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At least one large fire is still burning in the Carolinas following an outburst of wildfires this weekend, and fire weather is expected to persist across both states on Monday.

Newsweek reached out to the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) by email for comment.

Why It Matters

More than 175 fires were burning in South Carolina on Sunday, prompting Governor Henry McMaster to declare a state of emergency.

Many of the fires have since been contained, according to a map from the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC), but the fire burning in Horry County near Myrtle Beach remains active. It has grown to 1,600 acres and is only 30 percent contained.

In North Carolina, hundreds of acres have burned in the Blue Ridge mountains near the towns of Tryon and Saluda, forcing residents to evacuate.

What to Know

As of Monday morning, fire weather persists across both states, though the red flag warnings issued over the weekend have expired.

Fire Danger

According to animated weather footage maps from windy.com, the worst fire danger is located in southern South Carolina, including in Charleston. The risk of fire spread is classified as "moderate" across southern South Carolina and east-central Georgia. Much of the rest of South Carolina and all of North Carolina's fire spread risk is categorized as "low" or "very low."

Drought map

Drought is contributing to the spread of wildfires by providing ample fuels for any fires that ignite in the area. In the Carolinas, the worst of the drought is concentrated in northwestern and northeastern South Carolina and southern and western North Carolina.

Weather warnings

As of Monday morning, much of North Carolina and the northwestern half of South Carolina have "moderate" weather warnings in place. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) offices in the area, the warning in place across both states is a special weather statement warning of fire danger

Wind

Strong winds can contribute to the spread of fire. According to the windy.com footage, most wind gusts are lower than 20 mph in both states.

Radar

Dry weather will persist, contributing to the fire risk in both states. There is no chance of rain on the weather radar for the Carolinas.

What People Are Saying

NWS office in Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina, in a special weather statement: "Another very dry day is expected again today with minimum relative humidity of 20 to 25 percent possible in the afternoon. While winds are expected to be light and temperatures still on the cool side of normal, dry vegetation due to lack of recent rainfall combined with the dry air will once again result in increased wildfire danger in northeast Georgia, Upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina."

NWS office in Raleigh, North Carolina, in a special weather statement: "The combination of very dry fine fuels like grasses and tree debris, limited rainfall in the last week, and very low relative humidity dropping to 15 to 20 percent will lead to an elevated risk of adverse fire behavior today."

What Happens Next

The special weather statements warning of increased fire danger will remain in place through Monday evening across both states. Meteorologists and state officials warned people against outdoor burning during the conditions.

Federal authorities on Wednesday indicted three members of North Charleston City Council and five others on federal charges in a sweeping public corruption investigation related to bribery, extortion, money laundering, wire fraud and other kickback schemes.

Among those charged with felonies were:

“When elected officials take their oath of office, they make a sacred promise to the people they serve,” said the acting U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina, Brook B. Andrews, at a Wednesday afternoon press conference. “They pledge to uphold the law, act with integrity and place the public interest over their own. Public service should never merely be a job. It is a public trust.

“The allegations in this case describe a profound betrayal of that trust,” he continued. “These council members used their positions not to serve their community but to enrich themselves. They traded the power entrusted to them by the city of North Charleston for their own personal gain.”

The charges follow a 12-month investigation by the FBI and the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) into three different allegations of corruption. Court documents alleged charges stemmed from three different acts: a scheme to solicit payments in exchange for an official action, rezoning of the historic Baker Hospital site in North Charleston and the city’s violence reduction grants, according to Andrews.

“Public trust in our elected officials is a fundamental pillar of our democracy, and it should never be taken for granted,” said Special Agent Steve Jensen, who leads the FBI Columbia Field Office. “Unfortunately, as alleged in these indictments, the defendants abused that trust, using their positions of power and influence to orchestrate back-door deals for personal gain.”

“From the outset, the city has fully cooperated with this inquiry, embracing the opportunity to ensure the continued trust and confidence of our community,” North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess said in a press release. “Transparency and accountability remain core principles of this administration, and we welcomed this review as a necessary step to uphold those standards.

“We appreciate the community’s patience and support during this process and assure you that our focus remains, as always, on building a safer and brighter future for North Charleston.”

Heyward, Moses and two others are expected to plead guilty to the charges in federal court Friday morning, Andrews said. The other four defendants, including Brown, will be arraigned at a later date to be determined in March.

This is a developing story. Follow Charleston City Paper for more information.

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Three members of the City Council in South Carolina’s third-largest city accepted kickbacks and bribes to give out grant money and rezone land or lied about what they knew, federal prosecutors said Wednesday,

Charges against North Charleston councilmen Jerome Heyward, Sandino Moses and Mike A. Brown along with five others were announced Wednesday after a yearlong investigation by the FBI and state officials.

