Video from U.S. National Weather's Service, Turn Around Don't Drown PSA
Governor Nikki Haley has declared a State of Emergency in advance of any potential impacts from Hurricane Joaquin and flooding from a separate weather system. The Governor’s State of Emergency declaration puts state emergency plans into effect, enabling agencies to better coordinate resources jointly and respond to requests for state assistance from county emergency managers.
According to the Weather Channel, "Hurricane Joaquin intensified to an extremely dangerous Category 4 storm Thursday afternoon and continues to hammer the central Bahamas with hurricane-force winds, storm surge flooding and torrential rain."
Hurricane Joaquin is currently a Category 4 hurricane with an uncertain track. The storm could bring dangerous rip currents, higher tides, and additional rain to the coastal areas already experiencing flood conditions. Forecasters with the National Weather Service predict that heavy rain from a separate weather system will create flash flood conditions throughout the entire state.
Everyone in South Carolina is urged to continue to monitor the developing forecasts through news media and by following trusted sources online. Pay attention to emergency warnings from local and state public safety officials and take safety actions if instructed to do so.
