Watches and warnings in the United States began on August 27, with a hurricane watch being issued from Sebastian Inlet to Fernandina Beach in Florida. A tropical storm warning was also issued for much of the same area several hours later. As Dennis began turning northward, the threat of the storm striking Florida lessened, which resulted in discontinuations of the watches and warnings. Watches and warnings were issued from South Carolina to Virginia, beginning with a hurricane watch from north of Savannah, Georgia, to Surf City, North Carolina. The watches and warnings were adjusted in accordance to the storm's changes in intensity and erratic movement. In South Carolina, officials opened about 13 shelters in the Charleston area, but just 40 people sought refuge in them. Governor Jim Hodges did not order evacuations, but encouraged residents in coastal areas to remain vigilant.