Gov. Henry McMaster declares State of Emergency ahead of potential impacts from Helene

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD)- South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency on Wednesday ahead of potential impacts from Hurricane Helene.

Helene is strengthening and is expected to become a major hurricane before making landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida on Thursday evening.

The storm is then forecast to move north and slightly west into Georgia and the Carolinas, bringing potentially dangerous flooding, high winds, and a risk of isolated tornadoes through Friday afternoon.

McMaster said South Carolina will likely avoid the brunt of Helen’s impact but residents should closely monitor local weather forecasts and start preparing now.

“This State of Emergency ensures that Team South Carolina has the necessary resources in place to respond to these potential impacts,” he added.

The governor’s order activates the state’s emergency operations plan and allows the Emergency Management Division to coordinate with state agencies in preparation for potential requests for assistance from local officials.

Tropical storm watches and warnings are in effect across the Lowcountry.

Storm Team 2 is closely tracking Helene. Count on 2 for the latest information.