Horry, Georgetown officials increase efforts to monitor Erika, impacts to Grand Strand uncertain

Emergency preparedness officials for the state, Horry and Georgetown counties are on alert for possible threats from Tropical Storm Erika, according to releases Friday that showed each county and state officials moved their Operating Conditions to 4.

“OPCON 4 indicates an “alert” status in preparation for a possible threat,” said Jackie Broach, Georgetown County spokeswoman. “The county’s Emergency Management Division, in conjunction with S.C. Emergency Management and the National Weather Service, will continue to monitor the storm closely and update the public on the threat for our area, residents and visitors.”

Horry County officials also added that the county’s emergency operations center is not activated, but officials will make changes as necessary while they monitor the storm, said Lisa Bourcier, Horry County’s spokeswoman.

In an updated briefing Friday, Steve Pfaff, with the National Weather Service said “Erika will be a in a hostile atmospheric environment and will have to traverse the Dominican Republic tonight, which could adversely impact its evolution.”

There are no tropical storm force wind probabilities for the Carolina coast and the “forecast remains highly uncertain this far out in time for our area,” Pfaff said midday Friday.

Erika is expected to impact Cuba on Saturday if the storm stays on track.

“If the storm holds together, then any impacts that may occur in our area would not be until the middle of next week,” Pfaff said.

Possible scenarios for the Grand Strand and surrounding areas include Erika crossing Florida as currently forecast and remnants and rain from the storm impacting the area, Pfaff said.

A second scenario is “if Erika stays near the east coast of Florida, then tropical storm force conditions would be possible along with other impacts,” he said. A third scenario includes “if Erika moves even farther west or weakens altogether, then the impacts would be little if any.”

But forecasters along with state and and county emergency management officials said Friday they will continue to monitor the storm throughout the weekend and update their plans as necessary.

“We should have a much better idea about what, if any threat, Erika will pose to Georgetown County by early next week,” said Sam Hodge, Georgetown County’s Emergency Manager. “In the mean time, we are reviewing operational plans and taking actions to get ready in case the storm does head our way.”

Hodge said residents should follow suit by using the time to make sure they have emergency plans in place for their families and businesses, and reviewing those plans with all family members and employees.

Here are suggestions of what an emergency supply kit should include:

▪  Non-perishable food

▪ Drinking water (two gallons per person per day)

▪ Flashlights with extra batteries and bulbs

▪ First aid kit

▪ Non-electrical can opener

▪ Necessary medications and prescriptions

▪ Needed supplies for any children

▪ Needed supplies for any pets

▪ Important documents (insurance policies, photo ID, tax records, bank information, etc.)

▪ Toiletries and other personal hygiene items

▪ Cash and credit cards

▪ Weather radio with extra batteries

This story was originally published August 28, 2015 at 7:57 AM with the headline "Horry, Georgetown officials increase efforts to monitor Erika, impacts to Grand Strand uncertain."