Hurricane Matthew Q&A
When will Hurricane Matthew hit South Carolina?
Hurricane Matthew is expected roll up to South Carolina’s coast Friday night and be spinning off the state’s southern coast by Saturday afternoon. It’s forecast to move up the coast toward Charleston, then turn east and move farther out into the ocean.
But the predicted path has changed several times during the last few days. Plus, even if Matthew doesn’t make landfall, the storm is so big that it can cause considerable damage along the coast. A hurricane warning was issued from the Georgia line to near Georgetown, meaning hurricane conditions are expected. Matthew is considered a dangerous, life-threatening storm with winds of 140 mph.
Is it unusual for a hurricane to hit South Carolina in October?
October hurricanes are very rare. A University of South Carolina study found that only three have threatened the state since 1900, including Hazel, a killer storm that leveled parts of the Myrtle Beach area in 1954. The biggest storms in the past quarter century, Hugo and Floyd, struck in September.
Will my kids have to make up the school days they're missing this week?
All districts must set aside three days in the school year as make-up days. The first three days missed due to snow, extreme weather or other disruptions must be made up.
If more than three days are missed during the school year, the local school board can waive up to three days. Also, the State Board of Education has the authority to waive three additional make-up days beyond the three forgiven by the local school board.
Where can I find a pet-friendly shelter?
▪ Summerville – Cane Bay High School, 1624 State Road.
▪ Charleston – Burns Elementary School, 2750 Dorchester Road
▪ Saluda – Saluda Nursing Center, 581 Newberry Highway
▪ Spartanburg – Spartanburg Expo Center, 6655 Pottery Road.
Where is the shelter for people with medical needs?
People with special needs, such as being in a wheelchair or having other mobility needs, can go to any shelter.
People who have medical needs requiring continuous power, such as being on a ventilator, are being taken to a shelter organized through the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. The location of that shelter is not being publicized.
Visit thestate.com for a list of all shelters in the state.