South Carolina agencies practice hurricane evacuation procedures

GASTON, S.C. (WIS) - South Carolina state agencies conducted a statewide practice evacuation Wednesday to prepare for potential hurricane evacuations during the 2026 hurricane season.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety and the South Carolina Department of Transportation, along with partners from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division and other State Emergency Response Team members tested lane reversal plans for Interstate 26, U.S. 21, U.S. 278, U.S. 501, and S.C. 544 in the event of a coastal evacuation order.

Additional support was provided by the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, the South Carolina Forestry Commission, the Civil Air Patrol and the South Carolina Army National Guard.

While lanes were not actually reversed during the exercise, agencies practiced procedures as if responding to a real evacuation order.

The practice tested radio communications and ensured teams were positioned correctly to guide coastal residents to the Midlands if a hurricane threatens the state.

Testing evacuation procedures

Master Trooper William Bennett of the South Carolina Highway Patrol said the exercise simulates reversing I-26 from Charleston to Columbia with limited interstate exits available during an actual evacuation.

“We’re just running through it as a test run, just to make sure everything is working and flowing properly,” Bennett said. “In the event there was an evacuation, obviously we would reverse I-26 from Charleston here to Columbia and we would have limited exits that traffic could get off on the interstates.”

Bennett said the lane reversal system helps move people away from the coast effectively and efficiently, though it creates an unusual driving experience.

Preparation tips for residents

Bennett said the biggest mistake drivers make during evacuations is not being prepared beforehand.

“You can’t wait until the evacuation order is given and then try to come up with a plan,” Bennett said. “You need to have a plan beforehand, so if it does happen, you know, it’s like clockwork.”

He said residents should know their evacuation routes and zones. Bennett also recommended keeping extra gear in vehicles in case of getting stranded.

Bennett advised residents to have emergency kits ready with water, medications, documents and supplies for their families.

Helene’s impact still felt

Less than two years ago, Hurricane Helene hit South Carolina, causing more than $1 billion in damage. The storm destroyed homes, disrupted power grids and left widespread devastation across the state.

Bennett said the experience continues to shape how the state prepares for future storms.

“It takes a team effort to make this happen and, you know, we hope we don’t have to have an evacuation, but we’ve got to be prepared in case we do find ourselves in that situation,” Bennett said.

For more information about the preparations for hurricane season, check out the WIS First Alert Hurricane Center for more resources and details.

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.