Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency Wednesday in anticipation of Hurricane Irma.
Though the storm is still days away from reaching the Palmetto State, an emergency declaration clears a path for state agencies to work together in preparation for the storm's impacts. McMaster took to Twitter on Wednesday to encourage South Carolinians to prepare for the arrival of the strong tropical system.
"We don't know yet if #Irma will hit us, but we want everyone to be prepared in case we need to evacuate," he wrote. "Know your route, fill your prescriptions and gas tank, take care of your animals, and be ready to leave and not return for several days. We are hoping and praying for the best, but preparing for the worst."