Georgetown County update: Bus service ends

During Tropical Storm Hanna, bridges will NOT be closed in Georgetown County. 

At some point, however, it may become dangerous to cross bridges.

Buses for those needing transportation to shelters stopped running at 1 p.m.  The reason is due to this fact:  when sustained winds of 30 MPH or greater strike the side of a bus, then forces can exceed 500 pounds per square inch (psi).  Such impacts by wind can greatly diminish drivers’ abilities to control and steer buses.

All Greyhound buses coming into Georgetown and Myrtle Beach have been cancelled.  County offices closed at 2 p.m. 

This afternoon, storm force winds may start about 2 p.m.  By tonight, the strongest winds are expected to blow from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. with the peak occurring from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.  The worst case scenario calls for wind speeds on the beachfront at 50 to 60 MPH with gusts up to hurricane strength.  Western portions of the county should experience winds of 40 to 45 MPH with gusts up to 60 to 65 MPH.

According to the current path, the eye of the Tropical Storm Hanna is expected to make landfall around Bulls Bay near McClellanville.  By about 4 a.m., the eye should pass over the City of Georgetown (our county seat).

Tornadoes may occur at the center or east of the center of the eye of the storm.

Weather conditions in Georgetown County should return to normal about 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Campers have been advised to leave Huntington State Park Beach.  Low-lying areas may experience flooding.

In the Pawleys Island area, tides are expected to run about 4 feet above normal which means that Myrtle Avenue will be under water and dangerous in a number of places.  The same thing will happen at a couple of places on Spring Street.  There may be washing of the roads (and under the houses) in the last one or two groin cells.  This is, of course, salt water which is highly corrosive to automobiles.  Officers will probably man the causeways this evening and try to control sight seeing (or worse) by only letting people on the island who have business (officers discretion) being on the island.

In the city of Georgetown, motorists are urged to avoid areas that commonly flood like Frasier Street from Front to Highmarket, Front from Fraser to Cleland, Prince from Fraser to Cleland, and Dozier from Church to Highmarket.  Please anticipate that the south bound lane of Fraser Street will be closed due to flooding.  Such flooding may impede access to the Sampit River Bridge going to Maryville.

Please do not cross barriers warning of flood dangers.  Six inches of flood waters will reach passenger cars’ bottoms causing stalling; A foot of water will float away many cars.  SUVs and pickups will be carried away by only two feet of rushing water.

VOLUNTARY EVACUATION remains in effect for the portions of Georgetown County east of Hwy. 17 (Business).  Additionally, those in low lying areas and mobile homes throughout the County are encouraged to consider evacuating at this time. 

The shelter at Pleasant Hill Elementary School is open and will remain open until the storm has passed. 

To reach the shelter from Georgetown, travel north on Hwy. 701 toward Conway.  Cross the Black River and turn left on Choppee Highway and travel about 12 miles.  At Carter’s Crossroads, turn left on Pleasant Hill Drive.  Travel three miles and the school will be on the right. 

The shelter is a safe place to go for those to do not feel comfortable staying in their homes.  But, those going to the shelter should take blankets / sleeping bags, toiletries, prescription medication, books / games, and diapers /baby food if needed.  Pets and weapons are not allowed.