MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – Authorities and groups throughout the Grand Strand and Pee Dee regions are monitoring the tropical area.

As of now, the effects of developing Imelda are expected to reach the Carolinas on Monday and Tuesday.

Nevertheless, the most recent information indicates a reduced risk for Carolina.

Nevertheless, the ultimate result is unclear, highlighting the importance of keeping an eye on the forecast and reliable sources, like the WMBF First Alert Weather team.

FIRST ALERT:Positive developments for Imelda’s growth

At the state level, Governor Henry McMasterdeclared an emergency situation on Friday afternoon, which enacted the state’s price gouging law.

Here’s a glimpse of the preparations underway in the Grand Strand and Pee Dee region so far:

MYRTLE BEACH:

The city of Myrtle Beach is preparing for any potential effects from the system.

In a Friday news statement, the city revealed that Mayor Brenda Bethune issued a Declaration of Civil Emergency.

The city stated that this action enables it to respond swiftly if a storm poses a threat or results in damage to the region.

The city is now authorized to implement emergency measures, including enforcing curfews, assisting with evacuations, waiving charges, accelerating procurement processes, and offering support for disaster recovery.

As a city, our goal is to be ready to act swiftly if needed,” Bethune stated. “This declaration provides us with the resources necessary to safeguard our residents and businesses.

Travis Glatki, the city’s Emergency Management Coordinator, said to WMBF that the city is increasing the number of emergency personnel. They are also getting ready for specific situations, like the Swift Water Rescue and Search and Rescue teams, along with a High Water Rescue vehicle, in case it’s required.

Glatki mentions he expects the city to activate its Emergency Operations Center later this weekend.

He also suggests that before harsh weather conditions, residents should check their evacuation area and assemble a ‘go bag’ containing essential documents, medicines, and cash.

Currently, the city’s efforts involve taking down wind screens from sports courts, inspecting storm drains, fixing items on public property, and refueling municipal vehicle fleets.

The city announced that the trash bins will stay on the beach until the end of the weekend, but they are scheduled to be taken away on Monday morning.

Authorities are also requesting that anyone who notices a storm drain that looks full within the city boundaries contact the Myrtle Beach Public Works Department at 843-918-2000.

Regarding swimming, the city stated that life-threatening conditions are anticipated in the ocean irrespective of the storm’s path.

“Individuals hoping to swim are encouraged to follow the beach flag system used by lifeguards and to comply with their instructions at all times,” a city news release says.

For additional details regarding civil emergency declarations, seeChapter 8of the Myrtle Beach Municipal Code.

Myrtle Beach Area Business Association

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is delaying events scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.

HORRY COUNTY:

With the newest song moving in the correct direction, the county is reducing its efforts.

The National Hurricane Center’s forecast still shows Tropical Depression Nine moving out to sea before it reaches the South Carolina coastline,” the county mentioned in a press statement. “The increased distance from the shore suggests reduced effects on Horry County overall.

That’s why the county transitioned from OPCON 2 to OPCON 3 on Sunday morning, indicating that the county has returned to regular daily operations.

County officials continue to urge you to monitor the weather updates and provide these suggestions for preparing for extreme weather conditions.

• Assessing your land to prevent possible flooding, including verifying that storm drains and gutters are free from obstructions.
• Acquiring or obtaining outdoor items and adornments

Horry County officials announced a State of Emergency on Friday afternoon.

That continues until it completes its designated period of 60 days or the council revokes it, explained county spokesperson Mikayla Moskov.

Continuing the State of Emergency enables the county to access resources if the prediction shifts, Moskov stated.

Horry County Government:

The public hearings regarding the Carolina Bays Parkway Extension scheduled for Monday and Tuesday have been delayed.

Authorities stated that the South Carolina Department of Transportation and the NC Department of Transportation will move the meetings to a different date.

Horry County Schools

Horry County Schools will function as usual on Monday.

Horry County Schools will keep an eye on the storm, as significant rain could still occur in our region,” the district stated. “We are excited to welcome our students and staff tomorrow morning.

HCS sent elementary school students home with eLearning materials on Friday afternoon.

Students in middle school and high school will be provided with extra details and guidance if online learning is planned.

Click hereto discover more about HCS’s approach to decisions involving weather conditions.

Horry County Animal Care Facility

The Horry County Animal Care Center is seeking assistance to create more room in the shelter for animals that could be affected by the weather.

Click here to learn more.

CONWAY:

The city of Conway is reverting to OPCON 3, referred to as standard operational conditions.

“While we might experience some wind and rain, the majority of the severe weather is anticipated to stay far from the shore,” the city stated.

The city Declared a state of emergency during the evening on Thursday.

Coastal Carolina University

The university has not implemented any changes yet, but is monitoring the weather outlook. CCU mentioned that an update will be provided to the campus community by no later than 5 p.m. on Saturday.

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH:

The North Myrtle Beach City Council approved a State of Emergency at an emergency session held on Friday afternoon.

Teams from beach services, public works, police, and fire departments have established protocols in case Imelda comes ashore.

Among the primary worries for leaders are coastal flooding, sudden downpours, strong winds, and potentially tornadoes.

Fire Chief Billy Floyd mentioned that the areas causing the most issues are Cherry Grove, Windy Hill, and 48th Avenue South.

“If there’s a scenario where any form of evacuation is ordered by the state and you’re located in a region impacted by it, then have a strategy in place. It’s time to prepare for departure, but just because a state of emergency has been announced doesn’t mean people should leave the city immediately,” Floyd stated.

GEORGETOWN COUNTY:

Georgetown County is scheduled to revert to OPCON 3, representing standard operations.

This arrives as the prediction for developing Imelda keeps getting better for the Carolinas.

We are optimistic about the most recent forecast and are assured about resuming regular operations,” said Brandon Ellis, Director of Georgetown County Emergency Services. “That said, our team will keep a close eye on the storm and stay prepared to act if circumstances shift.

The transition to OPCON 3 will take place at noon on Sunday.

Georgetown County announced a State of Emergency on Friday evening.

MARION COUNTY:

Marion County Animal Shelter

The Marion County Animal Shelter is hoping that the dogs currently housed outdoors will have a secure location to stay this weekend.

Click here to learn more.

Marion County Sheriff’s Office

The sheriff’s department mentioned that it’s time to focus on your local news and weather updates.

Nichols

The town is urging the residents to implement measures to safeguard their homes, loved ones, and animals.

These measures involve moving outdoor furniture inside, cutting back trees and bushes to minimize the chance of broken branches, inspecting shutters and windows, and revisiting an emergency strategy.

FLORENCE COUNTY:

The county’s emergency management stated that the updated forecast is reducing the wind and flood risk in certain parts of the county.

However, flooding remains a concern that emergency management officials are monitoring.

Our primary worry is intense rainfall on Monday and Tuesday, which may result in area-specific flooding,” stated Florence County Emergency Management. “Conditions are anticipated to get better by Wednesday provided the current forecast remains accurate.

The local emergency management department is providing these suggestions:

• Ensure your storm emergency kit is well-supplied with water, food, batteries, medicines, and essential documents.
• Verify that your phone or weather radio is capable of receiving emergency alerts.
• Check your family’s communication strategy in case of electricity or phone service interruptions
• Protect outdoor items that may be carried away by powerful winds

West Florence

The West Florence Fire Rescue is urging individuals to stay away from flooded roads during storms and to pay attention to weather alerts.

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