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
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