With an unpredictable hurricane looming a couple hundred miles offshore, Charleston County officials opened shelters Saturday night and began urging residents in low-lying areas east of Highway 17 to voluntarily evacuate.

But as the shelters opened, and some residents stocked up on storm supplies, weather forecasts showed Hurricane Ophelia likely dodging the Lowcountry and making landfall in North Carolina late Tuesday or Wednesday.

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service said residents in the Charleston area could expect breezy conditions from the Category 1 hurricane but did not expect any rain. But officials cautioned residents to monitor the news, given the unpredictable nature of the storm.

"It could certainly be tropical storm conditions, but it's less likely now," said meteorologist Steven Taylor.

Charleston County officials, who met throughout the day to discuss developments, said the county didn't want to take any chances, urging residents along the barrier islands and beaches and residents of mobile homes to consider relocating.

The county initially opened five shelters, staffing them with local law enforcement, medical personnel and volunteers from the American Red Cross. The county later closed three of the shelters when it appeared the hurricane was heading north, though about 20 people sought shelter at Midland Park Elementary in North Charleston.

"We have a very unpredictable storm that is bearing down potentially on the coast of South Carolina," said Council Chairman Leon Stavrinakis. "We intend to do what it takes to keep this community safe."

Berkeley, Dorchester and Colleton county officials didn't issue a voluntary evacuation, though Berkeley and Dorchester opened their emergency operations centers to monitor the storm. Officials also said shelters are ready to open, if necessary.

The Citadel followed Charleston County's lead, releasing all cadets at 3 p.m. Saturday, and canceling classes for Monday and Tuesday. Staff members are expected to report Monday, but faculty is off until Wednesday.

News late Saturday of the storm's apparent northward track topped off a day in which local officials and meteorologists spent hours guessing when and where Ophelia might hit, with forecasts running as far south as Savannah and as far north as the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Because of the slow and unpredictable pace of the storm, the National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane watch for the entire South Carolina coast, from the Savannah River north to Cape Lookout in North Carolina.

Alsheimer said Ophelia has been a tough storm to track because it's been caught between weather systems and lacks strong steering currents. It's been sluggish, barely moving north at 2 mph, and 230 miles off the South Carolina coast. Meteorologists don't expect much movement today.

By late today, he said Charleston could begin seeing rain from the storm with winds picking up Monday and Tuesday as the storm reaches land.

"The storm will still be close enough to give us tropical storm force winds in the Charleston area," Alsheimer said. "Especially along the coast."

At 2 p.m., the leaders of the local municipalities gathered at the Lonnie Hamilton Public Service Building off Leeds Avenue for an update. Afterward, the mayors of Charleston, North Charleston and Mount Pleasant emerged, each saying that local governments were on standby in case the storm hit.

"A plan is in place. Organization is in place," said North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. "We're prepared for the best-case scenario or the worst-case scenario."

As the area's top elected officials gathered to plan for the storm, some Lowcountry residents made plans of their own. Still, others opted to enjoy the beautiful day at the beach.

Joe Rodgers, manager of the Lowe's on James Island, said about 40 people were lined up when the store opened at 7 a.m. "People are coming in and picking up batteries, flashlights and chainsaws," he said. "Right now, people are talking about it, but not panicking."

One of those shoppers was Mount Pleasant resident Bill Gerard, who was buying duct tape, caulk and batteries. He said generators already were gone. "I'm trying to beat the crowds," he said.

It was a similar story Saturday afternoon at Hughes Lumber on Mary Street on the Charleston peninsula. Officials there said they had sold a couple of hundred sheets of plywood. Other folks came looking for propane.

"Some are in a panic," said Manager Sandy Larson. "Some are sitting back right now."

Downtown resident Margaret Davidson stopped in to buy batteries and have two propane tanks filled. "I needed to do it anyway, but this is a good reason to go ahead and do it," she said. "If you're not preparing now, you're stupid."

At Folly Beach, resident Trace Pupke spent Saturday boarding up the original windows in his 1940's beach house with $300 in plywood. He also bought a generator, food and plenty of water to get his family through if he decides to stay. He also made hotel reservations in Walterboro, just in case.

"It's not strong, double-paned glass. It's pretty fragile," Pupke said. "Even at this strength, it's just for safety's sake. It's worth the investment."

TRACKING HURRICANE OPHELIA

It's not like she's a fast-moving target. Or elusive. Or too small to detect. So why is it so hard to get a bead on Hurricane Ophelia? In the past four days Ophelia has meandered a little more than 200 miles off the Southeast coast, unsure of what to do.

-- At 5 p.m. Wednesday, the official forecast from the National Hurricane Center was for Tropical Storm Ophelia to scratch her head and look skyward for a few days.

-- At 5 p.m. Thursday, Ophelia became the seventh hurricane of the season, sucking fuel from sea and air, but still not ready to budge.

-- The indecisive storm apparently wasn't ready to assume the full responsibility that comes with hurricane status: she became a tropical storm again.

-- At 5 p.m. Friday, Ophelia was fed again and looked ready to rumble. The National Hurricane Center put the South Carolina coast on official notice.

-- At 5 p.m. Saturday, Ophelia was called "large" but barely was moving, inching her way northward. Now, it was the North Carolina coast in her sights. The National Hurricane Center said the hurricane watch may have to be shifted northward later today.