South Carolina leaders are preparing for the upcoming hurricane season with a statewide readiness briefing planned Friday morning in Summerville.
Governor McMaster to Lead Preparedness Briefing
Henry McMaster will join emergency management officials at the Dorchester County Emergency Operations Center to discuss how the state is preparing for potential storms.
Officials are expected to encourage residents to finalize emergency plans before hurricane season officially begins on June 1.
State Encouraging Residents to Prepare Early
The governor’s office previously declared May as South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Month.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is urging residents across the state — not just those living near the coast — to prepare for severe weather threats.
Emergency officials said hurricanes can impact every part of South Carolina through:
- Flooding
- Storm surge
- High winds
- Tornadoes
- Power outages
Officials Reflect on Hurricane Helene
State leaders pointed to Hurricane Helene as a reminder of how widespread storm damage can become.
The September 2024 storm caused major damage in the Upstate and western North Carolina while also bringing tornado threats to the Lowcountry.
Officials said nearly 50 storm-related deaths were reported in South Carolina during the storm.
Tips for Hurricane Preparedness
SCEMD recommends residents take several steps before hurricane season begins, including:
- Inspecting roofs and gutters
- Trimming trees near homes
- Reviewing insurance coverage
- Learning evacuation routes
- Updating emergency supply kits
Looking Ahead to Hurricane Season
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.
Officials noted that only one storm directly impacted South Carolina during the 2025 season, when Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall near Litchfield Beach with winds of 60 mph.
The first storm name for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is Arthur.
