COLUMBIA, S.C. — With the anticipation of severe weather across parts of South Carolina here are some of the closings and precautions being taken across the state.
Governor McMaster today issued Executive Order 2023-29, declaring a State of Emergency in preparation for the potential effects from Hurricane Idalia, and asks South Carolinians to monitor local forecasts and to begin taking proper precautions. The governor's order directs the South Carolina Emergency Management Division to coordinate with all relevant state agencies and to be prepared to respond to any requests for state assistance from local officials and county emergency management leaders.
"Although South Carolina may avoid the worst of Hurricane Idalia's impacts, this State of Emergency is issued out of an abundance of caution to ensure that we have the necessary resources in place to respond to flooding events and are able to respond quickly if the forecast worsens," said Governor Henry McMaster. "Now is the time for South Carolinians to begin making proper preparations, and everyone should begin actively monitoring official sources for the most up-to-date information – especially those along our coast and in low-lying areas."
City of Cayce: If your sanitation is scheduled for a Thursday pick up, please do not roll your trash receptacles to the street until tomorrow morning. With high winds, trash cans and outdoor debris can be a hazard.
At this time, the City of Cayce plans to operate on their normal schedule tomorrow, August 31. We will continue to monitor overnight.
Congaree National Park Closing ahead of Hurricane Idalia: The park and all visitor facilities, including the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and all hiking an paddling trails will close to entry on Wednesday , August 30 at Noon until the storm a has passed and park staff have been able to assess conditions to ensure visitor and staff safety. The Longleaf and Bluff Campgrounds are closed to reservations through Thursday. The park is scheduled to reopen on Friday September 1 at 7am if conditions allow.
Also: Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests (FMS) will be closing some recreation areas and offices at several of its four district offices ahead of Hurricane Idalia.
- The Francis Marion Ranger District (near Charleston) and the Long Cane Ranger District (near Aiken) have closed campgrounds, rifle ranges, OHV trails, and other recreation areas on August 30, 2023. The Enoree Ranger District Office and the FMS Headquarters in Columbia, South Carolina, will also be closed August 30, 2023.
- Andrew Pickens Ranger District in the upstate will remain open (near Mt. Rest). The Forest will reopen its recreation areas and offices as conditions permit. Refunds for users who had reservations at our campgrounds affected by these closures will be authorized as soon as practicable.
Be prepared to evacuate if you live in a storm surge area. Be prepared to seek higher ground if flooding occurs in your area. Monitor your local radio or TV stations as well as the websites of your local National Weather Service office or emergency management office for current storm conditions.
Columbia City Offices will close at 2pm on Wednesday. City employees will work remotely to ensure continuity of service delivery for non-essential functions. Public safety and other essential functions will operate as normal.
The City of Columbia municipal court, payment center and parks will all close at 2:00 p.m. All afterschool programs at City of Columbia Parks & Recreation facilities are cancelled on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
The City of Columbia facilities will open back up to the public at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 31, 2023.
Citizens can access services online or by calling Customer Care at (803) 545-3300. Updates will be provided on the City’s website, www.ColumbiaSC.gov.
Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests: To ensure the safety of the public and staff, Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests will be closing recreation areas and offices across the forest ahead of Hurricane Idalia.
All campgrounds, rifle ranges, OHV trails, and other recreation areas will be closed August 30, 2023, across the Francis Marion Ranger District. In addition, the district office on the Francis Marion Ranger District and the Forest Supervisor’s office in Columbia, South Carolina, will be closed August 30, 2023, to ensure the safety of our employees. We will reopen our recreation areas and offices as conditions permit. Refunds for users who had reservations at our campgrounds affected by these closures will be authorized as soon as practicable
International African-American Museum: The International African American Museum (IAAM) will be closed on Wednesday, August 30, and Thursday, August 31, in the interest of public safety.
All programs and special events scheduled for these dates have been postponed until further notice.
Ticketholders who have booked reservations to visit IAAM on August 30-31 will receive automatic refunds. Refunds should be expected within five to seven business days.
Joint Base Charleston is transitioning to Hurricane Condition 3 as of 3 p.m. today due to weather conditions projected for Hurricane Idalia. Base personnel and residents should prepare for the arrival of the storm and assess their own personal hurricane preparedness. At this time, no evacuation order has been given. JB Charleston will continue to secure property that may be exposed to storm conditions.
LRADAC: All afternoon and evening services canceled on Wednesday, August 30.
Orangeburg County offices: Orangeburg County will close at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 30, 2023 and reopen at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 31, 2023.
Richland Library operating on an abbreviated schedule: Richland Library will operate on an abbreviated schedule on Wednesday, August 30, and Thursday, August 31.
Richland Library locations will close at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 30, with the exception of Richland Library Sandhills, (763 Fashion Dr, 29229) which will close at 3 p.m. on August 30.
All Richland Library locations will open on a delayed schedule on Thursday, August 31 at 10 a.m.
City of Sumter offices: Out of an abundance of caution with the impending weather, the City of Sumter offices and parks are closing early on Wednesday, August 30 at 3:30 PM.
On Thursday, August 31, city offices will reopen at 10 AM with sanitation services starting at 9AM