Voluntary Evacuations in Georgetown County

Tropical Storm Hanna continues to move closer to the South Carolina coastline prompting voluntary evacuations in portions of Georgetown County. The evacuations are in effect for anyone living to the east of Highway 17(Business) in the County. Also, those who live in low lying areas and mobile homes throughout the County are encouraged to consider evacuating at this time.
“The main concern that we have right now is flooding along the immediate coast and a storm surge the Weather Service is predicting to be somewhere on the order of 2 to 4 feet,“ said Mike Mock, Director of Emergency Services for Georgetown County. Mock added that if the storm comes on shore in correlation with high tide that storm surge could be 7 to 8 feet higher than normal.
“Low lying areas right along the beach front and in the City of Georgetown are where we are most concerned about. There are some areas in the city that are prone to flooding and if this comes in at high tide than we expect some flooding within the city itself,“ said Mock.
Effects will begin in Georgetown County by Friday afternoon with tropical storm force winds forecasted by the evening.
The County has opened a shelter to take in people evacuating at Pleasant Hill Elementary School. The shelter will remain open until the storm passes.
To reach the shelter from Georgetown, travel north on Hwy. 701 toward Conway. Cross the Black River and turn left on Choppee Hwy. and travel aprox. 12 miles. At Carter’s Crossroads, turn left on Pleasant Hill Drive. Travel three miles and the school will be on the right.
Buses will pick-up those needing transportation to the shelter at designated pick-up points until 7:00 p.m. this evening and from 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. tomorrow (Friday) morning.
Pick-up points are:
Murrells Inlet Food Lion
Pawleys Island Waccamaw Middle School
Pawleys Island Waccamaw Elementary School
Pawleys Island St. Mary’s AME Church
Georgetown Old Wal Mart
Georgetown St. Stephen AME Church
Maryville Fool Lion

Voluntary evacuations have been put in place as a safe place to go for those to do not feel comfortable staying in their homes. If going to the shelter take the following:
blankets / sleeping bags
toiletries
prescription medication
books / games
and diapers /baby food if needed.
Pets and weapons are not allowed.

The Georgetown County Emergency Operations Center is now at OPCON 1 and will continue to be staffed 24-hrs a day until the storm has passed. Georgetown County Schools will be closed tomorrow. With the exception of mission essential personnel, School District Offices will be closed as well.