Hurricane Matthew evacuation routes and Horry County shelters
Gov. Nikki Haley announced that there will be an evacuation of Zone A in Horry and Georgetown counties beginning at noon Thursday.
Evacuations for people residing in Horry County between U.S. 17 Business/Kings Highway and the Atlantic Ocean (Evacuation Zone A) will officially begin, but Government offices and schools were closed Wednesday through Friday..
Evacuation Zone A includes all areas east of U.S. Business 17 (Kings Hwy), up to the intersection with U.S. 17 (Kings Hwy.) and all areas east of U.S. 17 (Kings Hwy) to the Northern county line. Additionally, evacuations include all low-lying areas, mobile homes, and campground sites.
Latest tracks show Matthew farther from the coast than anticipated Tuesday, but impacts for the Carolina coast are still likely. The storm is projected to pass by as Category 2 Friday night into Saturday.
By executive order of Gov. Haley, all Horry County circuit, family, and magistrate courts are closed Wednesday through Friday, along with government offices, according to Lisa Bourcier, Horry County spokeswoman.
However, almost 60 percent to 70 percent of Horry County’s workforce are considered “essential” employees and will be working to support the Horry County Emergency Operations Center, Bourcier said.
The Myrtle Beach International Airport will remain open, Bourcier said Tuesday night, and people are encouraged to check with their airlines on their flight statuses throughout the rest of the week and this weekend.
From Horry County officials:
HORRY COUNTY EVACUATION ROUTES
North Myrtle Beach and northward: Evacuees from north of Briarcliffe Acres will take SC 9 north to I-95 and beyond.
Briarcliffe Acres south to Myrtle Beach 10th Avenue North: Evacuees in Briarcliffe Acres south to 10th Avenue North will take SC 22 (Conway Bypass) to US 501 to Marion. In Marion, they may then take US 76 to Florence to access I-95 southbound or they may stay on US 501 to SC 38 to access I-95 northbound.
Myrtle Beach, from 10th Avenue North south to the Myrtle Beach International Airport: Evacuees from the Myrtle Beach area south of 10th Avenue North and north of the Myrtle Beach International Airport will take US 501 to Conway. They may then take US 378 to Columbia or continue on US 501 to Marion. In Marion they may then take US 76 to Florence to access I-95 southbound or they may stay on US 501 to SC 38 to access I-95 northbound.
Myrtle Beach International Airport southward through Surfside Beach: Evacuees from the Myrtle Beach International Airport south through Surfside Beach will take SC 544 to US 501 to Conway. They may then take US 378 to Columbia or continue on US 501 to Marion. In Marion they may then take US 76 to Florence to access I-95 southbound or they may stay on US 501 to SC 38 to access I-95 northbound.
Garden City Beach south to Winyah Bay: Evacuees from Garden City Beach south to Winyah Bay will take US 17 south through Georgetown. They will then take US 521 to SC 261 to US 378 to Columbia. Alternatively, they may take US 17 south to US 701 in Georgetown to SC 51 to US 378 at Kingsburg.
Residents that live in Evacuation Zone C should utilize the closest available evacuation route to safely evacuate the area.
Re-Entry for Residents & Property Owners
Residents should have proper identification to gain admittance. Identification may include a valid government issued photo ID card showing the location of the property. Out-of-state property owners with residential or commercial properties within the affected area(s) must show a valid government issued photo identification and current documentation to verify the need for re-entry such as a utility bill, deed, property tax notice, etc…
Re-Entry for Business Owners & Essential Employees
Business owners/operators will need proper identification to gain admittance to impacted areas such as a current business license, company photo ID card, lease documents or other official documents showing the location of the property and a valid government issued ID card.
Essential staff/employees will also need proper identification such as a valid business or government issued ID card and an essential employee authorization letter on official company letterhead provided by the business. This letter should include a request for admittance, the employees’ name and be signed by the business owner/operator.
Shelters
American Red Cross shelters are prepared to open Wednesday for people who must evacuate. Individuals are reminded to secure their property before they evacuate to the shelter. Shelters should be considered as a place of last resort to ride out the storm, according to county officials. Shelters could become crowded, and they do not accept pets. When going to a shelter, citizens will need to take their own supplies such as batteries, bedding, identification, toiletries, clothing, etc. Remember, shelters do not accept guns, alcohol or animals.
AMERICAN RED CROSS SHELTERS IN HORRY COUNTY
Aynor Elementary-516 Jordanville Road, Aynor
Aynor High-201 Jordanville Road, Aynor
Aynor Middle School, 400 Frye Road, Galivants Ferry
Blackwater Middle School, 900 East Cox Ferry Road, Conway
Conway High School, 2301 Church Street, Conway
Green Sea Floyds Elementary,5000 Tulip Road, Green Sea
Green Sea Floyds High,5265 Highway 9, Green Sea
Loris Elementary, 901 Highway 9 East, Loris
Loris High-301 Loris Lions Road, Loris
Loris Middle School, 5209 Highway 66, Loris
North Myrtle Beach High School, 3750 Sea Mountain Highway, Little River
Palmetto Bays Elementary, 8900 Highway 544, Myrtle Beach
Pee Dee Elementary, 6555 Highway 134, Conway
Whittemore Park Middle-1808 Rhue Street
Horry County will open its phone bank to assist the public with any questions or concerns regarding Hurricane Matthew on Wednesday at 8 a.m. Anyone who needs assistance can call (843) 915-5150.
This story was originally published October 5, 2016 at 7:16 AM with the headline "Hurricane Matthew evacuation routes and Horry County shelters."