SCEMD Achieves National Reaccreditation November 29, 2023 The Emergency Management Accreditation Program has granted the South Carolina Emergency Management Division full national accreditation. This national certification program examined the state's ability to respond to and prepare for…
SCEMD sends logistics chief to Kentucky December 15, 2021 Governor Henry McMaster has authorized the South Carolina Emergency Management Division to send its Chief of Operations Support and Logistics to Kentucky to assist with tornado response and recovery efforts. Read More About SCEMD sends…
Gov. Nikki Haley Announces Evacuation of Georgetown & Horry Areas
October 5, 2016 COLUMBIA,S.C. (Thursday, October 5, 2016) - As Hurricane Matthew continues to threaten the southeastern United States, Governor Nikki Haley today ordered an evacuation of coastal areas in and around Horry and Georgetown, South Carolina. Residents and visitors in certain parts of…
South Carolina was affected by fourteen major disasters between 2014 to 2025. Below is a summary of the overall disaster impact for each event. Edisto Flooding 2024 In early November 2024, a non-tropical weather system caused major flooding in Orangeburg County, with 12-15 inches of rain falling…
DHEC warns of floodwater dangers
October 14, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. (Friday, October 14) – Pee Dee area residents, particularly those in hard-hit counties such as Marion, Marlboro, Dillon and Florence, should not wade or play in floodwaters resulting from Hurricane Matthew. “With rivers such as the Pee Dee, Little Pee Dee, Lumber,…
Be Aware of Safety and Health Dangers
October 8, 2016 Columbia, S.C. – Residents should be aware of potential dangers from Hurricane Matthew as county emergency managers have reported downed power lines, fallen trees, and flooded and washed out roads in the Lowcountry, Midlands and Pee Dee regions of South Carolina. As hazardous…
Rain, Flash Flooding Possible with T.S. Julia
September 14, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. (Wednesday, September 14, 2016) – South Carolina Emergency Management recommends that people pay close attention to weather associated with Tropical Storm Julia. The National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center predict that T.S. Julia could produce…
Statewide Flooding Incident Update
October 3, 2015 Significant rainfall has continued across South Carolina throughout the day and forecasters expect severe weather conditions for the next several days. The South Carolina Emergency Operations Center is fully activated at Operating Condition 1 by state agencies of the State…
SCEMD Monitors Hurricane Joaquin, Urges Everyone to Review Plans
September 30, 2015 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is paying close attention to Hurricane Joaquin, and as a result of the storm’s projected movement, key agencies in South Carolina government have been notified to be ready to respond if the need arises. “There’s a lot of…
Tropical Storm Andrea Forms, Prompting Preps
June 6, 2013 COLUMBIA, S.C. (Thursday, June 6, 2013, 9:30 a.m.) – The first named storm of the Atlantic Hurricane Season has formed and could potentially affect South Carolina. The National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center expect Tropical Storm Andrea to produce heavy rain and…
Evacuation Orders Lifted for Horry and Georgetown Counties Tomorrow at 9AM
September 15, 2018 COLUMBIA, S.C. – In coordination with local officials, Governor Henry McMaster today announced that evacuation orders for Horry and Georgetown counties will be lifted tomorrow morning, Sunday, September 16 at 9 AM. Earlier today, the governor lifted evacuation orders for all…
Local Wireless Emergency Alert Test on April 2
March 25, 2019 Residents within approximately ten miles of the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station should expect a Wireless Emergency Alert System test on their mobile devices on Tuesday, April 2 at 1 p.m. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division will conduct this test as part of Dominion Energy’s…
What You Need to Know About Coronavirus (COVID-19)
March 13, 2020 Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency throughout the state to enhance the state's response to the COVID-19 virus' impact on the South Carolina. Executive orders issued by Governor Henry McMaster: 2020-10 Official (PDF) | Directing Additional Emergency Measures Due to…
South Carolina Officials Warn Public to Watch Out for Possible COVID-19 Vaccine-related Scams
January 27, 2021 COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina residents should be aware of scammers targeting COVID-19 vaccine seekers. South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), State Law Enforcement Division, Emergency Management Division, and Department of Consumer Affairs…
New Hurricane Evacuation Zones Unveiled
May 8, 2024 As hurricane season approaches, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division announces new hurricane evacuation zones aimed at helping community preparedness and safety during hurricanes. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division, county emergency managers, the National…
SCEMD Monitors Potential Tropical Cyclone 8
September 15, 2024 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is monitoring Potential Tropical Cyclone 8, which will soon become Tropical Storm Helene. Forecasters say the storm is expected to strengthen to a tropical storm before making landfall north of Charleston early tomorrow afternoon.…
Tracking Helene: SCEMD Supports Statewide Response to Storm Damage
September 27, 2024 Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is supporting a state-wide response to the impacts to South Carolina from Hurricane Helene. SCEMD urges all South Carolinians to take immediate safety precautions, and to stay off the roadways if they do not have…
Gov. McMaster Declares State of Emergency to Support Response Efforts to Flash Flooding
November 7, 2024 Governor Henry McMaster today issued Executive Order 2024-33 , declaring a State of Emergency to assist South Carolina's response to flooding in the eastern Midlands and portions of the Lowcountry. The executive order activates the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan and…
SCEMD and Partners Agencies Monitor Edisto River
November 11, 2024 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division, in partnership with county and state agencies, closely monitors water levels along the Edisto River. Due to recent weather conditions, the river’s rising levels may affect surrounding areas. Residents near the Edisto River are…
SCEMD Moves to OPCON 2 Ahead of Winter Weather
January 30, 2026 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) has moved to OPCON 2 ahead of the forecasted winter weather, reflecting a higher level of readiness among emergency response teams statewide. SCEMD officials are working closely with the South Carolina Emergency Response…