SCEMD Monitors Hurricane Arthur

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July 1, 2014

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division continues to follow the latest information on Hurricane Arthur.  Forecasters with the National Hurricane Center have issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Horry and Georgetown Counties.  The storm's direct impacts to the state are expected to be minimal; however, forecasters say Arthur will create heavy rip currents for the next two days.  SCEMD and county emergency managers remind beachgoers to check the surf conditions at public beaches. Understanding the beach warning flags will help to keep you and your family safe as you enjoy the waters. 

When at the beach:
  • Before you leave for the beach, check the latest National Weather Service forecast at www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov for local beach conditions. 
  • Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to identify hazards. 
  • Know the meaning of and obey warnings represented by colored beach flags. 
  • Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist alongside these structures.   
  • Pay especially close attention to children and persons who are elderly when at the beach. 
  • Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing. 
  • Be cautious. Always assume rip currents are present even if you don’t see them
If caught in a rip current:
  • Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly. 
  • NEVER swim against the rip current. Stay afloat and signal for help.
  • Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim 
  • at an angle – away from the current – towards shore. 
  • If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. 
  • Draw attention to yourself: face the shore, wave your arms, and shout for help.
If you see someone in trouble, don't become a victim too:
  • Get help from a lifeguard, or if one is unavailable have someone call 9-1-1. 
  • Throw the rip current victim something that floats – a lifejacket, a cooler, an inflatable ball. 
  • Shout instructions on how to escape. 
The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 – November 30. For the latest information on the 2014 Hurricane Season visit scemd.org to download the 2014 S.C. Hurricane Guide, follow SCEMD on social media on Twitter at @SCEMD, Instagram @SCEMD,and Facebook at facebook.com/SCEMD.
 
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COLUMBIA, S.C. (Tuesday, July 1, 2014, 3:30 p.m.) – The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is monitoring Tropical Storm Arthur, the first named storm of the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season.  As a result of the storm’s projected movement up the east coast, key agencies in South Carolina government have been notified to be ready to respond if the need arises.  

People in potentially vulnerable areas should review their plans and consider actions they would need to take if the storm threatens South Carolina. The public should monitor the storm on NOAA weather radio and through local news media, especially people in low-lying areas along the South Carolina coast.  

The Division will increase its state of operational readiness to Condition 4 at 5:00 p.m. today. OpCon4 is the second lowest of five operational conditions. Personnel representing key state response agencies were notified to review plans and procedures and are on call if needed.