June 1 marks the official start of the 2025 Hurricane Season. Forecasters are predicting, yet another, higher than average season for named storms. Colorado State University, National Hurricane Center and Accuweather are predicting 17-25 named storms, with 5 expected to be major hurricanes. Statistically speaking, Colleton County is long overdue for a major impact. Similar to last year, we should expect a slow start to the 2025 season, with a rapid increase in named storms as we head into the peak of hurricane season in August and September. Hurricane season officially ends November 30, 2025. Colleton County officials urge all citizens to prepare now! Below are a few websites where you can obtain life-saving information to help you prepare your family and your home ahead of a storm:
2025 Hurricane Guide: https://scemd.org/stay-informed/publications/hurricane-guide/
In addition to the online version, several locations in Colleton County have hard copies:
○ Colleton County - Fire-Rescue Headquarters, Sheriff’s Office, Memorial Library, Harrelson Building, Taxpayer Center, SC Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Social Services and Department of Public Health
○ Walterboro - City Hall, ACE Hardware, Corbett’s Building Supply, Do it Best and Tractor Supply
○ Cottageville - Library
○ Ruffin - Post Office and Community Center
○ Edisto Beach - Town Hall and Ace Hardware
-Register for CodeRed Alerts(Emergency Information):www.colletonfire.com/codered
-Colleton County Evacuation Zone Information: www.colletonfire.com/knowyourzone
-Colleton County Emergency Operations Center Information: www.colletonfire.com/info
-Emergency Family Plan: https://scemd.org/prepare/your-emergency-plan/
-Emergency Checklist: https://scemd.org/prepare/your-emergency-plan/checklists/
-Basic Hurricane Disaster Supply Kit: https://hurricane.sc/supplies
-Hurricane Information: hurricane.sc
-National Hurricane Center: nhc.noaa.gov
-Flood Safety Information: https://www.scemd.org/prepare/types-of-disasters/floods/
