Beaufort County

EXTREME Hurricane Warning

Fri, Sep 30, 2022, 12:33 PM EDT

…HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT…

…STORM SURGE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT…

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED

– HILTON HEAD ISLAND

– BEAUFORT

– BLUFFTON

* WIND

– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: EQUIVALENT TROPICAL STORM FORCE WIND

– PEAK WIND FORECAST: 35-45 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 70 MPH

– WINDOW FOR TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS: THROUGH THE NEXT FEW

HOURS

– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST

UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: POTENTIAL FOR WIND 39

TO 57 MPH

– THE WIND THREAT HAS DECREASED FROM THE PREVIOUS ASSESSMENT.

– PLAN: PLAN FOR HAZARDOUS WIND OF EQUIVALENT TROPICAL STORM

FORCE.

– PREPARE: LAST MINUTE EFFORTS TO PROTECT PROPERTY SHOULD NOW

BE COMPLETE. THE AREA REMAINS SUBJECT TO LIMITED WIND

DAMAGE.

– ACT: NOW IS THE TIME TO SHELTER FROM HAZARDOUS WIND.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: UNFOLDING

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS FROM THE MAIN WIND EVENT ARE UNFOLDING.

* STORM SURGE

– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: LIFE-THREATENING STORM SURGE POSSIBLE

– PEAK STORM SURGE INUNDATION: THE POTENTIAL FOR 2-4 FEET

ABOVE GROUND SOMEWHERE WITHIN SURGE PRONE AREAS

– WINDOW OF CONCERN: THROUGH THIS EVENING

– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST

UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: POTENTIAL FOR STORM

SURGE FLOODING GREATER THAN 3 FEET ABOVE GROUND

– THE STORM SURGE THREAT HAS REMAINED NEARLY STEADY FROM THE

PREVIOUS ASSESSMENT.

– PLAN: SHELTER AGAINST LIFE-THREATENING STORM SURGE OF

GREATER THAN 3 FEET ABOVE GROUND.

– PREPARE: FLOOD PREPARATIONS AND ORDERED EVACUATIONS SHOULD

BE COMPLETE. EVACUEES SHOULD BE IN SHELTERS WELL AWAY FROM

STORM SURGE FLOODING.

– ACT: REMAIN SHELTERED IN A SAFE LOCATION. DO NOT VENTURE

OUTSIDE.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: UNFOLDING

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS FROM THE MAIN SURGE EVENT ARE UNFOLDING.

* FLOODING RAIN

– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT

– PEAK RAINFALL AMOUNTS: ADDITIONAL AROUND 1 INCH

– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST

UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: POTENTIAL FOR

MODERATE FLOODING RAIN

– THE FLOODING RAIN THREAT HAS REMAINED NEARLY STEADY FROM

THE PREVIOUS ASSESSMENT.

– PLAN: EMERGENCY PLANS SHOULD INCLUDE THE POTENTIAL FOR

MODERATE FLOODING FROM HEAVY RAIN. EVACUATIONS AND RESCUES

ARE POSSIBLE.

– PREPARE: CONSIDER PROTECTIVE ACTIONS IF YOU ARE IN AN AREA

VULNERABLE TO FLOODING.

– ACT: HEED ANY FLOOD WATCHES AND WARNINGS. FAILURE TO TAKE

ACTION MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR LOSS OF LIFE.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: SIGNIFICANT

– MODERATE RAINFALL FLOODING COULD PROMPT SOME RESCUES.

– RIVERS AND TRIBUTARIES COULD QUICKLY BECOME SWOLLEN WITH

SWIFTER CURRENTS AND OVERSPILL THEIR BANKS IN A FEW PLACES,

ESPECIALLY IN NORMALLY VULNERABLE SPOTS. SMALL STREAMS,

CREEKS, CANALS, AND DITCHES OVERFLOW.

– FLOOD WATERS CAN ENTER SOME STRUCTURES OR WEAKEN

FOUNDATIONS. SEVERAL PLACES COULD EXPERIENCE EXPANDED AREAS

OF RAPID INUNDATION AT UNDERPASSES, LOW-LYING SPOTS, AND

POOR DRAINAGE AREAS. SOME STREETS AND PARKING LOTS TAKE ON

MOVING WATER AS STORM DRAINS AND RETENTION PONDS OVERFLOW.

DRIVING CONDITIONS BECOME HAZARDOUS. SOME ROAD AND BRIDGE

CLOSURES.

