WHEREAS, the heavy rains that Hurricane Floyd brought to coastal areas in South Carolina and North Carolina have spawned extensive flooding in Georgetown, Horry and Marion counties; and

WHEREAS, the flooding of these areas leaves them susceptible to disease, looting and other public health and safety concerns; and

WHEREAS, Sections 1-3-410 through 460 of the South Carolina Code of Laws (1976), as amended, confer upon the Governor separate and distinct powers to take such measures necessary to maintain peace and order; and

WHEREAS, Section 25-1-440 and Sections 25-1-1820 through 1900 authorize the Governor to order out the South Carolina National Guard in case of danger to persons or property by force and violence and in the event of public disaster.

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as Governor pursuant to the South Carolina Constitution and the South Carolina Code of Laws, as a result of the flooding stemming from Hurricane Floyd, I hereby declare that a state of emergency exists in Georgetown, Horry, and Marion counties. I direct that the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan remain in effect for these counties, and that prudent preparations be taken at the individual, local, and state levels to protect against the possible effects of the flooding. I further direct that specified units of the South Carolina National Guard, at the discretion of the Adjutant General in consultation with the Director of the Emergency Preparedness Division, remain on state active duty to assist civil authorities in these counties and to take all reasonable precautions as are necessary for the preservation of life and property.

Executive Order 99-44, which declared a state of emergency for the entire state, is hereby rescinded. Executive Orders 99-45 (prohibiting overcharging for essential items) and 99-46 (curfews) are hereby modified as of the date of this Executive Order so as to limit their application to Georgetown, Horry, and Marion counties. Executive Order 99-55 (prohibitions on watercraft operations in affected counties) shall remain in effect until the United States Coast Guard and local emergency preparedness officials deem it safe to permit resumption of watercraft operations in the areas affected by Executive Order 99-55.

This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 28th DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 1999.

JIM HODGES
GOVERNOR

Last Updated: Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 11:20 A.M.