Due to evacuations ordered for coastal SC and lane reversals on I-26 expect heavier than normal traffic on Labor Day due to the mandatory evacuation of the coast.

Hurricane Dorian evacuations will begin at noon Monday. Traffic will begin to migrate north and is expected to be heavy in the Midlands near 2 pm.

Newberry County should experience heavier than normal holiday traffic, especially at interchanges on the I 26 corridor. In addition, SC 391 and SC 121 can expect heavier traffic as evacuees utilize these “through the country backroads” routes to avoid interstates.

If making travel plans please take into consideration the heavy traffic volumes.

Hurricane Dorian is expected to pass just off the coast of SC. Newberry County is predicted to get sporadic rain showers and gusty winds starting late Tuesday into Wednesday. Caution should be taken due to falling branches, limbs, and trees that were weakened from the previous micro-burst storm.

No shelters have been opened in Newberry County yet. Authorities are on standby to determine if shelters will be needed, depending on the Columbia area’s shelter capacities.

This information is provided from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office in an effort to provide information for awareness and preparation.  WKDK will continue to keep you informed of local effects of Dorian, as well as national updates from Westwood One at the top of each hour.