* TORNADO

– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:

– SITUATION IS UNFAVORABLE FOR TORNADOES

– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST

UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: TORNADOES NOT EXPECTED

– THE TORNADO THREAT HAS REMAINED NEARLY STEADY FROM THE

PREVIOUS ASSESSMENT.

– PLAN: TORNADOES ARE NOT EXPECTED. SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS

WITH GUSTY WINDS MAY STILL OCCUR.

– PREPARE: LITTLE TO NO PREPARATIONS NEEDED TO PROTECT

AGAINST TORNADOES AT THIS TIME. KEEP INFORMED OF THE LATEST

TORNADO SITUATION.

– ACT: LISTEN FOR CHANGES IN THE FORECAST.

– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: LITTLE TO NONE

– LITTLE TO NO POTENTIAL IMPACTS FROM TORNADOES.

* FOR MORE INFORMATION:

– HTTPS://WEATHER.GOV/CHS

– HTTPS://READY.GOV/HURRICANES

– HTTP://WWW.BCGOV.NET

September 30, 2022

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster will hold a media briefing with state emergency management officials today, Friday, September 30 at 12:30 PM. The governor will update the public on Hurricane Ian’s impact on South Carolina. 

WHO: Gov. Henry McMaster, state officials 

WHAT: Media briefing regarding Hurricane Ian and its impact on South Carolina

WHEN: Today, Friday, September 30 at 12:30 PM

WHERE: South Carolina Emergency Operations Center, 2779 Fish Hatchery Road, West Columbia, S.C.

Note: SCETV will provide pool coverage, which can be accessed through a mult box on-site or via satellite. For satellite coordinates contact Aimee Crouch at 803-446-0614

Hurricane Ian Expected to Make Landfall in South Carolina

September 29, 2022

The National Hurricane Center recently issued a hurricane warning for portions of the South Carolina coast. Forecasters now believe Ian, which is currently a tropical storm, will make landfall somewhere near Charleston as a Category One hurricane. Everyone should finalize their storm preparations today and continue to check the frequently changing forecasts from the Hurricane Center and local weather outlets.

“If you haven’t yet made plans for every contingency, this afternoon is the time to do so,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “We can expect to experience a lot of rain throughout the state along with dangerous storm surge in low-lying coastal areas. With the potential for hurricane force winds along our coast, it’s important for South Carolinians to plan now.

“While we will not see the full force of Hurricane Ian the way Florida did, we could see high winds, rain, flash flooding and even tornadoes,” S.C. Emergency Management Director Kim Stenson said. “Flooding due to storm surge and rain could be a major concern. Over the next day, it will be vital for everyone to be prepared to act if told to do so by your local public safety officials.”

Residents in low-lying areas prone to flooding, particularly along the coast, should have a plan to move to higher ground if their homes become unsafe.

Local agencies are opening emergency shelters based on need and storm conditions. Shelter locations, when open, will be posted on the South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s website and mobile app.

While finalizing storm preparations, keep in mind the following:

• Be aware of potential flash flooding and storm surge. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move to higher ground. Do not wait to be told to move.
• If time allows, prepare your home for a flood by moving essential items to an upper floor, bring in outdoor furniture, disconnect electrical appliances and be prepared to turn off the gas, electricity and water.
• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
• Have several ways to get emergency information. Examples include NOAA Weather Radio, CodeRED notifications, Wireless Emergency Alerts for mobile devices and others. Make sure your devices have back up batteries and extra chargers.
• If a high wind or tornado warning is issued for your area, get indoors to a pre-designated shelter area such as a basement, storm cellar or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls.

All official recommendations concerning personal safety will be based on the best available information from the NHC, local National Weather Service offices and in coordination with local and state public safety officials.

Governor McMaster will be joined by state officials for a media briefing today, Thursday, September 29 at 4:00 PM. The governor will update the public on Hurricane Ian’s potential impact on South Carolina.

WHO: Gov. Henry McMaster, state officials

WHAT: Media briefing regarding Hurricane Ian and its potential impact on South Carolina

WHEN: Today, Thursday, September 29 at 4:00 PM

WHERE: South Carolina Emergency Operations Center, 2799 Fish Hatchery Road, West Columbia, S.C.

Note: The press conference will be streamed live on SCETV’s website at scetv.org.

