State Officials Continue Frances Watch

COLUMBIA -- South Carolina officials are watching Hurricane Frances as she moves toward the Bahamas.

The National Hurricane Center said Frances could strike anywhere from south Florida to South Carolina this weekend. The official track takes the storm ashore around Vero Beach, Fla., on Saturday.

Forecasters warn the track could change as the storm approaches the United States.

But even if it stays on its current course, meteorologists are watching to see what the storm does after landfall.

Joe Farmer of the state Emergency Management Division said the state would likely have to deal with the storm even if it makes landfall in Florida. Evacuees from Florida would head north on Interstate 95, he said.

One possible track would bring the remnants of Frances over the western Carolinas on Monday or Tuesday, bringing the potential for exceedingly heavy rain with it.

The South Carolina National Guard is on alert in case evacuations are needed because of the hurricane. Lt. Col. Pete Brooks said Anderson-based units would most likely be the first to be called up if needed.

The Highway Patrol plans to talk to reporters Wednesday in Beaufort and North Charleston about its plan to reverse lanes during a mandatory evacuation.

The South Carolina Forestry Commission said more than 125 Forestry Commission employees are poised for emergency dispatch if needed to help with operations after the hurricane.

People in Mount Pleasant are still cleaning up from Tropical Storm Gaston on Sunday. But residents are gathering hurricane supplies just in case.

Al Joseph at the Lowe's store said generators and plywood are brisk sellers.

Kim Mullis of Weather Guard Hurricane Protection on Folly Beach said people want hurricane shutters now. Mullis said the shutters are custom made, meaning it will be several months before she can get to them.

Previous Stories:

• August 31, 2004: Guard Alerted, Officials Warn Residents To Be Ready As Frances Moves West
• August 30, 2004: State Officials Turn Wary Eye Toward Hurricane Frances
• August 30, 2004: Cleanup From Gaston Continues