SC Gov. McMaster declares state of emergency ahead of tropical weather forecasts

As potential tropical weather brews in the Atlantic, Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency in South Carolina.

The potential impacts of tropical weather, which could turn into Tropical Storm Imelda and Hurricane Humberto, will likely be felt in South Carolina this weekend and into next week.

McMaster’s declaration triggers the South Carolina Emergency Management Division to begin preparing for the storm and coordinating with state, local and federal agencies, according to a news release.

Storm-related damage and expenses may also now be eligible for funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

While the storm’s track is uncertain, South Carolinians are being advised to prepare for hazardous weather and track weather updates.

The National Weather Service of Columbia advised residents to prepare for the “impacts from a strong tropical storm or low-end hurricane.”

The governor’s declaration also means the state’s price gouging law is now in effect, the state’s attorney general’s office said in a press release. The law, mean to stop people from being taken unfair advantage of will remain in effect until McMaster lifts the order. The misdemeanor penalty for excessive pricing is a $1,000 fine and/or 30 days in jail, the release said.

This is a breaking news story and may be updated.

This story was originally published September 26, 2025 at 5:30 PM.