COLUMBIA, S.C. — The tropics are performing ahead of schedule with 9 storms already forming. With 85% of major hurricanes forming after August 20th this brings up the perfect opportunity to talk about how these storms can impact our state.
“It is not just a coastal event here in South Carolina, it is a small state.” South Carolina Emergency Management Director Kim Stenson says when it comes to hurricanes impacts can reach all the way to the mountains.
“The last few years it hasn’t really been an issue with surge, and we have done some evacuations certainly but the inland flooding it can happen anywhere in the state.”
Hurricane Florence is a great example of this with inland flooding crippling the Pee-Dee region in 2018.
According to Kim, The coastal portions of the state are mainly concerned with extreme winds and storm surges. But deadly river and stream flooding and strong winds can be a concern all the way to the Upstate.
All of these impacts go into the decision-making process when it comes to preparing the state ahead of a storm's landfall.
Even with this being the case, FEMA maps out risks associated with storms. The National Risk Index takes into account climatology, resiliency, and socioeconomic factors to determine an overall risk. The general trend is that more damage and loss of life are possible the closer you get to the coast.
Here in the Midlands, low-lying areas, large cities, and communities closer to the coast typically have a higher risk associated with tropical weather.
Regardless, of where you live it is recommended that you do prepare and Stenson says you should make sure to have your plan in place ahead of any potential storms.
If you would like more information on how to prepare you can visit the SCEMD website to download their mobile apps.