Should I still evacuate now that we’re no longer in the cone?
Hurricane Irma’s track shifted farther west Friday evening, leaving Beaufort County just outside the cone of the storm’s possible paths.
While Beaufort County residents might breathe a sigh of relief, the latest news doesn’t mean evacuation plans should be shelved. Beaufort County emergency officials are still encouraging people to leave ahead of a mandatory evacuation order expected Saturday morning.
People shouldn’t focus on the center of the storm’s projected path, the National Weather Service in Charleston said Friday. More changes to the track are expected, the office said, including the possibility of the storm again shifting east.
That would mean stronger winds and heightened storm surge.
“If instructed to evacuate by state or local officials, do so!” the Charleston office posted on its Facebook page Thursday night. “All others should continue to prepare for possible hurricane impacts Sunday night through Tuesday morning.”
No evacuation order has been given in South Carolina, but local emergency officials say leaving early allows people to choose their own route rather than follow required hurricane routes.
Gov. Henry McMaster has planned a 6 p.m. Friday news conference to provide more clarity on his evacuation plans, a delay to allow more information gathering on a rapidly changing situation.
On Thursday, he said he might order an evacuation starting at 10 a.m. Saturday.
McMaster’s Twitter account fielded questions about the evacuation uncertainty Friday morning, telling people the storm’s track is being closely monitored and that an update will come this afternoon.
“But, as always, be prepared for the worst,” he wrote. “If an evacuation order comes for your county be ready to leave. Know your route and stay on it.”
IMPORTANT: Altho the center of #Irma is less likely to make landfall in GA/SC, significant impacts still poss. Stay vigilant! #scwx #gawx https://t.co/loAzvfRo8v
— NWS Charleston, SC (@NWSCharlestonSC) September 8, 2017
For more questions and answers about Hurricane Irma and the evacuation process in Beaufort County, click here.
Stephen Fastenau: 843-706-8182, @IPBG_Stephen
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This story was originally published September 8, 2017 at 9:45 AM with the headline "Should I still evacuate now that we’re no longer in the cone?."