September 29, 2022

Friends, 

I hope you and your family are well! I wanted to provide you with a few updates regarding what’s going on with Hurricane Ian and some resources to help you prepare for the storm as it makes its way to South Carolina –

Preparing for the Storm

After much devastation to southwest Florida, Hurricane Ian is on the move and is projected to hit South Carolina, bringing tropical storm conditions, high winds, and heavy rain. South Carolinians, be prepared, stay updated, and plan for power outages, flooding, and heavy storm conditions from Hurricane Ian.

Now is the time to make a plan! Here are some resources to help:

• National Hurricane Center 
• South Carolina Department of Public Safety Hurricane Resources
• South Carolina Emergency Management Division Hurricane Guide 
• Duke Energy Storm Center Safety & Preparedness
• South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Hurricanes & Floods

Below are some updates from the National Hurricane Center detailing a forecast of the path of the storm and the predicted amount of rainfall to expect during the coming days (graphics updated early morning of September 29). 

Hurricane Ian is projected to make a second landfall along the South Carolina coast Friday as a Category 1 hurricane. On Thursday and Friday, wind gusts are projected to reach 30 to 40 mph in most of the Third District of South Carolina, with heavy rain expected to begin midday tomorrow (as of 11:31 a.m. on Thursday). Click HERE for a local news update of Hurricane Ian's path through South Carolina. Click HERE for Governor McMaster's latest briefing on Hurricane Ian. 

Here are links to emergency management services information for each county in South Carolina's Third District: Abbeville County, Anderson County, Edgefield County, Greenville County, Greenwood County, Laurens County, McCormick County, Newberry County,  Oconee County, Pickens County, and Saluda County. South Carolina Emergency Management's Emergency Planning is also a great resource when planning for a natural disaster. 

Tips for Preparing for Hurricane Ian

Check out the South Carolina Hurricane Guide for helpful information to understand what to expect and how to prepare. It is always wise to prepare for at least three days in events like this. Here are some tips to prepare for the storm this weekend:  

• Make an emergency plan for you and your family. 
• Sign up for news, weather alerts, and power outage alerts. 
• Gather emergency supplies (batteries, flashlights, fire extinguishers, candles, baby supplies, medicine, medical supplies, battery-powered radio for updates, etc.).
• Store plenty of bottled water and non-perishable food items. 
• Prepare for the potential of power loss. 
• Store/secure outdoor items. 
• Have cash on hand. 
• Keep gas tanks full.
• Invest in a generator (be cautious of deadly carbon monoxide). 

We are continuing to pray for Southwest Florida and the entire state as they recover from the damage and destruction inflicted by the historic Category 5 hurricane described as a "500-year event." As Hurricane Ian heads to the Palmetto State, I encourage you all to stay safe and be prepared! 

It is an honor to serve the Third District of South Carolina. Should you or your family need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my office directly.