Horry County update: Shelters opened at 8 a.m.

CONWAY – Two shelters opened as of 8 a.m. today for individuals who wish to evacuate: South Conway Elementary School on 3001 Fourth Avenue and Loris Elementary at 901 Highway 9 Business East.  Shelters are not designed to be comfortable, but are designed to be a safe place to ride out a storm.  Individuals should bring blankets, pillow/sleeping bags, toys, identification and important documents, medicine, toiletries, etc.  Pets, firearms, and alcohol are not allowed.

Horry County remains at a Level 1 Operating Condition (OPCON 1) in preparation for Tropical Storm Hanna.  OPCON 1 means that the storm poses a significant threat to Horry County and evacuation orders have been issued.  County officials are in continual discussions with South Carolina Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, and coastal communities including local municipalities. 

Horry County could start to experience tropical storm force winds around 3 p.m. this afternoon.  The current track brings Hanna into the Horry/Georgetown county border as a strong tropical storm.  As the storm makes landfall around 2 a.m. Saturday morning, residents of Horry County should expect 70 m.p.h. sustained winds, 2-4 inches of rain, and a chance of isolated tornadoes.  A storm surge of 9-10 feet is expected with Tropical Storm Hanna with beach erosion likely in the Garden City Beach and Cherry Grove areas.

In preparation for Tropical Storm Hanna, The Coast RTA will be providing free transportation to either of the two voluntary evacuation shelters (South Conway Elementary & Loris Elementary) from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. today.  This free service will evacuate passengers to the designated shelters and will provide return transportation to the original pick up point.  See attached flyer for additional information.

Citizens are strongly encouraged to stay off the roads this afternoon and into Saturday morning unless it is an emergency due to the expected strong winds.

Citizens who do not have a disaster kit should consider obtaining supplies now such as water, ice, a battery powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, first aid supplies (including any prescriptions), tools, a tarp, and other emergency supplies.  It is anticipated that Tropical Storm Hanna will leave behind a large amount of vegetative debris which may affect power and travel.  Citizens are reminded not to remove any debris from power lines; even though the power may be off the lines may still be “live.“