are encouraged to check with their airlines on flight status throughout the rest of the week and this weekend.
• The Horry County Museum and Living History Farm has cancelled all programming through Saturday, September 7, including The Museum Matinee, Cooking Demonstrations at the Farm, Jr. Farmers, Farm Harvest Day, and Lee Brockington: Women of the Waccamaw.
• The Horry County Phone Bank is operational and can be reached with questions at: 843-915-5150.

HURRICANE DORIAN UPDATE

September 2, 2019, 9:00 AM 

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has issued an evacuation order for Horry and Georgetown counties to officially begin at 12 p.m. today, Sept. 2, 2019. This evacuation order is for Horry County Zone A (see Zone information below). Additionally, evacuations include all low-lying areas, mobile homes, and campground sites.

The Horry County Emergency Operations Center will open today at 10:00 a.m. in response to the evacuation. Horry County Government will move to OPCON 1 at 12:00 p.m. today to support the evacuation order. The Horry County Phone Bank is now open at 843-915-5150.

The Governor also ordered that schools in Horry County and state government offices close beginning Tuesday, September 3, 2019. County offices will be open tomorrow on a regular operating schedule. 

In anticipation of possible effects on Horry County from the tropical system, Horry County Emergency Management wants to remind all citizens that waiting for a watch or warning is waiting too long! Begin preparation now by:

• Surveying your property to mitigate potential flooding, such as making sure storm drains and gutters are clear of debris. 
• Having family hurricane plans in place.
• Ensuring family emergency/hurricane kits are ready; including items like water, batteries, flashlights, etc. 
• Continually monitoring reputable weather information sources such as local media or the National Hurricane Center for the most up to date hurricane information.
• Keeping vehicles fueled up and serviced. 
• Being sure that you Know Your Zone! Go to Horry County’s website at http://www.horrycounty.org/Departments/EmergencyManagement/Hurricanes/KnowYourZone to find your zone.
• Knowing where you will evacuate if asked to.
• Making plans for pets.

Additional hurricane information can be found on Horry County’s website at www.horrycounty.org.

Horry County Emergency Management Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/horrycountyemergencymanagementdepartment

Horry County Emergency Management Twitter: https://twitter.com/HorryEMD

ZONE A

Evacuation areas for ZONE A include: 

• All areas east of U.S. Business 17 up to the intersection with US 17
• All areas east of U.S. 17 to the northern county line

HORRY COUNTY EVACUATION ROUTES

• North Myrtle Beach and northward: Evacuees from north of Briarcliffe Acres will take SC 9 north to I-95 and beyond.
• Briarcliffe Acres south to Myrtle Beach 10th Avenue North: Evacuees in Briarcliffe Acres south to 10th Avenue North will take SC 22 (Conway Bypass) to US 501 to Marion. In Marion, they may then take US 76 to Florence to access I-95 southbound or they may stay on US 501 to SC 38 to access I-95 northbound.
• Myrtle Beach, from 10th Avenue North south to the Myrtle Beach International Airport: Evacuees from the Myrtle Beach area south of 10th Avenue North and north of the Myrtle Beach International Airport will take US 501 to Conway. They may then take US 378 to Columbia or continue on US 501 to Marion. In Marion, they may then take US 76 to Florence to access I-95 southbound or they may stay on US 501 to SC 38 to access I-95 northbound.
• Myrtle Beach International Airport southward through Surfside Beach: Evacuees from the Myrtle Beach International Airport south through Surfside Beach will take SC 544 to US 501 to Conway. They may then take US 378 to Columbia or continue on US 501 to Marion. In Marion, they may then take US 76 to Florence to access I-95 southbound or they may stay on US 501 to SC 38 to access I-95 northbound.
• Garden City Beach south to Winyah Bay: Evacuees from Garden City Beach south to Winyah Bay will take US 17 south through Georgetown. They will then take US 521 to SC 261 to US 378 to Columbia. Alternatively, they may take US 17 south to US 701 in Georgetown to SC 51 to US 378 at Kingsburg.

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 at http://www.horrycounty.org/Departments/EmergencyManagement.aspx .