The National Weather Service in Charleston continues to closely monitor a significant winter storm expected to affect Beaufort County and across South Carolina this weekend. Forecast impacts include snowfall, dangerous wind chills, treacherous travel, with snow forecast to begin in our area between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, as well as hazardous marine conditions.
The following advisories are in effect:
- Winter Storm Warning
- Saturday, January 31 | 7 a.m. – Sunday, February 1 | 1 p.m.
- Snowfall totals of 1 to 2 inches possible
- Travel may become dangerous, especially on bridges and overpasses
- Extreme Cold Warning
- Saturday, January 31 | 7 p.m. – Sunday, February 1 | 12 p.m.
- Wind chills may fall into the single digits
- Risk of frostbite and hypothermia with exposed skin
- Prolonged freezing temperatures may cause water pipes to rupture
- Gale Warning
- Saturday, January 31 | 1 p.m. – Sunday, February 1 | 1 p.m.
- Strong winds and hazardous seas expected
- Dangerous conditions for mariners; vessels may be damaged or capsized
Due to the forecasted conditions, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office urges residents and visitors to remain at home and avoid unnecessary travel. If travel is unavoidable, slow down, avoid sudden braking, and watch for ice, especially on bridges, overpasses, shaded areas, and lightly traveled roads. Anyone with travel plans outside of Beaufort County should closely monitor conditions ahead of time and be prepared to delay or adjust plans as necessary.
Road and Travel Resources:
- South Carolina Department of Transportation: [www.scdot.org](http://www.scdot.org)
- SCDOT 511 (real-time traffic): [www.511sc.org](http://www.511sc.org)
- Beaufort County Traffic Cameras: apps.beaufortcountysc.gov/traffic-cameras
- GDOT 511: [www.511ga.org](http://www.511ga.org)
Cold Weather Shelter Information:
- Sea Island Presbyterian Church (81 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort)
- Open: Friday, January 30 – Sunday, February 1
- Time: Opens at 5:30 p.m. & closes at 8 a.m. the following morning
- Dinner & breakfast provided
- Showers available
- No weapons, alcohol, smoking, or pets are permitted; however, service animals will be allowed
- For additional information, call Sea Island Presbyterian Church at 843-525-0696
- Christ Lutheran Church (829 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island)
- Open: Saturday, January 31 – Monday, February 2
- Time: Opens at 5:30 p.m. & closes at 7:30 a.m. the following morning
- Dinner & morning to-go meal provided
- No weapons, alcohol, smoking, or pets are permitted; however, service animals will be allowed
- For additional information and transportation assistance, call Christ Lutheran Church at 843-422-7640
Residents are reminded to protect the “4 Ps”:
- People: Limit outdoor exposure, prepare for power outages, and check on vulnerable individuals
- Pets: Bring pets indoors and limit time outside
- Pipes: Insulate exposed pipes and disconnect hoses, especially when prolonged freezing temperatures may cause water pipes to rupture
- Plants: Cover plants when possible
Heat Your Home Safely:
- Keep flammable items at least three feet from heat sources
- Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets and turn them off when unattended
- Never use ovens, grills, or outdoor heaters indoors
- Ensure carbon monoxide detectors are working
- During a Power Outage
- Stay Warm: Layer clothing, close vents and doors in unused rooms, and use rolled towels to block drafts from doors.
- Use Sunlight: Open blinds during the day to let the sun in and close them at night to keep heat from escaping.
- Generators: If using a generator, run it outdoors, far from windows, doors, and vents, to prevent CO buildup.
- Report Outage: In the event of a power outage, contact the provider to report it.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office thanks the community for heeding warnings and prioritizing safety. Continue to monitor official weather, public safety, and local government sources, including the Beaufort County School District, for updates that impact you. Call 911 for emergencies. For non-emergency assistance, contact dispatch at 843-524-2777.
