Voluntary evacuation ordered in most of Charleston County

Update September 5, 3 p.m.: More shelters are opening in Berkeley and Dorchester counties.

Original post: Charleston County has become concerned enough about Tropical Storm Hanna to open some storm shelters and issue a voluntary evacuation for most of the county.

I suspect it's this thinking from the National Weather Service that has Charleston County worried:
There are also multiple swirls...but it does appear that the low-level center has jumped a little bit to the west in response to the convective asymmetry. although a couple more shifts are possible...the orientation of the shear should turn more southerly with time...that is...more along the track...and then have less of an impact on the track.

And here's what Charleston County had to say in an e-mail:
Charleston County is issuing a voluntary evacuation effective at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4. The voluntary evacuation is being issued for people living east of Highway 17 in vulnerable or low-lying areas, and anyone who lives in a mobile home anywhere in Charleston County.

And here's the information for those needing shelter or help evacuating:
Shelters opening:
Stall High School
7749 Pinehurst Street
N. Charleston, SC 29420

Midland Park Elementary
2415 Midland Park Road
N. Charleston, SC 29418

Morningside Middle School
1999 Singley Lane
N. Charleston, SC 29405

Special Medical Needs Only
Alice Birney Middle School
7750 Pinehurst Street
N. Charleston, SC 29420

Pet Shelter
North Charleston Coliseum
5000 Coliseum Dr
N Charleston, SC 29418
REQUIREMENTS: Pets are only allowed in the designated animal emergency shelter at the North Charleston Coliseum. Only one person per pet is allowed to stay, and one person must stay with a pet because animals cannot be dropped off. You must bring all supplies needed for your pet: crate, collar, leash, food, identification, veterinarian/immunization records, etc.

Residents needing transportation to a shelter may call the Citizens Information Line at (843) 202-7100 or the Spanish Information Hotline, (843) 202-7191.

A voluntary evacuation is targeted toward people who are most vulnerable to the threat, including people living on barrier islands and in manufactured homes.

Why they didn't put this online, I can't say.

Also not that the College of Charleston is closing tomorrow and Saturday, as are a host of other things.

Head over to our hurricane page for the latest info, how to stay informed, and what you should be doing.

Forecast say to expect rain and winds to start picking up tomorrow morning and gradually hit their worst around midnight tomorrow.