TRACKING FLORENCE: Here's where you can find a shelter if you're evacuating the coast (including those for pets!)

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - With mandatory evacuations of the coast underway and Hurricane Florence approaches, a part of one of Governor Henry McMaster's executive orders signed Monday was to close schools in 26 counties.

The shuttered schools will become shelters for evacuees needing a safe haven. SCEMD has a section on its website to find locations for evacuees - you can find that listing here.

As of Thursday morning, there are currently 56 shelters available that can help evacuees, with more expected to be open through the storm. Three shelters are currently at capacity.

More cots are currently being added to shelters by the South Carolina Red Cross and the South Carolina Army National Guard.

Full shelters include Palmetto Bay Elementary in Horry County, Goose Creek High School in Berkeley County, and a special medical needs shelter.

MORE: What's your preparedness plan? Don't get caught with just bread and milk during a severe weather event

In the event that you must use a shelter, please consider the following before arriving:

• Bring your own pillows, blankets, and cots as these items might not be available at every location. If you are on a restricted diet, bring your own specialty food items.

Again, the full list of shelters is on the SCEMD website here.

This story will constantly update with new information. Check back for more updates.

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