From early June to late November, the National Hurricane Center near Miami watches the North Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico waters for tropical disturbances. These disturbances become named tropical storms when wind speeds reach 39 mph and move in a circular pattern. Storms that continue to grow, with winds above 74 mph and moving in a counter-clockwise direction, are hurricanes.
Strong winds, heavy rains, thunder, lightning and sometimes tornadoes accompany such storms. But a hurricane’s most deadly force is its storm surge. Ocean tides rise dramatically, creating large waves that hit the shore with great force and far beyond the reach of normal waves. Most hurricane deaths can be attributed to storm surge. A hurricane also can create flooding far inland.

It’s a good idea to stock a supply of food, water and other supplies for any season. Winter storms or summer heat waves could affect your ability to get to the store for food or medication. Even a simple water main break could leave you without water. Consider the following:

Water. The average person needs at least one quart of water or other liquid to drink each day, but more would be better. Also keep a couple of gallons on hand for sanitary purposes. Store water in plastic, airtight containers and replace every two months to ensure purity.


Food. Supplies should include enough nonperishable, high-energy foods to feed you and your family for up to three days. A suggested supply includes whole dry milk, canned fruit juices, canned meats and fish, meat substitutes, bread and crackers, peanut butter, dried fruits, dry cereals, granola bars or cookies.


Supplies and equipment. A battery-operated radio with extra batteries; a flashlight with extra batteries; blankets or sleeping bags; paper plates and utensils, including a bottle and can opener; candles, an oil or a kerosene lantern; matches in a waterproof container; toilet articles; and sanitary needs.


An adequate supply of any medicines you need.


A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.


Blankets or sleeping bags.


A first-aid kit.


An extra pair of glasses.


Credit cards and cash.


A list of family physicians.


A list of important family information:
the style and serial number of medical devices, such as pacemakers.


Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.

Other things to learn before the hurricane season begins:

Ask your workplace about emergency plans.


Learn about emergency plans for your children’s school or day care center.


Learn how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at main switches.


Keep family records in a water and fireproof container.


Meet with your neighbors. Plan how the neighborhood could work together after a disaster.
Know your neighbor’s skills (medical, technical). Consider how you could help neighbors
who have special needs, such as elderly or disabled persons. Make plans for child care in
case parents can’t get home.

Proceed to I-95 on US 278. Alternate routes are listed below.


At the intersection of US 278 and SC 170, traffic in the left lane will be routed south on SC 170
to the intersection of SC 170 and SC 46. From SC 46, traffic will be routed to Hardeeville.
From Hardeeville, traffic wanting to go north will be routed to I-95 N. Drivers wishing to go
west toward Aiken, Augusta or Atlanta will be routed to I-95 S. Drivers wanting to go to the
Columbia area will be routed to SC 321.


At the intersection of US 278 and SC 170, traffic in the right lane will be routed north along
US 278 to Old House, then follow SC 462 through Coosawhatchie back to US 278 near
Gillisonville. Drivers wanting to go to the Aiken-Augusta-Atlanta area should follow US 278.
Traffic to the Columbia area should follow US 278 to Fairfax, then travel SC 321 to Columbia.
Drivers wanting to go south should enter I-95 S at Coosawhatchie. Drivers wanting
to go north should enter I-95 N at Coosawhatchie.


Traffic from the town of Bluffton should follow SC 46 and join the evacuation traffic flow at
the intersection of SC 170 and SC 46.

Hurricane Tracking Map