Hilton Head emergency responders to leave island

There will be no emergency responders on Hilton Head Island by noon Friday, according to the Town of Hilton Head.

Evacuation of Hilton Head Island Fire and Rescue will start at 7 a.m. and be complete by noon, a press release sent by the town states.

“This means there will be no response personnel or equipment available after this time,” the release says. “Officials are urging residents to evacuate as soon as possible.”

The release says the emergency personnel are leaving ahead of 39 mile wind gusts that could start as early as 2 p.m. Friday.

This story was originally published October 6, 2016 at 8:06 PM with the headline "Hilton Head emergency responders to leave island."