How Beaufort and Jasper County hurricane evacuation orders work & how they’re issued
As hurricane season carries on along the South Carolina coast, residents are urged to prepare early.
But besides being ready for an emergency, the other piece of the puzzle is knowing when an evacuation order is issued and how to find the most up-to-date information to keep you safe.
Here’s what residents in Beaufort and Jasper Counties should know about how evacuation notices are issued, where to find reliable information and what steps to take if an order is given.
Who issues evacuation orders?
In South Carolina, only the governor has the legal authority to issue a mandatory evacuation order. These decisions are made in coordination with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, the National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies.
Once the governor declares the order, then local government offices and agencies enact measures to support and augment the evacuation.
Evacuations are typically ordered by zone, starting with Zone A in descending order to Zone C in the Lowcountry region.
Beaufort County is designated as Zone A (First to evacuate).
Jasper County includes Zones B and C (Second, third to evacuate).
Daufuskie Island residents should note that only one evacuation order will be issued. This evacuation order is mandatory.
To check your zone, visit Hurricane.SC or use the SC Emergency Manager app.
Where to find evacuation information
Once an evacuation order is issued, it will be announced through several official channels:
Emergency Alert System (EAS): Alerts are broadcast via participating radio and TV stations.
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA, Amber Alerts): Free alerts are sent to mobile devices for threats like hurricanes.
County Emergency Management Websites: Localized evacuation instructions are published on county websites. (Beaufort County can be found here), (Jasper County can be found here).
Social Media: Updates are often posted by agencies like SCEMD, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and local emergency management offices.
SC Emergency Manager App: A free mobile app from SCEMD allows residents to view evacuation zones, routes and real-time updates.
Local Media: Television, radio and news outlets will report evacuation orders and storm updates.
National Hurricane Center: Issues hurricane watches (48 hours before expected landfall) and warnings (36 hours before).
For other modes of emergency communication to keep you informed during hurricane season, click here to view our list.
Evacuation routes and timing
South Carolina has pre-established evacuation routes and traffic may be redirected by law enforcement to guide residents inland.
To view all evacuation routes, click here.
Evacuation notices will include specific routes, staging areas and the timing of traffic control measures.
SC Department of Transportation, law enforcement and other personnel assist with the flow of traffic during the evacuation order.
Once tropical storm-force winds (sustained at 39 mph) are expected to hit the area being evacuated, evacuation operations will cease and emergency personnel will move to safer inland locations. At that point:
Bridges may close due to high winds.
Roads may become flooded or blocked due to storm surge.
Emergency assistance may not be available until conditions improve.
For a further breakdown of routes and how zones work, click here.
Returning after the storm
The SCEMD states that residents should not return home until local officials say it is safe to do so.
Even after an evacuation order is lifted, some areas may remain inaccessible due to damage, flooding or downed infrastructure.
Even after a storm has passed, continue monitoring local radio, TV and official social media channels for reentry instructions, road conditions and public safety updates.
What if you don’t evacuate?
In South Carolina, if you choose to ignore or not follow an evacuation order, it primarily means you are responsible for your own safety and well-being during and up to 72 hours after the storm.
Mandatory evacuations also include the closure of hospital facilities. This means medical care is unavailable until after evacuation orders are lifted.
While there are no specific legal penalties for non-compliance, you risk your safety and may hinder emergency response efforts.
