Ian is located about 60 miles east-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, and is moving quickly northward. Heavy rain, strong wind gusts and higher than normal water levels are already impacting parts of South and North Carolina. M​ultiple roads have been closed because of flooding in the Charleston metro area this morning, and the combination of storm surge and heavy rain flooded streets in Garden City, south of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Warning: A hurricane warning has been issued for areas along and near the coast of South Carolina, including Hilton Head Island, Charleston and Myrtle Beach, and for a portion of the North Carolina coastline northward to Cape Fear.

S​torm Surge: A storm surge warning remains in effect along the South Carolina coast northward to Cape Fear, North Carolina, including the lower Neuse River in North Carolina. This means life-threatening flooding from rising water moving inland from the coastline is expected.

W​ind Threat: Power outages and some tree damage could occur in areas under hurricane and tropical storm warnings, especially in the Carolinas.

Tornadoes: A few tornadoes are possible Friday from eastern South Carolina.

**A State of Emergency has been declared for South Carolina.** https://governor.sc.gov/news/2022-09/state-agencies-preparing-potential-impact-hurricane-ian

Evacuation Information

• South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD): Know Your Zone

Hurricane and Flood Safety Tips and Resources

• National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
• National Hurricane Preparedness: English|Spanish
• Ready.gov Disasters and Emergencies: Floods
• Ready.gov Disasters and Emergencies: Hurricanes
• American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood.html
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Flood Safety Tips: English|Spanish
• CDC Preparedness and Safety for Hurricanes and Flooding: Guide
• FEMA – How to Prepare for a Hurricane: Guide

Steps to Keep Yourself Safe After Flooding

• Watch your step. Floodwaters often hide sharp and dangerous debris, like broken glass and metal. Floodwater can also be contaminated with oil, gasoline or sewage.
• Wear the appropriate protective clothing and gear such as boots, gloves and safety glasses when moving debris.
• Stay away from electrical utility equipment after a storm, or if it is wet, to prevent being electrocuted. Report any utility issues to your local utility company.
• Flooded homes are hazards. Get a professional to check for loose wires, mold and hidden damage before re-entering.
• Use generators or other gas-powered machinery only outdoors and away from windows.
• Never drive into a road covered with flowing water. One foot of flowing water can sweep a car off the road; 2 feet will carry away an SUV or pickup. Even 6 inches of water can knock you off your feet. Never walk or drive through swift water. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
• Respect barricades and posted signage. If you encounter a flooded road, turn around. You’re not only putting your own life at risk, but also the lives of first responders.
• If you encounter a dark traffic signal, treat it as a four-way stop.

Ian is now a Tropical Storm and is located on the eastern coast of Florida. Ian is forecast to move over the Atlantic shortly. The forecast track has shifted slightly east since the last update. Ian is forecast to be near hurricane strength when it approaches South Carolina, and then weaken Friday night and Saturday as it moves across the southern coastal states. While the coast of South Carolina can expect the greatest impacts (heaviest rainfall, storm surge, coastal flooding, strongest winds, isolated tornado threat), this is a statewide event. It is highly likely that every portion of the state will experience impacts from Ian.  Almost the entire state of SC is within the Moderate risk of excessive rainfall, so flash flooding is to be expected.  Impacts for South Carolina begin today and will extend through Saturday.

**A State of Emergency has been declared for South Carolina, effective as of 3pm yesterday.** https://governor.sc.gov/news/2022-09/state-agencies-preparing-potential-impact-hurricane-ian

Hurricane and Flood Safety Tips and Resources

• National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
• National Hurricane Preparedness: English|Spanish
• Ready.gov Disasters and Emergencies: Floods
• Ready.gov Disasters and Emergencies: Hurricanes
• American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood.html
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Flood Safety Tips: English|Spanish
• CDC Preparedness and Safety for Hurricanes and Flooding: Guide
• FEMA – How to Prepare for a Hurricane: Guide