‘This isn’t a cakewalk’: Horry official urges residents to take incoming storm seriously

An Horry County official urged residents Thursday to take the incoming storm seriously, adding his concerns about flash flooding and potential tornadoes.

“Everybody just needs to stay off the streets tomorrow as much as possible. Just use common sense and just ride this thing out,” said Randy Webster, the assistant county administrator for public safety.

Webster spoke to reporters in front of the M.L. Brown Public Safety Building in Conway Thursday morning.

A hurricane warning is in effect for Horrry County as tropical storm Ian is expected to regain hurricane strength before hitting South Carolina, according to the National Weather Service.

Webster said coastal flooding is going to be a big deal for the county, especially for roads in Garden city where it’s prone to flood.

“We’ll close roads as needed to keep people safe, he added. “Please, if you see barricades up, please don’t drive around. Please don’t do that.”

Webster warned that roads on the other side of barricades could be dangerous for people willing to take the risk.

He said Horry County will not be providing sandbags or any other resources to residents to combat flooding.

But he encouraged anyone who may get stuck in any bad weather conditions to call 911, if possible.

Webster also indicated the county’s emergency operating center will be open with about 40 to 50 people instead of the usual 80 to 100 people since people won’t be evacuating.

“This isn’t a cakewalk,” he said. “It’s a dangerous situation. We need folks to understand: don’t drive around barricades, and don’t be out if you don’t need to be.”