Gov. McMaster issues State of Emergency for South Carolina ahead of potential storms

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WJBF) – Governor Henry McMaster on Friday declared a State of Emergency in preparation for the potential impacts of Tropical Disturbance 94L.

Governor McMaster issued the executive order which activates “the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan and directs the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) to commence statewide preparation and coordination procedures with all relevant local, state, and federal agencies in advance of the landfall of a potential Tropical Storm or Hurricane,” according to the Office of the Governor.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to monitor weather forecasts and begin to take proper precautions.

“As this storm approaches our coast, I am issuing a State of Emergency to ensure Team South Carolina is able to access and deploy the resources and personnel needed to prepare for and respond to this storm,” Governor McMaster said in a statement on Sept. 26, 2025. “While the storm’s arrival, speed, and intensity remain hard to predict, we do know that it will bring significant wind, heavy rainfall, and flooding across the ENTIRE state of South Carolina. We have seen this before. Now is the time to start paying attention to forecasts, updates, and alerts from official sources and begin making preparations.”

The order will also allow state and local emergency management agencies to be eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds.

The Office of the Governor provided the following safety tips for South Carolinians:

• Review emergency plans: Talk with family members about where to go and how to stay in touch if you need to evacuate.
• Build a disaster supply kit: Stock at least three days of water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and necessary medications. Don’t forget pets and infants.
• Stay informed: Download the S.C. Emergency Manager app, follow SCEMD and county emergency management agencies on social media, and listen to local news outlets for updates.
• Plan for power outages: Charge cell phones and gather backup chargers.