MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – The City of Myrtle Beach is addressing the re-entry process and timing on the city’s Facebook page.
According to a post made Friday night, it’s too early to say when re-entry into the city will begin.
“Everyone wants to know about re-entry into Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand. And the answer is… We don’t know yet, but it should be fairly quick,” the post reads.
City officials say since the storm isn’t over, it’s impossible to predict a time when residents will be allowed to return. While Florence has weakened to a tropical storm, winds are still wavering near 70 mph, heavy rain continues, and the storm is moving very slowly.
“If all goes well, Myrtle Beach city crews will be able to get out at first light and assess the damage,” officials say.
A damage tracking app from the city depicts 60 reports of damage throughout the city – including downed trees, power lines, debris in the roadway and a few flooded roads.
“Our goal is to make things safe for re-entry, so that people can return to homes and businesses as quickly as possible. That may take a day, or two. We won’t know until we see,” the post states.
In addition to the time needed to access and clear damage, the governor’s office must lift the evacuation order. If there are severely damaged areas of the city, residents who live in the affected areas may not be permitted to return.
“We want [residents] to [be] back home as quickly as possible, too. But first, Florence has to leave,” officials say.
