CONWAY, SC (WBTW) – Hours after Governor Nikki Haley announced possible evacuations of all coastal communities, people along the Grand Strand started to prepare for Hurricane Matthew.
“I’m trying to get some gas because I’m afraid they’re going to run out,” said Yvonne Loveless. When asked if she planned to leave she said she wasn’t sure.
“I think Governor Haley is supposed to come on again and we’re going to wait and see what she says,” added Loveless.
Others were not concerned but were gassing up their cars to get it out of the way.
“I plan on staying,” said Richard Mitchell. “I’ve stayed through the last two which were a long time ago and I’ve been here in the ‘Strand now for 19 years.”
Terri Smith is originally from Massachusetts and just moved to South Carolina with her husband.
“Do we evacuate? Do we ride it out? We don’t know what to do we really don’t. So it’s our welcome to the South with the hurricanes,” said Smith.
Many people couldn’t believe stores were running out of water and lines were wrapped around gas stations so early in the week.
“It’s a lot of hype I think,” added Mitchell.
Governor Nikki Haley is expected to announce more specific information on the evacuations on Wednesday morning. Once she speaks at the press conference, Loveless will make a decision.
“We have a place we can go,” said Loveless. “We live about a mile from the beach so if they say evacuate, I’m outta here.”
Stick with News 13 on air and online for full Hurricane Matthew coverage.
