South Carolina Issues Statewide Emergency Ahead of Potential Tropical Cyclone Imelda

South Carolina and several local governments, including Myrtle Beach, Horry County, Charleston County, and Folly Beach, have declared states of emergency in preparation for Potential Tropical Cyclone 9, which is expected to develop into Tropical Storm Imelda and possibly escalate to a hurricane. Governor Henry McMaster activated the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan to coordinate statewide preparations and enable access to federal funding for storm-related expenses. The storm is anticipated to bring significant wind, heavy rainfall, flooding, and possible severe weather across the Carolinas, with impacts expected as early as Monday or Tuesday. Local officials are proactively preparing by providing sandbags, lowering reservoirs, setting up barricades in flood-prone areas, and establishing citizen information lines. Authorities urge residents to monitor forecasts, secure property, gather supplies, and be ready to respond quickly to any emergency orders, including potential evacuations directed by the governor. The storm's path remains uncertain but is projected to affect a wide area from Florida to North Carolina, with South Carolina bracing for substantial impacts.