COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Gov. Mark Sanford has called for voluntary evacuations in Georgetown and Horry counties as Tropical Storm Hanna moves slowly toward South Carolina's coast.
Sanford said during a news conference Thursday that three emergency shelters in those areas would be opened for residents
needing assistance.
The governor says the storm will likely make landfall in North Carolina but said South Carolina would be ready to react if the
path changes.
He stressed that the evacuation call was voluntary. "The suggestion is really for people to look at this storm and to make their own decisions," he said. Since Hanna is expected to hit during high tide, he said people who live along the coast in low-lying areas, or in mobile homes should especially consider evacuating.
Earlier Thursday, the National Weather Service issued hurricane watches for much of South Carolina's coastline, meaning hurricane
conditions are possible within 36 hours.
The weather service says tropical storm force winds could reach the state's northern coast by Friday afternoon and tides could be
up to four feet above normal.
For resources on preparing for Hanna, check out our resource page.
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