1st major hurricane of season to hit South Carolina at end of week, officials say

Experts are uncertain of Hurricane Ian’s path, but they do know that most of South Carolina will feel the effects Thursday through Saturday.

The storm track has shifted slightly to the east, and the whole of South Carolina is expected to be in its path after it hits Florida and Georgia, according to the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center.

That shift means potentially higher tides and storm surge than previously predicted by former models. That’s because the storm could go back out over the Atlantic before strengthening in the warm waters and returning to South Carolina’s coast. High winds and heavy rainfall, as much as 4-8 inches, could fall in some places.

“The main threat from Hurricane Ian is the potential for heavy rainfall, which could result in flash flooding Friday and Saturday,” according to news release Tuesday morning from the National Weather Service in Columbia.

“We are fully prepared” for any precautions that may need to be taken,” Gov. Henry McMaster said during a press briefing at 4 p.m. Tuesday. “… We have as experienced a team as there is, and great assets in our state.”

McMaster has not ordered any coastal evacuations. Officials will know the path of Ian better toward the end of the week, the governor said. Officials will make calls about closures and take appropriate action when necessary, he said.