Gov. McMaster declares state of emergency for South Carolina

State officials to hold briefing on Saturday, Sept. 27
Gov. Henry McMaster issued executive order 2025-33, declaring a State of Emergency in preparation for the potential impacts of Tropical Disturbance 94L, and asks South Carolinians to monitor forecasts and begin taking proper precautions.
McMaster’s order activates the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan and directs the South Carolina Emergency Management Division to commence statewide preparation and coordination procedures with all relevant local, state, and federal agencies in advance of the landfall of a potential Tropical Storm or Hurricane.
“As this storm approaches our coast, I am issuing a State of Emergency to ensure Team South Carolina is able to access and deploy the resources and personnel needed to prepare for and respond to this storm,” said McMaster.
The order also allows state and local emergency management agencies to be eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursement for storm-related expenses.
“While the storm’s arrival, speed, and intensity remain hard to predict, we do know that it will bring significant wind, heavy rainfall, and flooding across the ENTIRE state of South Carolina,” he said. “We have seen this before. Now is the time to start paying attention to forecasts, updates, and alerts from official sources and begin making preparations.”
McMaster and state officials will hold a briefing at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the South Carolina Emergency Operations Center in West Columbia.
SCETV will provide coverage via livestream at SouthCarolinaETV on YouTube or www.youtube.com/@SouthCarolinaETV/streams
According to forecasters at the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Disturbance 94L is located near Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and eastern Cuba. It is expected to strengthen over the weekend and become a tropical storm. While the storm’s track is uncertain, it poses a large risk of wind, heavy rainfall, and storm surge to coastal areas.
South Carolina residents and visitors in potentially vulnerable areas should review their hurricane plans now.
Everyone should monitor the storm via local news media and follow updates from the National Hurricane Center, especially people in low-lying areas.
Stay informed by downloading the S.C. Emergency Manager app, following SCEMD and county emergency management agencies on social media, and listening to local news outlets for updates.
Plan for power outages by charging cell phones and gathering backup chargers.
SCEMD has several resources available to help people prepare for hurricanes, including hurricane.sc. This site is an interactive tool for anyone needing a quick reference on hurricane preparedness.