Hurricane evacuation drill planned for Wednesday

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – State and local agencies will conduct a full-scale hurricane evacuation exercise on Wednesday for all three of South Carolina’s main coastal regions.

The annual drill aims to test the state’s lane reversal plan should a coastal evacuation order be given during the 2024 storm season.

No traffic lanes will be reversed or closed during the drill; however, equipment and personnel will be deployed and staged along evacuation routes. It includes I-26, U.S. 21, U.S. 278, U.S. 501, and S.C. 544 from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Locally, lane reversal begins near mile marker 197 (Nexton Parkway) and I-26 in Charleston toward I-77 and I-26 in Columbia.

“We’ve seen the forecasts calling for a historically active hurricane season,” said SC Emergency Management Division Director Kim Stenson. “With each storm that forms this year, the greater South Carolina’s chances become of seeing at least some type of impacts from a hurricane. It’s been several years since we’ve had to ask people to evacuate. While we hope we don’t have to again this year, it is important for us all, even folks at home, to practice our hurricane plans just in case a storm heads toward our state this year.”

Intersections will not be blocked and motorists will be able to travel freely. Drivers should use caution when traveling in these areas as law enforcement and personnel will be on the shoulder of roadways and at exits.

“This annual drill is an important part of our ongoing preparation for emergency weather. SCDOT works closely together with our partner agencies to ensure we are prepared and stand ready to respond to keep the people of South Carolina safe,” said Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell.

Hurricane season began June 1 and runs through November 30.