COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD)- South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced Thursday that the state’s price gouging law is in effect following Gov. Henry McMaster’s emergency declaration ahead of Hurricane Helene’s arrival.
Helene is expected to become a major hurricane before making landfall Thursday night on Florida’s northwestern coast, according to WFLA.
It is then expected to weaken as it moves into Georgia and the Carolinas, but it will still bring damaging winds and heavy rain to Upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina.
Much of the state is under a tornado watch as of Thursday morning. There is an elevated risk of tornadoes, particularly overnight on Thursday into Friday morning across the state.
Gov. Henry McMaster declares State of Emergency ahead of potential impacts from Helene
“With the possibility that Hurricane Helen could affect South Carolina after making landfall in Florida, we all need to be prepared,” Wilson said.
Per South Carolina law, it is unlawful to “rent or sell or offer to rent or sell a commodity at an unconscionable price” during times of disaster. The price gouging law remains in effect until the state of emergency expires or is terminated.