South Carolina Coast Ordered To Evacuate Ahead Of Hurricane Florence

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) on Monday ordered a mandatory evacuation of the state’s coastline ahead of Hurricane Florence’s expected arrival on Thursday. Approximately 1 million people in eight counties have until noon on Tuesday to evacuate, the governor said. Four major roads will reverse their traffic lanes to help facilitate the mass exodus. “We’re in for a real episode here,” McMaster said at a press conference. “This may be inconvenient. This is a very dangerous hurricane. But we are not going to gamble with the lives of the people of South Carolina.” The eight counties under evacuation are Jasper, Beaufort, Colleton, Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley, Georgetown and Horry. The roads where traffic is being reversed are I-26 from Charleston to Columbia, Highway 501 in Myrtle Beach, and Highways 278 and 21 in Beaufort County. Public schools and state agencies in 26 counties will also be closed Tuesday until further notice, authorities said. The state’s emergency management division has posted additional information on the evacuations and how to prepare. The hurricane, which strengthened to a Category 4 on Monday, is expected to intensify as it approaches the Carolinas, said John Quagliariello with the National Weather Service. He described the storm as “extremely large and dangerous.” President Donald Trump on Monday evening approved emergency declarations in South Carolina and North Carolina. Earlier on Monday, Trump took to Twitter to urge “the incredible citizens of North Carolina, South Carolina and the entire East Coast” to “take all necessary precautions” as the storm approaches. “We have already began mobilizing our assets to respond accordingly, and we are here for you!” he tweeted.