SPRINGFIELD --The Effingham Emergency Management Agency has activated its Emergency Operations Center to Operations Level 3; it will be monitoring storm forecast tracks and timelines for possible impacts to Effingham County. It will also be providing updates to county and city leaders, and addressing any resource needs.

The EEMA is closely monitoring Hurricane Florence, which is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane by Monday evening. Although the latest National Hurricane Center forecast continues to favor a land-falling hurricane near the southern North Carolina coast, much of South Carolina remains under the cone of uncertainty. Further track shifts are possible and any westward shifts will significantly change local impacts to Georgia.

Regardless of the track, locations along the South Carolina and Georgia coasts will experience an increasing risk of rip currents, coastal flooding and building surf through early this week. Based on the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center, the earliest reasonable arrival of tropical storm force winds is Wednesday evening, and Effingham County could receive severe winds and rains Thursday evening into Friday.

The EEMA urges residents to use this time to review hurricane plans with family and friends, check on  insurance coverage and prepare emergency supplies.

Hurricane Registry

* If you know of anyone who may need medical assistance during a hurricane evacuation,  contact the Effingham County Health Department at 912-754-6484.

* This is only for persons with no resources such as family, neighbors or friends who need assistance with daily living tasks (professionally administered medication, eating, dressing, bathing, communicating, etc.)

* Anyone living in a nursing home, assisted living  or personal care facility is not eligible and must follow their facility’s emergency plan.

This information and updates are available on the EEMA information line at 912-754-8206, its website and Facebook.