Gov. McMaster, state leaders to hold briefing on Hurricane Isaias

Photo: Live 5 News

By Patrick Phillips and Ray Rivera | July 31, 2020 at 1:46 PM EDT - Updated July 31 at 1:59 PM

WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) - Gov. Henry McMaster will hold a briefing Friday afternoon on the state’s preparation for Hurricane Isaias.

That briefing is scheduled for 4 p.m. from the state’s Emergency Operations Center in West Columbia.

The latest forecast track, updated by the National Hurricane Center Friday morning,showed a slight shift to the west, meaning it would likely pass closer to the South Carolina coast. It also changed the estimated timing closer to 8 a.m. Monday morning.

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The storm is expected to be a Category 1 hurricane when it passes by the state. But the National Weather Service says there will be a high rip current risk starting Saturday and continuing until after Isaias passes by.The South Carolina Emergency Management Division urged South Carolinians to make necessary preparations ahead of the storm.

RELATED: Here’s a stock-up checklist for your hurricane survival kit

“We’ve been watching Hurricane Isaias very closely over the past few days,” SCEMD Director Kim Stenson said, “There is still a lot of uncertainty in the forecast. It will be important for everyone to review their hurricane plans now and pay close attention to the forecasts over the weekend.”

Residents should review their personal safety plans and consider actions they would need to take if the storm threatens the state:

  • Be sure your emergency supplies kit has enough bottled water and non-perishable food to sustain each family member for three days. Include a weather radio, flashlight, extra batteries, chargers, toiletries, change of clothes, blankets or sleeping bag, rain gear and appropriate footwear. Also include copies of important documents, such as birth certificates and insurance policies.
  • Prepare your home for tropical storm conditions by making sure gutters are cleaned, storm drains are clear and any lawn furniture can be secured.
  • Keep your cell phones and mobile devices charged in case of power outages.
  • Gather pet supplies and put them in an easily-accessible container.
  • Know Your Zone. Residents in coastal counties can know their hurricane evacuation zone instantly by visitingscemd.org/KnowYourZoneor downloading the SC Emergency Manager mobile app.
  • Stay tuned to local media for the latest advisories from the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center (NHC), as well as state and local emergency management officials.
  • Follow trusted, verified sources for the latest news and be prepared to follow the instructions of state and local public safety officials.

Residents should download the SC Emergency Manager mobile app to build a personal emergency plan, keep track of emergency supplies, and have a way to stay connected with loved ones in addition to official emergency information. The SC Emergency Manager is available in the App Store and on Google Play: http://onelink.to/dn92rx

The official 2020 S.C. Hurricane Guide is available at scemd.organd can be found locally at any Walgreens, select Piggly Wiggly locations, coastal DMV offices and all South Carolina Welcome Centers.

The South Carolina Emergency Response Team remains at Operational Condition Level Two for COVID-19 response and for Hurricane Isaias. The state’s emergency operations center is partially activated to respond to requests for resources should they be needed by local emergency managers. 

Copyright 2020 WCSC. All rights reserved.


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