Georgetown County is expected to receive impacts from Hurricane Ian beginning Friday, Sept. 30. Anticipated impacts include heavy rainfall, storm surge, gusty winds and a risk for isolated tornadoes.
As of the 5 a.m. Advisory on Sept. 30, the forecast track brings Ian in for a second landfall between Charleston and Georgetown around 2 p.m. Friday. In addition to regaining strength and tracking more north and east, Ian is now forecast to deliver higher peak storm surge values during the day tomorrow. Storm surge inundation of 4-7 feet above ground level is forecast from Murrells Inlet south. The most significant storm surge will occur with tomorrow's high tides. Additionally, rainfall totals of 6-8 inches are forecast from this evening through Saturday, along with strong winds that could have gusts of hurricane strength.
"The forecast for Ian is subject to future change, as we have experienced over the past several forecast advisories, so please maintain situational awareness and stay vigilant for changing conditions," advises Brandon Ellis, Georgetown County Emergency Services Director.
Other important information:
- Georgetown County is currently at OPCON 1, which indicates "full alert."
- The county's Emergency Operations Center will be partially activated on Sept. 30.
- There are no planned evacuations.
- No emergency shelters are scheduled to open in Georgetown County.
- Georgetown County declared a State of Emergency on Thursday afternoon.
- The county will not be providing sandbags for this event. Sandbags are available at most hardware stores.
- Georgetown County bridges do not close due to wind. No bridge closures are or will be scheduled. The only reasons the Georgetown bridges would close would be in the event of structural damage or temporarily for the clearing of a vehicle accident.
- Georgetown County government offices will be closed on Friday, Sept. 30. Essential employees will still report to work.
- The Auditor’s Office will continue to accept high mileage appeals for vehicle taxes due Sept. 30 on Monday, Oct. 3. Additionally, the Treasurer’s Office will delay any penalties on real estate taxes that would have gone into effect on Sept. 30. Taxes due Sept. 30 may be paid Monday, Oct. 3, without additional penalties.
- County recycling centers and the landfill are closed Friday, Sept. 30. Normal operations will resume on Saturday.
- Courts are cancelled on Sept. 30.
- A burn ban is in effect until further notice.
- Pawleys Island causeways are closed.
Check back here for updates as the situation progresses and check for more frequent updates, videos and more on our Facebook pages: facebook.com/gtcounty and facebook.com/gcemd.