The Storm
Weather forecasters said Wednesday that although Hurricane Matthew is losing some steam, heavy rains associated with the storm remain a threat to the state’s Lowcountry through the weekend. The latest forecast track, issued at 11 a.m. by the National Hurricane Center, shows Matthew turning sharply toward open water as it approaches Hilton Head Island on Saturday morning and heading well into the Atlantic The track could still change, but for now, Columbia and central South Carolina can expect about an inch of rain Friday and Saturday with gusty winds of up to 35 mph.
Traffic and Evacuation
- Governor Haley has postponed the evacuations of Horry and Georgetown County until Thursday. Charleston and Beaufort County areas will still evacuate today and lane reversals on I-26 began at 3 PM.
- The County of Lexington has opened up a shelter at White Knoll High School for evacuees coming to the area due to Hurricane Matthew. White Knoll High School has a maximum capacity of 2,602 occupants. The shelter is scheduled to open at 3 p.m. for evacuees only and will be staffed by Red Cross volunteers and Department of Social Services employees and will be able to provide food.
- State leaders said overall, the gas supply in the state is good, but there may be pockets where people find no gas. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is urging people to go to GasBuddy.com to check availability before they head out of town.
SC Weekend Football
- High School Football (click for more info)
- In college football South Carolina is closely monitoring the hurricane before they make the decision on whether they will host Georgia on Saturday. The game is set for 7 PM.
Other
- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said today that Academy Day 2016 is being postponed due to Hurricane Matthew. The event, which attracts more than 400 South Carolina high school students each year, was scheduled to take place this Saturday, October 8, at the National Advocacy Center in Columbia.