Horry, Georgetown counties are not being evacuated as Hurricane Irma threatens Florida

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster is not issuing evacuations for Horry or Georgetown counties as Florida prepares for Hurricane Irma to make landfall.

The only mandatory evacuations for South Carolina have been issued for Barrier Islands in Colleton, Beaufort and Jasper counties.

“In a situation like this it’s always best to be cautious because weather can change,” McMaster said. “Weather is unpredictable and we are making our best judgement based on the judgement of professionals throughout the state.”

During a news conference early Friday afternoon, McMaster decided to wait on announcing any evacuations in South Carolina until the 5 p.m. update came from the National Weather Service.

According to that update from the NWS, Hurricane Irma is expected to make a northern turn by late Saturday. The eye of the storm is expected to near Cuba and the central Bahamas between Friday and Saturday, and should reach the Florida Keys by Sunday morning.

The track is focusing more on the Florida peninsula, and is expected to remain a dangerous hurricane as it approaches land.

Hurricane Irma remains a Category 4 hurricane, with winds nearing 155 mph. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 70 miles out from the center of the storm, and tropical-storm-force winds extend 185 miles.

While South Carolina isn’t expected to sustain any direct hits, effects will still be seen along the coast.

A tweet from the NWS in Charleston says, “Keep in mind that impacts will be felt well away from the center.”

There is a moderate chance of inland flooding, which would occur Monday night along the Grand Strand. Low lying and poor drainage areas will be impacted as well as some streets and parking lots.

Total rainfall over northeast South Carolina is expected to total 3 to 5 inches. The chance of rain will increase Sunday into Monday, and should end by late Tuesday.

River flooding is possible, but depends on the total amount of rainfall.

Northeast South Carolina has a 10 to 20 percent chance of tropical storm force winds.

“We still can’t let our guard down yet if the storm turns to the north quicker than expected,” said Reid Hawkins, science and operations officer for the NWS.

There is a marginal risk for tornadoes Sunday night into Monday morning.

“Remember, you should not focus on the exact track of the storm as impacts can occur well outside the forecast cone,” Hawkins said.

This story was originally published September 8, 2017 at 7:50 PM with the headline "Horry, Georgetown counties are not being evacuated as Hurricane Irma threatens Florida."