Update: Parris Island weighing evacuation of recruits ahead of Irma

As the projected path of Hurricane Irma continues to shift to the west, officials at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island called off the evacuation of recruits and essential personnel.

Earlier Friday morning, the depot was making to plans to move trainees to Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany (Ga.), but that installation is now in the projected path of the storm.

“This decision (to not evacuate) is based on the projected path of Hurricane Irma, which is currently projected to pass in the vicinity of MCLB Albany,” a release from the depot, said Saturday.

Non-essential military personnel, civilian personnel, and their families who have already evacuated are authorized to remain in place until after the storm has passed, the release states. It says all remaining personnel are advised to seek shelter from destructive winds, and to evacuate low lying areas.

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort — to include Laurel Bay — previously issued an evacuation order for all non-essential personnel and their families at 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8, 2017.

MCAS Beaufort will provide updates via the following web sites and hotlines:

▪ MCAS Beaufort Facebook: www.facebook.com/mcasbeaufort

▪ Twitter: @MCASBeaufortSC

▪ MCAS Beaufort website: www.beaufort.marines.mil

▪ Destructive weather hotline: 1-800-343-0693

▪ Community response line: 843-228-6229

The depot will provide updates at:

MCRD Parris Island Facebook: www.facebook.com/ParrisIsland

MCRD Parris Island website: www.mcrdpi.marines.mil

Destructive weather hotline: 1-800-343-0639

Park University offices at the air station and the depot are closed through Tuesday and classes are canceled, according to a statement from the institution.

This story was originally published September 8, 2017 at 10:04 AM with the headline "Update: Parris Island weighing evacuation of recruits ahead of Irma."