Public news and announcements are brought to you by the Horry County Public Information Office.
On September 8, 2017 in Emergencies
Date: 8 September 2017
Time: 4 p.m.
Conway, South Carolina – Even though Hurricane Irma’s track has shifted, Horry County Government will closely monitor the storm over the weekend and is in continuous conversations with the National Weather Service and state officials. Horry County remains at OPCON 4 which means that Hurricane Irma still poses a potential threat to Horry County. The Horry County Emergency Operations Center is NOT open at this time.
With its current track, Horry County can expect to see up to five inches of rain, minor coastal flooding and rough surf with possible rip currents. There is also an elevated chance of tornadoes late Sunday into early Monday morning. Low lying and flood prone areas could be in jeopardy of seeing some level of overflow.
In anticipation of possible effects on Horry County from the tropical system, the National Weather Service has issued warnings of high rip current risk along Horry County’s beaches. This means that the surf is dangerous to all levels of swimmers. All beach goers are urged to heed the advice of lifeguards. Additional safety tips include:
Additional swimming safety information can be found on the National Weather Service website.
Residents of Horry County should plan to have all hurricane preparation completed by midday Saturday in the event that this tropical system’s track changes. Citizens should stay tuned to local media or the National Hurricane Center for the most up to date hurricane location information.
Additional hurricane information can be found on Horry County’s website.
Horry County Emergency Management Facebook
Horry County Emergency Management Twitter
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Conway, South Carolina – Horry County remains at Operating Condition 4 (OPCON) this morning however, county staff will continue conversations with state officials. OPCON 4 means that Hurricane Irma still poses a potential threat to Horry County.
Hurricane Irma’s track is still uncertain however citizens should continue to monitor this dangerous system. Citizens should be finishing up preparations today and tomorrow should the storm change track. The following are steps to take to prepare:
Additional hurricane information can be found on Horry County’s website at www.horrycounty.org.
Horry County Operating Condition (OPCON) Levels
OPCON 5: Normal day to day operations
OPCON 4: Storm poses possible threat: The possibility of an emergency or disaster situation that may require activation of the Emergency Operation Center (EOC).
OPCON 3: Storm poses significant threat: A disaster or emergency situation is likely. Most likely the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) has been or will be activated (either partially or fully based on the severity of the event).
OPCON 2: Evacuation order imminent: A disaster or emergency situation is imminent or in effect.
OPCON 1: Evacuation order issued: A major disaster or emergency is in effect. This is the highest state of emergency situation and the Emergency Operations Center is fully activated. This also applies to post disaster operations.
On September 7, 2017 in Emergencies
Date: 7 September 2017
Time: 5 p.m.
Conway, South Carolina – Horry County will move to OPCON 3 (Level 3 Operating Condition) in preparation of Hurricane Irma as of 8 a.m. Friday, September 8, 2017. 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 activated at this time.
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:
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.
Residents that reside 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, the following 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 free 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.
On August 29, 2017 in Emergencies, Public Safety
Date: 29 August 2017
Time: 8 a.m.
Subtropical Storm 10 Update:
Conway, South Carolina – Horry County has moved to Operating Condition (OPCON) 5, which is normal operating conditions, as of this morning. The Horry County Emergency Operations Center was not opened however Horry Emergency Management is available for questions, concerns, etc.
Beachgoers should continue to heed the advice of lifeguards as the National Weather Service still lists our area under a moderate rip current risk. This means that beachgoers should swim close to lifeguards and obey the flag warning system.
Residents in low lying or flood prone areas along the Waccamaw River are advised to monitor the water levels closely as the National Weather Service river forecast has the river peaking at 11’5” on Thursday, August 31, 2017.
Drivers are cautioned to NEVER DRIVE THROUGH WATER! It only takes a small amount of water to sweep a vehicle away.
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 August 28, 2017 in Emergencies, Public Safety
Date: 28 August 2017
Potential Tropical Cyclone 10 Update:
Conway, South Carolina – Horry County has moved to a Level 4 Operating Condition (OPCON 4) as of 8 a.m. this morning in preparation for potential tropical cyclone 10. OPCON 4 puts Horry County on “alert” status, which means county officials have begun discussions with South Carolina Emergency Management, coastal communities including local municipalities, and will continue to monitor the situation closely. The Horry County Emergency Operations Center is not activated at this time, however Horry County Emergency Management will continue to keep the public aware of changes in the forecast and appropriate action will be taken as necessary.
In anticipation of possible effects on Horry County from the tropical system, the National Weather Service issued a tropical storm watch for all of coastal South Carolina. A tropical storm watch means that hazardous weather is likely in the warning area within the next 48-hours.
Horry County may see winds to 35 miles per hour as the system moves by with rainfall amounts of three to six inches or more possible. Citizens are reminded to never drive through moving water, to avoid flooded areas and to report any downed power lines to the utility company.
Citizens should also have their family hurricane plans in place; including items that may be needed like water, batteries, flashlights, etc. Additional hurricane information can be found on Horry County’s website at www.horrycounty.org.
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