Governor Henry McMaster has issued Executive Order 2025-33, declaring a State of Emergency for South Carolina in preparation for the potential impacts of Tropical Disturbance 94L (Note: the storm is now known as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine and will become known as Imelda if the storm strengthens). The governor urged all South Carolinians to closely monitor forecasts and begin taking proper precautions immediately.
The executive order activates the state’s Emergency Operations Plan and directs the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) to begin statewide preparation and coordination procedures. This involves working with all relevant local, state, and federal agencies in advance of the potential landfall of a Tropical Storm or Hurricane. The declaration also makes state and local emergency management agencies eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursement for storm-related expenses.
Officials anticipate that while the exact track, speed, and intensity of the storm remain uncertain, it will bring significant wind, heavy rainfall, and flooding across the entire state of South Carolina.
South Carolina residents and visitors are advised to review their hurricane plans now, especially those in low-lying or vulnerable areas. The public should monitor the storm via local news media and follow updates from the National Hurricane Center.
Residents in potentially impacted areas are reminded to take several key precautions:
- Review emergency plans with family members, discussing evacuation routes and communication methods.
- Build a disaster supply kit with at least three days of water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and necessary medications for both people and pets.
- Stay informed by downloading the S.C. Emergency Manager app and following SCEMD and county emergency management agencies on social media.
- Plan for power outages by charging cell phones and gathering backup chargers.
SCEMD offers several resources for hurricane preparation, including the interactive tool hurricane.sc, and the official 2025 S.C. Hurricane Guide available in English or Spanish at scemd.org.
Visit Carolina Weather Authority for the latest daily updates.
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