Gov. Henry McMaster (R-SC) is warning his state’s citizens that their individual actions ahead of and during Hurricane Ian will be the biggest determinant as to how they weather the storm.
He explained, “We know what’s coming,” during a press conference Thursday. “The real danger” and the “biggest variable” is “human reaction,” according to McMaster, who will face former U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham in the state’s gubernatorial election in November.
SHOCKING FOOTAGE REVEALS SCALE OF HURRICANE IAN’S DEVASTATION
A representative from the National Weather Service said Ian is “275 miles south of Charleston” and correctly predicted that it would intensify from tropical storm status back into a hurricane before it arrives. He stressed that there is potential for landfall in South Carolina. This would be the first hurricane to make landfall in the state since Matthew in 2016.
The entirety of South Carolina’s coast is under a hurricane warning, and winds of 60-70 mph will develop on the coast Thursday evening.
The hurricane is anticipated to arrive in the state at around 8:00 a.m. Friday morning and spend the following 12 hours there.
“Just a reminder,” McMaster told the press. “I have not ordered any closings. I have not ordered any evacuations, nor land reversals or state government closings.”
“Those decisions are left, of course, to the local level,” he added.
He further claimed that he was in contact with counties regarding their various statuses. According to the governor, the storm’s effect will vary county by county.
He warned that there will be a lot of water in Charleston, a city that is no stranger to storms.
He further emphasized that this is a “serious storm” but added, “We can handle this if we use our heads and follow the rules.”
“Call your family … tell them where you’re going to be,” McMaster advised his citizens. He further told them to get to the store to stock up ahead of the storm’s arrival. If they’re leaving, he told them to make sure to account for their pets and bring any medications they may need as well.
“Take everything you’re going to need with you,” he said.
The governor revealed that he has spoken with both Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) regarding the storm. McMaster additionally claimed that he has discussed the storm with Govs. Roy Cooper (D-NC) and Brian Kemp (R-GA) and that he communicated with Ron DeSantis’s (R-FL) office.
He described his communications with the leaders as “a remarkable full team effort.”
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“You can’t stop mother nature, but we can take care of ourselves,” he concluded.
