Voluntary evacuations called for in Horry, Georgetown counties

SCDOT sign on Bypass 17 directing evacuees to use 501 N. to I-95.

By: Associated Press | SCNow
Published: September 04, 2008

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ Gov. Mark Sanford has called for voluntary evacuations in Georgetown and Horry counties as Tropical Storm Hanna moves slowly toward South Carolina's coast.

Sanford said during a news conference Thursday that three emergency shelters in those areas would be opened for residents needing assistance.

The governor says the storm will likely make landfall in North Carolina but said South Carolina would be ready to react if the path changes.

Earlier Thursday, the National Weather Service issued hurricane watches for much of South Carolina's coastline, meaning hurricane conditions are possible within 36 hours.

The weather service says tropical storm force winds could reach the state's northern coast by Friday afternoon and tides could be up to four feet above normal.