Heyward took a $40,000 kickback from two nonprofit organizations in return for steering to them part of a $1.3 million grant to fight gun violence in North Charleston, according to court documents.

Heyward and Brown were part of a scheme by a boat maker to rezone land on the Ashley River in North Charleston that was once a hospital and before that a fertilizer plant to sell to a boat manufacturer. The company offered to build a park but also wanted a plant on the site.

The councilmen accepted bribes to try to get the rezoning passed and by that time the FBI was listening to Heyward’s call, catching Brown saying he was annoyed it was taking too long to get his money because he needed to pay for his son’s wedding, prosecutors said.

The rezoning plan was rejected.

Moses also took money to support the rezoning. He returned it, but he lied about the offer and what he knew about his fellow councilmen being on the take, according to charging documents.

Heyward is charged with extortion, bribery and wire fraud. Brown is charged with bribery and wire fraud, and Moses is charged with lying to federal investigators.

Heyward and Moses plan to plead guilty to their charges on Friday, acting U.S. Attorney for South Carolina Brook Andrews said.

A lawyer for Heyward didn’t comment Wednesday. The other councilmen and their lawyers didn’t immediately respond. Heyward and Moses have resigned from council, North Charleston officials said.

“The allegations in this case describe a profound betrayal of trust,” Andrews said at a news conference. “These council members used their positions not to serve their communities, but to enrich themselves.”

North Charleston is South Carolina’s third-largest city with about 125,000 people. Mayor Reggie Burgess thanked the FBI and state investigators for their work to make sure residents remained certain with their city government. He said the city fully cooperated with the investigation.

“Transparency and accountability remain core principles of this administration, and we welcomed this review as a necessary step to uphold those standards,” Burgess said.

Charleston is and has always been a “happy hour city,” with establishments providing discounted libations and appetizers to get the party started in the late afternoon. But what makes a happy hour essential? These Charleston destinations provide the best deals on booze and bites, along with an environment fit for socializing with the group. Next time, when the afternoon hits, head to one of these 14 Charleston establishments.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

The Tattooed Moose serves some of the best bar food around, and corn dogs and duck fat fries are only $2.50 during happy hour. A 16-ounce can of PBR will only set you back $1.50 and shots of Jameson are $4. Happy hour runs Monday through Saturday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where else can you find $1 oysters and $2.50 glasses of bubbly? Pier 41 in Mount Pleasant might be the only spot around. There’s always a special here, including half-priced wine on Wednesdays. Be sure to have that Uber lined up.

Edmund’s Oast calls it “Sad Times Happy Hour.” From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, customers can order the following items for half off: frozen drinks, house draft beer, curly fries, fish sauce and vinegar chips, and Korean chicken “dunkaroos.”

Neighborhood spot Herd Provisions offers an expansive happy hour menu from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Saturday. Find a $8 Old Fashioned, $5 sliders, 50-cent deviled eggs, and 50-cent chicken wings.

Newcomer the Archer now has a daily happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Meeting Street restaurant offers $10 espresso martinis, $10 daiquiris, $8 wines, $6 beers, and $5 fried oyster sliders.

Rutledge Avenue dive bar Moe’s Crosstown has a generous weekday happy hour, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The unpretentious service features PBR for $1.75 and appetizers like mac and cheese bites, mozzarella sticks, and jalapeno poppers for $5.

From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., you can score a super cold mini martini (a tiny ‘tini) at Babas on Cannon for just $5. These gin cocktails may be small, but they pack a punch. The best deal in town is on Fridays when Babas hosts an apertivo hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with free snacks like olives, boquerones, tapenades, dips, and plenty of bread and chips.

Monday through Friday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Italian restaurant Indaco offers $7 glasses of wine and pints of beer, as well as discounts on polpette, flatbread, and a margherita pizza. This is a great jumping off point for King Street adventures.

Head towards Shem Creek, because French seafood spot Nico features $5 glasses of wine and beer. Happy hour goers can also sip discounted champagne while munching on $1.75 oysters. Discounts apply Monday through Friday, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Jazz Age bar Prohibition offers happy hour from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and it includes discounted snacks (try the wings) and $7 house cocktails and wine.

Stop by Mexican spot Pink Cactus from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., from Tuesday to Saturday, for tequila and taco hour for $7 margaritas and $5 queso and tacos. The patio is a perfect place to end the day.

Catch Estadio’s happy hour quickly (it’s only from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.), because you don’t want to miss the gin and tonics for only $5. Try the Sevillana version with orange gin, Aperol, and orangey Sweatman tonic. There’s also $5 sangria and a $5 snack bowl.

Sandwich emporium Da Toscano Porchetta Shop offers happy hour every day from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Stop in for a $9 cocktail and pick up dinner to go.

