S.C. governor orders evacuation along state coastline

The governor of South Carolina is ordering the evacuation of every resident who lives along the state’s 187-mile coastline — a directive that comes as Hurricane Florence barrels toward the East Coast.  

Gov. Henry McMaster (R) issued a statement on Monday ordering all evacuations begin no later than noon on Tuesday. 

{mosads}McMaster later confirmed the statement in a press conference, saying that the state would take the necessary steps to keep residents safe.

JUST IN: South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster orders mandatory evacuation of all people in evacuation zones ahead of Hurricane Florence. Order goes into effect at noon on Tuesday. https://t.co/021hNnhqS8 pic.twitter.com/AKbTHNffcS

— ABC News (@ABC) September 10, 2018

“This may be inconvenient,” McMaster said. “This is a very dangerous hurricane. But we are not going to gamble with the lives of the people of South Carolina.”

Evacuations are expected to cover regions that are inland as well. It added that schools will be closed in order to be used as emergency shelters. 

The hurricane reached Category 4 strength on Monday morning with 130 mph winds, according to multiple reports. Forecasts have predicted that the hurricane will make landfall near Wilmington, N.C., on Friday. 

Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) has asked President Trump for an expedited emergency declaration for the state ahead of Florence’s expected landing.

“This declaration would allow much-needed federal resources to be mobilized to assist in North Carolina’s preparation for Hurricane Florence,” Jones wrote.

Updated at 3:25 p.m.