South Carolina, September 27, 2025
News Summary
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency as Tropical Disturbance 94L approaches the state, expected to bring strong winds, storm surge, and significant rainfall over the weekend. Residents are urged to prepare early and review their hurricane plans. Precautionary measures are being taken in affected regions, including sandbag preparation and coordination by state emergency agencies. The situation is complicated by the nearby Hurricane Humberto, which could influence weather patterns in the area.
Columbia, SC – South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on September 26 in anticipation of Tropical Disturbance 94L, which is expected to move towards the state from Hispaniola this weekend and intensify. Residents are being urged to prepare early, rather than wait for the storm to approach.
The disturbance is predicted to impact South Carolina and the Southern U.S. region as early as late Sunday or early Monday. Potential effects include strong winds, storm surge, and significant rainfall. In response, the governor’s executive order activates the South Carolina emergency operations plan, directing the state emergency management division to begin preparation and coordination with relevant agencies. McMaster stressed the importance of accessing and deploying resources for storm preparation and response, noting the unpredictable nature of the storm and its potential for significant wind, heavy rainfall, and flooding across South Carolina.
Residents are encouraged to review their hurricane plans and stay informed about storm updates through local news and the National Hurricane Center. Suggested preparation steps include assembling a disaster supply kit, downloading the South Carolina Emergency Manager app, and ensuring backup cell phone chargers in case of power outages.
In the Upstate, Spartanburg Emergency Management Division Director Doug Bryson reported that heavy rains are expected but will continue to monitor developments. On the same day, Charleston crews took preemptive measures, preparing sandbags, checking high water vehicles, and organizing pumps in anticipation of potential flooding.
Tropical Disturbance 94L has already caused heavy rains in the Dominican Republic, prompting evacuations and a red alert in five provinces. The flooding in the Dominican Republic has displaced over 774 people, with some communities experiencing isolation due to landslides. Meanwhile, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is on alert, recommending that residents in coastal areas of the Southeast U.S. stay informed.
Adding to the situation, Hurricane Humberto, now a Category 4 hurricane located about 430 miles northeast of the northern Leeward Islands, is intensifying in the Atlantic and could affect the region’s weather patterns with risks of life-threatening surf and rip currents. Concurrently, forecasts from the National Hurricane Center indicate that Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine may soon develop into a tropical depression, potentially named Imelda.
As preparations continue in coastal areas, including emergency declarations in Myrtle Beach, officials expect that ocean impacts along South Carolina’s coast will begin by late Sunday or early Monday, lasting throughout the week. Rainfall and flooding threats remain a primary concern for residents, even if the system curves out to sea. Current predictions suggest that the storm could arrive as a strong tropical storm or a Category 1 hurricane, depending on its development and path.
Key Preparations
- Review hurricane plans.
- Assemble a disaster supply kit.
- Download the South Carolina Emergency Manager app.
- Prepare backup cell phone chargers.
Recent Developments in the Dominican Republic
- Over 774 people displaced due to flooding.
- Evacuations and red alerts issued in five provinces.
Impact Timeline
- South Carolina expected to feel impacts late Sunday or early Monday.
- Ocean impacts expected to last through the week.
Potential Risks
- Strong winds and significant rainfall.
- Threat of flooding across South Carolina.
- Life-threatening surf and rip currents from Hurricane Humberto.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the governor issue a state of emergency?
Governor Henry McMaster issued a state of emergency on September 26 due to Tropical Disturbance 94L.
What kind of weather can South Carolina expect from the storm?
The disturbance is expected to bring strong winds, storm surge, and significant rainfall, with potential impacts as early as late Sunday or early Monday.
What should residents do to prepare?
Residents are urged to review their hurricane plans, assemble a disaster supply kit, download the South Carolina Emergency Manager app, and ensure backup cell phone chargers for potential power outages.
Key Features of Tropical Disturbance 94L
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Emergency Declaration | September 26 |
| Projected Impact Timeline | Late Sunday or early Monday |
| Expected Weather Effects | Strong winds, storm surge, significant rainfall |
| State Actions | Activation of emergency operations plan, coordination with agencies |
| Recommendations for Residents | Prepare disaster kits, review hurricane plans |
| Recent Events in the Dominican Republic | 774 people displaced, red alert in five provinces |
| Hurricane Humberto Status | Category 4, located 430 miles northeast of Leeward Islands |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tropical Storm Humberto and Invest 94L Threaten South Carolina Coast
Severe Weather Impacts Millions Across the U.S. This Weekend
Florida Braces for Hurricane Milton: Impact Expected
Charleston Prepares for Tropical Storm Helene
High Surf Advisory Issued for Charleston County
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Atlantic Tropics and South Carolina Coastal Concerns
- ABC News: New Tropical Storm Hurricane Humberto in the Atlantic
- SC Daily Gazette: SC Under State of Emergency
- Greenville Online: SC Under State of Emergency for Tropical Disturbance 94L
- WLTX: Henry McMaster Warning About Possible Hurricane
- Wikipedia: Tropical Cyclone
- Google Search: Hurricane preparation
- Google Scholar: Tropical Weather Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropical Storm
- Google News: Tropical Disturbance 94L
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
