(Columbia) September 12, 2005 - Monday evening, Governor Sanford emphasized the need for an evacuation for those who may be in the path of Ophelia.

“People on barrier islands, oceanfront property, property in low-lying areas, property along rivers and streams, and people in mobile homes and at campgrounds are especially at risk,” the governor said. “It is urgent that they give extremely careful consideration to moving inland.”

Governor Mark Sanford issued a voluntary evacuation as of 12pm on Monday for parts of Horry and Georgetown counties as Ophelia continued on a path that may bring hurricane-force winds, possible tornadoes, storm surge, the potential for severe localized flooding and heavy rains to parts of the South Carolina coast.

The governor's voluntary evacuation would primarily affect (but is not limited to) people on barrier islands, oceanfront property, property in low-lying areas or property along rivers and streams. Gov. Sanford's voluntary evacuation also includes any areas within Horry and Georgetown counties specified by local officials.

In Horry County, the evacuation includes all areas on and east of Business U.S. 17 in the southern Grand Strand and on and east of U.S. 17 in the Northern Grand Strand, mobile homes in all areas of the county, and areas in the county prone to flooding.

In Georgetown County, the evacuation includes all areas on and east of U.S. 17 and U.S. 17 Bypass in the northern portion of the county, mobile homes in all areas of the county, and areas in the county prone to flooding.

"Based on all the information we've received at this point, this storm could pose a real danger to our state's coast, particularly to low-lying areas in Georgetown and Horry counties," Gov. Sanford said. "I also want to make it perfectly clear to folks throughout South Carolina that the potential for severe weather is not limited to the coast. This is a serious storm that's got the potential to do a lot of damage and put lives in jeopardy if we don't take it seriously."

State assets are ready for a potential evacuation. Gov. Sanford asked the public to continue to monitor the storm, especially people in low-lying areas along the entire South Carolina coast. Gov. Sanford also said that now is the time for people to prepare their homes, gather supplies, review their plans, top off the fuel in their vehicles and prepare for a possible mandatory evacuation.

People in vulnerable areas are advised to leave voluntarily and move to safer locations. The American Red Cross and local officials will open the following shelters by 4pm Monday, after school is dismissed. Others will be opened if needed.

Shelters for Horry County Evacuees:

Conway High School
2301 Church Street
Conway, S.C.

Loris Elementary School
901 East Highway 9 Business
Loris, S.C.

Shelter for Georgetown County Evacuees:
Pleasant Hill Elementary School
127 Schoolhouse Drive
Hemingway, S.C.

The shelter at Hemingway will also accommodate people with special medical needs.

The American Red Cross will announce additional shelter availability if it is needed. People in manufactured housing should be particularly cautious, and people in all other South Carolina counties (particularly those near the coast) should monitor their local media for possible instructions from local officials.

Updated 7:40pm by Bryce Mursch