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Florence strengthens to a Category 4 Hurricane, Mayor Brenda Bethune declares State of Emergency

The National Weather Service says Florence has now strengthened to a Category 1 Hurricane.  A Category 4 storm has sustained wind speeds of 74 to 95 miles per hour.

Florence has wind speeds of 75 miles per hour as of 10:45 Sunday morning. The storm is expected to further strengthen as it moves across the Atlantic. 

Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune signed a “State of Emergency” declaration at 12:00 p.m. Sunday, following conference calls with state and regional emergency officials and a meeting of city staff at the Emergency Operations Center.  The order gives the city the ability to implement emergency measures, if needed, in response to Hurricane Florence. 

Mayor Bethune urged residents to take time now to prepare, as Myrtle Beach will feel effects from Hurricane Florence.  She advised residents to be ready to evacuate if that order is given.  A video of the mayor speaking to residents is available on the city’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/myrtlebeachcitygovernment/

Horry County and the State of South Carolina also have declared emergencies in advance of Hurricane Florence. 
Myrtle Beach and South Carolina remain within the five-day cone of probability, so take precautions now.