09 Sep 2017 | 08:36 PM UTC
United States: Evacuations ordered for islands of South Carolina September 8 /update 3
Governor orders evacuation of barrier islands of South Carolina on September 8; to be completed by 10:00 local time September 9
Event
Hurricane Irma continues head toward the continental US, with maximum sustained winds of nearly 250 km/h (155 mph) on Friday, September 8. As of 20:00 ET, the center of Hurricane Irma was roughly 510 km (315 miles) southwest of Miami, and moving west-northwest at 19 km/h (12mph).
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster ordered mandatory evacuations of islands of South Carolina on Friday, September 8. The evacuation order applies to the islands in Coleton, Beaufort, and Jasper counties, and is to be completed by 10:00 (local time) on Saturday, September 9.
Context
Mandatory evacuations have already been ordered for much of southern and central Florida and the Atlantic coast of Georgia.
At least ten people have been killed across the Caribbean as a result of the massive storm, including four in the US Virgin Islands. Hurricane warnings are currently in place for Florida (Sebastian Inlet southward around the Florida peninsula to Anna Maria Island, the Florida Keys, Lake Okeechobee, and Florida Bay), Cuba (provinces of Camaguey, Ciego de Avila, Sancti Spiritus, and Villa Clara), and the Central and Northwestern Bahamas. There is also a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning in Cuba (Guantanamo, Holguin, Las Tunas, and Matanzas provinces). Storm Surge Watches are in effect for Florida (North of Sebastion Inlet to the Flagler/Volusia County line, North of Venice to Anclote River, and Tampa Bay).
Advice
Individuals present in South Carolina and the southeast US are advised to keep abreast of weather alerts, confirm travel reservations, avoid coastal areas due to the risk of flooding, and adhere to all advice issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult. Finally, because floodwater may also contain wastewater or chemical products, wear boots and try to avoid any contact with the water. All items having come into contact with the water should be washed and disinfected. Dispose of any food that may have come into contact with floodwater.
