The latest updates on Florence

Right now, Hurricane Florence has been downgraded to a tropical depression.

Most of the S.C. coast + the N.C. Outer Banks were under mandatory evacuation (Gov. McMaster lifted evacuation orders for Jasper, Beaufort + Colleton counties on Tuesday morning). Most of those evacuations have been lifted but travel in some areas remains unsafe.

State/Local Announcements

⚓ For the first time ever the U.S. Navy stationed ships off the South Carolina coast to assist in recovery efforts.

🏈 Clemson Football moved their game against GA Southern from 3:30 p.m. to Noon on Saturday. Furman canceled their game against Colgate. That game won’t be made up, but the university is searching for an opponent for their bye week. In response, Colgate football gave up their GVL hotel rooms + donated meals to evacuees here in the Upstate. 👏

UofSC canceled their game against Marshall.

How can you help?

Miracle Hill needs the following for emergency evacuation shelters: bottled water, snacks + juice for children, hygiene items, pillows, towels, laundry pods, batteries, disposable cutlery, fruit cups + more. Drop off at Greenville Rescue Mission (575 W. Washington St.) or Shepherd’s Gate (11 Regency Hill Dr.). Contact the shelter for more needs.

CrowdSource (a 100% volunteer organization that uses crowdsource mapping for rescues + wellness checks) was developed post-hurricane Harvey, and has helped nearly 40k people. The platform lets people submit a rescue ticket to their team of volunteer dispatchers who then send civilian rescuers to their location. As Florence nears, CrowdSource will begin accepting civilian requests for rescue. Click here for more info + how to get involved.

We can help our coastal neighbors by reaching out to friends + family in the lowcountry and opening our homes to evacuees. During some emergencies, Airbnb also helps connects those who want to host with evacuees through Open Home.

The American Red Cross has a network of shelters which house evacuees with one being in Greenville. You can donate monetarily here, and keep up-to-date with any specific needs they have (the most requested items are normally socks + underwear). Miracle Hill Ministries will open four severe weather shelters to house hurricane evacuees + additional homeless individuals who aren’t already in temporary shelter. Blood donors are also needed in preparation for the storm. Find a local Blood Connection center here.

The Greenville Humane Society and Greenville County Animal Care both have pet fostering programs. The Greenville Humane Society is offering an adoption special (9/11 - 9/14) for Hurricane Florence Relief. If you have room for a furry friend, consider fostering + adopting so those shelters have room for evacuated pets.

The Haro Group is finding homes for hurricane evacuees who've suddenly found themselves homeless. They've launched a #FocusedOnFlorence initiative - an effort aimed at connecting evacuees with housing available now and in the long-term. The team is using social media to compile a list of people who have homes, rooms and apartments available to make sure everyone affected by Florence has a place to stay. If you have a property to add to the list, please fill out the form at https://goo.gl/forms/wKvZY7Wr4LV3EX1o2.

What Greenvillians need to know

💡 If your power goes out, report it here + get a report of restoration time

⛽ To report price gouging, click here.

🏥 Greenville Health System is expecting 40 transfer patients as coastal hospitals evacuate.

Know the difference between a flood watch + a flood warning. Watch: take precautions, a flood may occur vs. Warning: seek safety, a flood is occurring.

During heavy rains, avoid driving. If you find yourself in flood conditions on the road, turn your headlines on, try to avoid standing water, and drive slowly.

Three U-Haul locations in Greenville (and 94 throughout the state) will offer 30 days of free self-storage in anticipation of the need for a safe place to store belongings: 529 Wade Hampton Blvd., 24 Roper Mountain Rd., and 1406 Grove Rd.

A statewide burning ban was issued but has since been lifted.

For those evacuating to Greenville

LeMans Karting is offering one free ride for evacuees.

Here's how to navigate local health care (including online doctor visits).

Greenville County Library System is offering temporary library cards without charge to those who have been evacuated / displaced from their home counties due to Hurricane Florence. This service is available at all Greenville County Library locations. Find addresses for all library branches: greenvillelibrary.org/locations-and-hours

Three U-Haul locations in Greenville (and 94 throughout the state) will offer 30 days of free self-storage in anticipation of the need for a safe place to store belongings: 529 Wade Hampton Blvd., 24 Roper Mountain Rd., and 1406 Grove Rd.

The Haro Group is finding homes for hurricane evacuees who've suddenly found themselves homeless. They've launched a #FocusedOnFlorence initiative - an effort aimed at connecting evacuees with housing available now and in the long-term. The team is using social media to compile a list of people who have homes, rooms and apartments available to make sure everyone affected by Florence has a place to stay. If you or someone you know needs shelter, call 864.326.5387 to be connected with a housing resource.

Fork + Plough has no plans to close and is staying open to support local + low country farmers. They’ve even made a cocktail called the Muscadine Hurricane.

With the help of our amazing friends at CHStoday, we’ve compiled the most crucial resources into an intensive guide. Send it to your coastal friends who aren't sure how to prepare, where to get updates, or what to expect. Find it here.