They abandoned homes and belongings under an incongruously blue sky in preparation for a monster of a storm that dwarfs any in recent memory. If the effects of Hurricane Floyd reach the Augusta area with dire results, planning ahead may keep the family safe and more comfortable. There's nothing left to do but wait. Preparations are complete for the impending arrival of Hurricane Floyd, local officials said. Maintenance crews are ready and waiting.
Shelters are open.
As coastal cities prepare for the ravages of Hurricane Floyd, inland residents as far north as North Carolina are also keeping a nervous eye on the weather. They no longer are as naive as they were a decade ago about the destruction storms can cause in the heart of a state. Gov. Jim Hodges ordered a mandatory evacuation of as many as 800,000 people in coastal areas today as Hurricane Floyd aimed for South Carolina's coast, just a week shy of the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Hugo's destructive run through the state. With a voter turnout of 26.4 percent, District 3 challenger Don Sprawls ousted incumbent Karen Papouchado by 96 votes in Tuesday's Aiken City Council Republican primary. Two local charities are already benefiting from proceeds The Keenan O'Mailia Candle of Hope Foundation has made in under a month.