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MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Thursday, September 26, 2024) – As Hurricane Helene approaches the Gulf Coast of Florida, Berkeley County Emergency Management officials are monitoring the storm and preparing for potential impacts. The County is currently under a Tropical Storm Warning and Tornado Watch. Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within 48 hours. Tornado Watch means conditions are possible for a tornado to form.

On Wednesday, SC Governor Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency ahead of the storm. Helene is likely to bring to our area increased rainfall with isolated flooding and increased winds. There is a moderate risk for tornado activity, as the storm makes landfall and travels. Local impacts are expected from Thursday evening into Friday evening with the peak forecast occurring early Friday morning. This is subject to change based on storm movement and forecast. Find all storm updates HERE.

CLOSURES: There are no scheduled County closures at this time. All Berkeley County facilities will remain OPEN and operating by normal schedules on Friday, September 27, 2024.

OPERATING CONDITIONS: At 10 a.m. on Thursday, the County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) moved to OPCON 2, partial EOC activation. OPCON 2 means a disaster or emergency is likely to affect the County, and emergency operations plans are implemented.

CITIZEN CALL LINE: The Citizen Call Line (843-719-4800) is currently operational 24/7 for non-emergency calls ONLY. Callers will hear an automated response with Berkeley County storm prep information. **For all emergency calls, please call 911.**

POWER OUTAGES: In the event of a power outage in the coming days, please do not call 911. Please report outages to the appropriate utility provider below:

REPORTING STORM DAMAGE: If your residence or business sustains storm damage in the coming days, please report it HERE. Those without Internet access can report storm damage by calling the Citizen Call Line at 843-719-4800 and leaving a detailed voicemail. Reporting storm damage will help Berkeley County staff gauge the extent of damage in the County and report the findings to state and federal officials. These reports will determine appropriate federal and state funding for damage caused by the storm.

For the latest news and updates on Helene, follow Berkeley County Government on Facebook and at www.berkeleycountysc.gov.

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– Prepared by the Berkeley County Public Information Office –