Gov. McMaster declares state of emergency for SC

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) — Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency for South Carolina in anticipation of Hurricane Helene .

Gov. McMaster issued an executive order Wednesday.

Although South Carolina will likely avoid the brunt of Hurricane Helene’s impacts, the storm is still expected to bring dangerous flooding, high winds, and isolated tornadoes to many parts of the state. This State of Emergency ensures that Team South Carolina has the necessary resources in place to respond to these potential impacts. South Carolinians in potentially affected areas should start to take precautions now and monitor local weather forecasts over the next several days.”

Gov. Henry McMaster

The order activated the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan and has the South Carolina Emergency Management Division to work with state agencies and local agencies to prepare for any requests.

The National Hurricane Center advised around 11 a.m. Wednesday that Helene is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane Thursday evening.

As of Wednesday, a tropical storm watch is in effect for the Upstate and Western North Carolina. 7NEWS meteorologists said to expect widespread gusts of 39 mph or higher late Thursday night into Friday morning.

A flood watch has also been issued for the areas until Friday afternoon around 2 p.m.

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