09/09/2026
Let’s talk hurricane evacuation zones!
South Carolina has 6 hurricane evacuation zones (A, B, C, D, E, F). If you live in one of these zones, you may need to evacuate if there is a tropical system approaching SC.
Hurricane evacuation zones are based on an area’s vulnerability to storm surge. Storm surge is the abnormal rise in seawater level during a tropical system above the normal predicted astronomical tide, caused primarily by winds pushing water onshore.
But how do scientists determine your area’s vulnerability to storm surge?!? Using SLOSH modeling!
SLOSH stands for Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes. SLOSH is used to estimate storm surge at a given location by taking into account a storm’s pressure, size, forward speed, track, wind speeds, and local topographical data.
Data from both historical and hypothetical storms is used in SLOSH modeling to determine a location’s vulnerability to storm surge. Emergency managers also frequently utilize SLOSH modeling to help determine the storm surge threat from incoming/forecasted storms.
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So, if you live in one of these 6 evacuation zones, it was determined that your home is vulnerable to storm surge. The Governor, in coordination with local officials and emergency management, can order a mandatory evacuation of these zones if an approaching storm is expected to cause storm surge flooding.
Zone A has the greatest vulnerability because these areas are located directly on the coast and/or at lower elevations, making them the most likely to be issued an evacuation order. Storms with greater anticipated impacts may cause additional zones to be included in an evacuation order.
Dorchester County has 3 hurricane evacuation zones within the county (D, E, and F). So, if the Governor issues a mandatory evacuation order for any of those zones, some of you may need to evacuate! Let’s go over some examples to see what this may look like during a storm.
Example 1: A Category 1 storm is approaching SC. Using the storm’s current size, forward speed, forecast track, and wind speed, it has been determined that Zones A and B are at risk for storm surge flooding. The Governor issues a mandatory evacuation order for Zones A and B.
Example 2: A Category 4 hurricane is approaching SC. Using the storm’s current size, forward speed, forecast track, and wind speed, it has been determined that ALL zones are at risk for storm surge flooding. The Governor issues a mandatory evacuation order for Zones A, B, C, D, E, and F!
Example 3: A Category 1 storm is approaching SC. Using the storm’s current size, forward speed, forecast track, and wind speed, it has been determined that ALL zones are at risk for storm surge flooding. The Governor issues a mandatory evacuation order for Zones A, B, C, D, E, and F!
Wait...why can two Category 1 hurricanes require different zones to evacuate?!?!? Well, let me explain!
Storm Size: Larger storms can produce higher storm surge.
Forward Speed: A storm’s forward speed can influence both the height and inland extent of storm surge.
Wind Speed: Stronger winds can produce higher storm surge.
Forecast Track: A storm’s track and angle of approach to the coastline can significantly influence where the highest storm surge occurs.
Even though Examples 1 and 3 are both Category 1 storms, they can result in very different evacuation orders based on the factors above! Hurricane category alone does not determine storm surge risk or which evacuation zones may be ordered to evacuate. No two storms are the same!
Wrapping it all up...if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone, you should have a plan in place to evacuate if your zone is issued an evacuation order. You and your loved ones’ LIVES are at risk if you choose to stay in your home. First responders CAN NOT get to you in the middle of the storm, so you may be on your own until conditions are safe enough for them to respond.
So...if you decide to risk your life by staying home during a hurricane, when first responders can finally attempt to rescue you, sometimes 24+ hours after you first need help, you may also be putting their lives at risk.
In summary...please have a plan in place for you and your family to evacuate if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone.
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