South Carolina Emergency Management Division Press Release

The SCEMD just put out this press release regarding Subtropical Storm Ana:

SCEMD Monitors Subtropical Storm Ana

 

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Friday, May 8, 2015, 11:15 a.m.) – The first named storm of 2015 has formed and will affect South Carolina this weekend.  The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for portions of the South Carolina coast. Forecasters expect Subtropical Storm Ana to produce heavy rain, gusty wind and rough surf. The S.C. Emergency Management Division, county emergency managers and state agencies are monitoring the latest forecasts and planning as necessary. 

 

“We were fortunate to be able to discuss the storm with the Director of the National Hurricane Center in person during his Hurricane Hunter stop at Myrtle Beach on Wednesday,” SCEMD Director Kim Stenson said, “We’ve also met with the county emergency managers and the state agencies who are a part of our Hurricane Task Force. We’re prepared to respond to any requests for state assistance.”

 

SCEMD will increase its state of operational readiness to Condition 4 at noon today. OpCon4 is the second lowest of five operational conditions. Personnel representing key state response agencies were notified to review plans and procedures and are on call if needed.

 

SCEMD urges everyone to review emergency plans and use caution as conditions warrant:

·         Monitor local media and NOAA Weather Radio for the most current weather conditions.

·         Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards and local emergency officials.

·         Know the meaning of and obey warnings represented by colored beach flags.

·         Be aware of potential flash flooding. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move to higher ground. Do not wait to be told to move.

·         If time allows, prepare your home for a flood by moving essential items to an upper floor, bring in outdoor furniture, disconnect electrical appliances and be prepared to turn off the gas, electricity and water.

·         Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

·         Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.

 

Resources:

·         Visit www.scemd.org for updates and preparation information.

·         All SCEMD social feeds are here: www.tinyurl.com/SocialSCEMD.

·         Real-time travel information from SCDOT: http://www.scdot.org/getting/travelAdvisories.aspx.

·         The National Hurricane Center: www.hurricanes.gov.

 

The 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins June 1 and lasts until November 30.