Latest news with #KimStenson
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
What SCEMD wants you to know about hurricane season
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – South Carolina residents are no strangers to hurricane season, and it officially started Sunday. Kim Stenson, director of the South Carolina Emergency Division, said it's crunch time. 'Prepare while you've got the time to prepare because doing the last-minute piece of it is probably not going to always work very well,' said Stenson. 'So certainly, need to take a look at those resources, build your plan and be ready to take action if you need to.' Stenson said the best time to prepare for a hurricane is before one forms. June 1 was the first day of hurricane season, and it runs through November 30. 'Stay in tune with what's going on. Listen to your trusted sources for information, especially at the local level or trusted local sources, and if you're encouraged to evacuate, or asked to evacuate, you should heed that warning,' Stenson said. There have been several natural disasters recently, like Hurricane Helene and wildfires. Stenson said those events shouldn't change people's preparation but, no matter where you live, coast or inland, you're not off the hook. Storms can bring flash flooding and strong winds. 'Well, we don't really expect any big changes in terms of that. I mean, we've known about these risks for a number of years,' said Stenson. 'For several years, we have encouraged people to be aware that a hurricane event is not just a coastal county event, but it can occur anywhere in South Carolina in terms of the effects of it; the wind and the rain, etc. ' Stenson added that communication with FEMA is still evolving. They have not heard anything about getting fewer resources this year. 'We don't have, you know, all the information in terms of what we think may end up in that particular sphere but, right now we're expecting to get the same level of support from FEMA that we get every year and, you know, that may change later on, but we're not expecting anything right now,' Stenson said. Stenson said one resource you could use is the SCEMD mobile app. It gives you access to evacuation routes, emergency alerts, and checklists for your family and pets. You can also head to their website for more information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
State agencies to conduct full-scale hurricane evacuation exercise Wednesday
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — Multiple agencies are set to test how prepared the state is to reverse highways in three major coastal areas should an evacuation be needed during the 2025 hurricane season. State and local agencies will conduct a full-scale exercise on Wednesday, June 4, to test lane reversal plans on I-26, U.S. 21, U.S. 278, U.S. 501, and S.C. 544. The drill will last from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. No traffic lanes will be reversed or closed during the drill, but drivers should expect to see equipment, state personnel, and more law enforcement officers staged along the shoulder of the highway and at exits. The Civil Air Patrol, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and South Carolina Forestry Commission will also be conducting aerial surveillance. 'These exercises help ensure that we are prepared to respond to a hurricane threatening our state,' said Robert G. Woods IV, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety director. 'Together with our state partners, we remain ready to quickly and efficiently move residents and visitors from the coast to the Midlands in the event that a mandatory evacuation order is given.' Storm Team 2 releases 2025 Hurricane Ready Guide Locally, lane reversal begins near mile marker 197 (Nexton Parkway) and I-26 in Charleston toward I-77 and I-26 in Columbia. Officials said the exercise should not disrupt traffic flow as intersections will not be blocked, and drivers will be able to travel freely. Forecasters are gearing up for a busy Atlantic hurricane season, which begins June 1 and runs through the end of September, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration putting the chance of an above-normal season at 60%. The agency's outlook predicts a range of 13 to 19 named storms, six to 10 of which could become hurricanes. Three to five are forecast to become major hurricanes, with winds of 111 mph or higher. 'Forecasts are pointing to an active hurricane season,' said South Carolina Emergency Management Division Director Kim Stenson. 'Hurricane Helene was a reminder that it only takes one storm to cause major impacts for South Carolina. It's critical for everyone — not only people who live along the coast — to review and practice their hurricane plans now. You can download Storm Team 2's Hurricane Ready Guide to find vital information about how to keep your family and property safe throughout the 2025 season. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
