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Governor McMaster Addresses Hurricane Preparedness in SC

State officials convene at the Charleston Emergency Operations Center to outline strategies for the hurricane season.

News Summary

Governor Henry McMaster held a media briefing in North Charleston focusing on hurricane preparedness for the upcoming season. Highlighting statistics from last year’s storm activity, he urged South Carolinians to prepare for potential hurricanes. Emergency management officials provided critical steps for preparation, including understanding evacuation routes and zones. The state is actively refining its response strategies based on lessons learned from Hurricane Helene, emphasizing that preparedness is essential for all regions of South Carolina, not just coastal areas.

North Charleston, SC – Governor Henry McMaster addressed hurricane preparedness during a media briefing held at the Charleston Emergency Operations Center on Palmetto Commerce Parkway. This meeting involved state and local emergency management officials and aimed to outline South Carolina’s response strategies for the upcoming 2025 hurricane season, which officially begins in June.

One significant aspect of the briefing was the presentation of last year’s hurricane statistics, reported by Ron Morales, the Warning Coordinator Meteorologist with the National Weather Service Charleston Office. He indicated that the previous season saw 18 named storms and 11 hurricanes, both figures above normal. The official tropical outlook for the 2025 season is expected to be released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on May 22.

During the briefing, Governor McMaster stressed that hurricanes have the potential to impact the entirety of South Carolina. He noted the profound effects of Hurricane Helene, which was recorded as the deadliest storm in the state’s history last year. This highlighted the importance of comprehensive preparedness measures across the state.

The state leadership has been actively preparing for the 2025 hurricane season since the previous winter, bolstered by lessons learned from past events. Rob Perry, deputy secretary for engineering with the SC Department of Transportation, urged residents to begin their emergency preparations now rather than waiting for official warnings or press conferences.

Kim Stenson, the director of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD), outlined three critical steps for citizens to take: prepare their homes for potential storms, understand their designated evacuation zones, and familiarize themselves with evacuation routes. This proactive approach is essential for ensuring safety during severe weather events.

Lt. Col. Travis Manley of the South Carolina Highway Patrol emphasized the necessity of maintaining safe traffic movement during potential evacuations. He noted that planning and coordination would be key to a smooth response when the time comes.

It was also noted by Ms. Stenson that the effects of hurricanes in South Carolina can extend far beyond the coastal areas, affecting regions as far as the Upstate and western parts of the state. This underscores the need for timely and effective community-wide preparedness.

Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, South Carolina’s hurricane response plans remain unchanged as they approach the new season. The SCEMD encourages the public to access the 2025 hurricane guides, which are critical resources containing emergency preparedness information, power outage procedures, and evacuation maps.

The state will continue its preparation efforts into June, including an annual lane reversal drill set for June 4. This drill is designed to practice evacuation strategies, with the South Carolina Highway Patrol overseeing traffic to ensure the safety of drivers during the simulation.

In summary, South Carolina officials, led by Governor McMaster, are putting in place comprehensive strategies to prepare for the 2025 hurricane season. With the significant storms of last year still fresh in their minds, the emphasis on individual and community preparedness remains paramount as the state gears up for potential hurricane threats in the coming months.