Seafood spot Delaney Oyster House offers discounted drinks and snacks on Monday through Thursday, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Oysters are $2.50 and a martini will only set you back $10.

The Tattooed Moose serves some of the best bar food around, and corn dogs and duck fat fries are only $2.50 during happy hour. A 16-ounce can of PBR will only set you back $1.50 and shots of Jameson are $4. Happy hour runs Monday through Saturday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where else can you find $1 oysters and $2.50 glasses of bubbly? Pier 41 in Mount Pleasant might be the only spot around. There’s always a special here, including half-priced wine on Wednesdays. Be sure to have that Uber lined up.

Edmund’s Oast calls it “Sad Times Happy Hour.” From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, customers can order the following items for half off: frozen drinks, house draft beer, curly fries, fish sauce and vinegar chips, and Korean chicken “dunkaroos.”

Neighborhood spot Herd Provisions offers an expansive happy hour menu from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Saturday. Find a $8 Old Fashioned, $5 sliders, 50-cent deviled eggs, and 50-cent chicken wings.

Newcomer the Archer now has a daily happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Meeting Street restaurant offers $10 espresso martinis, $10 daiquiris, $8 wines, $6 beers, and $5 fried oyster sliders.

Rutledge Avenue dive bar Moe’s Crosstown has a generous weekday happy hour, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The unpretentious service features PBR for $1.75 and appetizers like mac and cheese bites, mozzarella sticks, and jalapeno poppers for $5.

From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., you can score a super cold mini martini (a tiny ‘tini) at Babas on Cannon for just $5. These gin cocktails may be small, but they pack a punch. The best deal in town is on Fridays when Babas hosts an apertivo hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with free snacks like olives, boquerones, tapenades, dips, and plenty of bread and chips.

Monday through Friday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Italian restaurant Indaco offers $7 glasses of wine and pints of beer, as well as discounts on polpette, flatbread, and a margherita pizza. This is a great jumping off point for King Street adventures.

Head towards Shem Creek, because French seafood spot Nico features $5 glasses of wine and beer. Happy hour goers can also sip discounted champagne while munching on $1.75 oysters. Discounts apply Monday through Friday, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Jazz Age bar Prohibition offers happy hour from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and it includes discounted snacks (try the wings) and $7 house cocktails and wine.

Stop by Mexican spot Pink Cactus from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., from Tuesday to Saturday, for tequila and taco hour for $7 margaritas and $5 queso and tacos. The patio is a perfect place to end the day.

Catch Estadio’s happy hour quickly (it’s only from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.), because you don’t want to miss the gin and tonics for only $5. Try the Sevillana version with orange gin, Aperol, and orangey Sweatman tonic. There’s also $5 sangria and a $5 snack bowl.

Sandwich emporium Da Toscano Porchetta Shop offers happy hour every day from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Stop in for a $9 cocktail and pick up dinner to go.

Seafood spot Delaney Oyster House offers discounted drinks and snacks on Monday through Thursday, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Oysters are $2.50 and a martini will only set you back $10.

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – The South Carolina Stingrays will continue an action-packed February with six consecutive home matchups at the North Charleston Coliseum, with each game featuring unique promotions and fan experiences. Don’t miss these exciting events as we celebrate hockey, music, pop culture, and the Charleston community!

The Stingrays will wear exclusive Charleston-themed jerseys, which will be auctioned off on the team’s Handbid page. Fans can also purchase replica jerseys right now at this link. The first 1,500 fans through the doors this Saturday will receive a unique Stingrays Hawaiian t-shirt, so make sure to arrive early! Doors open at 5:00 PM. This game is presented by MUSC Health.

Bring the whole family for a fun-filled afternoon as everyone’s favorite Blue Heeler, Bluey, makes a special appearance! Fans can meet Bluey throughout the game and snap a photo. Doors open at 2:00 PM. This game will also be a Family Sunday presented by Crews Subaru and Charleston County Parks.

Schools across the Lowcountry will bring students for a morning of hockey and educational fun at the Coliseum. Limited group tickets are still available—call the Stingrays front office at 843-744-2248 for more information. This game is presented by MUSC Health.

Celebrate the fusion of music and hockey! The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a limited-edition Stingrays vinyl featuring music from Charleston-based bands DangerMuffin and Majicdust.

This game is one of the most anticipated nights of the season! The Stingrays will wear specialty Stormtrooper jerseys, and the first 2,000 fans will receive a light sword giveaway. Tickets are selling fast—secure yours today! This game is presented by Jeff Cook Real Estate.

Join us as we celebrate the local hockey community with a special game honoring the sport we love. Former Stingrays player Justin Florek will be in attendance for the ceremonial puck drop. This game will also be a Family Sunday presented by Crews Subaru and Charleston County Parks.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of these incredible nights! For tickets and more information, visit StingraysHockey.com or call 843-744-2248.