Lowcountry Prepares for Hurricane Irene's Worst

Unable to shake a potential strike by Hurricane Irene, the Lowcountry prepared Tuesday for the season's first major hurricane.

The would send the brunt of the storm farther up the coast, but a measure of unpredictability has the Charleston region getting ready for the worst.

Gov. Nikki Haley updated reporters at 6 p.m. Tuesday about the disaster plan from West Columbia. Haley said emergency officials are very comfortable with the evacuation plans. She advises people to be watchful of any announcements and developing information about the hurricane.

Haley has met with Emergency Management Division, the National Guard and the American Red Cross. An evacuation could be called as early as Thursday morning if Irene becomes a threat to South Carolina.

Haley said after speaking with Gail McGovern with the Red Cross that the state is prepared with volunteer materials, aid and food should we need it.

Haley said they will continue to monitor the storm and continue with planning as they go forward.

"We are strong and ready," Haley said.

The tri-county area moved to Opcon 3 at 3 p.m. That means key agencies move into the Emergency Operations Center and details are hashed out about a possible voluntary or mandatory evacuation.

Cathy Haynes, Chief of Operations at Charleston County Emergency Management Department, warned residents to act now. "Please, if you haven't done anything to prepare for this storm, do so now," she said.

Charleston County Coroner Rae Wooten warned residents not to underestimate the threat this storm presents for the Lowcountry. "The potential for tremendous loss of life is a reality," she said, encouraging residents to check on the elderly or those with special needs.

The Charleston County School District says principals and district leaders are taking preliminary steps to prepare for storm impacts, including checking emergency phone lists.

The Berkeley County School District has rescheduled all local Friday night football games to Thursday, including Berkeley at Stratford, Cane Bay at Ashley Ridge and Timberland at Hanahan. Goose Creek High's away game at Irmo is currently still planned for Friday.

For information on preparing a emergency supply kit or a family hurricane plan, see the S.C. Hurricane Guide in the PDF gallery to the right. You can also find evacuation routes.

Other resources:

• SCE&G Storm Center
• Roper St. Francis Hurricane Page
• Emergency Planning for Special Needs Residents
• MUSC Weather Emergency Information