Warnings

Hurricane Warning

• Beaufort, SC

…HURRICANE WARNING IN EFFECT… …STORM SURGE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT… A Hurricane Warning means hurricane-force winds are expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours * LOCATIONS AFFECTED – Hilton Head Island – Beaufort – Bluffton * WIND – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind – Peak Wind Forecast: 35-45 mph with gusts to 75 mph – Window for Tropical Storm force winds: until Friday afternoon – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 74 to 110 mph – The wind threat has increased from the previous assessment. – PLAN: Plan for life-threatening wind of equivalent CAT 1 or 2 hurricane force. – PREPARE: Last minute efforts should solely focus on protecting life. The area remains subject to considerable wind damage. – ACT: Now is the time to shelter from life-threatening wind. – POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Unfolding – Potential impacts from the main wind event are unfolding. * STORM SURGE – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Life-threatening storm surge possible – Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for 4-6 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas – Window of concern: through Saturday morning – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for storm surge flooding greater than 3 feet above ground – The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. – PLAN: Shelter against life-threatening storm surge of greater than 3 feet above ground. – PREPARE: Flood preparations and ordered evacuations should be complete. Evacuees should be in shelters well away from storm surge flooding. – ACT: Remain sheltered in a safe location. Do not venture outside. – POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Unfolding – Potential impacts from the main surge event are unfolding. * FLOODING RAIN – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect – Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-6 inches, with locally higher amounts – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for major flooding rain – The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. – PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are likely. – PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. – ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life. – POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive – Major rainfall flooding could prompt many rescues. – Rivers and tributaries could rapidly overflow their banks in multiple locations. Small streams, creeks, canals, ditches may become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers could become stressed. – Flood waters could enter many structures within multiple communities; some structures become uninhabitable or are washed away. Flood waters could cover multiple escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. – Drinking water and sewer services could be negatively impacted. – Hazardous containers and materials could possibly be present in flood waters. * TORNADO – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: – Situation is unfavorable for tornadoes – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Tornadoes not expected – The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. – PLAN: Tornadoes are not expected. Showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds may still occur. – PREPARE: Little to no preparations needed to protect against tornadoes at this time. Keep informed of the latest tornado situation. – ACT: Listen for changes in the forecast. – POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None – Little to no potential impacts from tornadoes. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: – https://weather.gov/chs – https://ready.gov/hurricanes – http://www.bcgov.net

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at4+shtml/093959.shtml?key_messages#contents

Continue to check with Beaufort County, The Town of Hilton Head Island, Beaufort Sheriff’s Department, Weather Channel and the Governor of South Carolina for real time updates on the Hurricane.

We will continue to keep everyone updated, as we are informed.

Town of Hilton Head Island Government 

Just in from the National Weather Service regarding Hurricane Ian’s potential impacts to Hilton Head Island:

1- A hurricane watch is now in effect

2- A tropical storm warning remains in effect

3- A storm surge warning is now in effect

What do these mean?

A Hurricane Watch means hurricane-force winds are possible somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours

A Tropical Storm Warning means sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding.

A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening

inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline,

somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours

Please be prepared

As conditions are expected to rapidly deteriorate, please take the time to prepare. Visit the Hilton Head Island Hurricane Center https://www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov/hurricane/ for information and resources to better prepare for a hurricane/tropical storm event.

Hilton Head Island Emergency Management will continue to keep you updated on Hurricane Ian.

Please stay safe.

A HURRICANE WATCH was just issued for our coastline as Hurricane Ian prepares to make landfall in Florida later today before moving in our direction. Hurricane-force winds and dangerous storm surge could be possible late Thursday into Friday.

https://www.live5news.com/2022/09/28/first-alert-portion-lowcountry-under-hurricane-watch-storm-surge-warning/

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) – South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and officials with the state’s Emergency Management Division are set to update the public on the potential impact of Hurricane Ian on the state.

Tuesday’s briefing is scheduled for 4 p.m.

Hurricane Ian made landfall in Cuba early Tuesday morning as a category 3 hurricane. Ian is expected to strengthen as it moves over the Gulf of Mexico before reaching Florida as a category 4 storm with top winds of 140 mph.

Tuesday morning a tropical storm watch was issued for Charleston, coastal Colleton, Berkeley and Beaufort Counties.

A storm surge watch was also issued for Charleston, coastal Colleton and Beaufort Counties.

https://www.wtoc.com/2022/09/27/gov-mcmaster-state-officials-hold-briefing-hurricane-ian/

Make sure you are staying updated to plan safe arrangements for checking out and checking in

Please continue to check with Beaufort County, Hilton Head Island, Beaufort Sheriff’s Department and the Weather Channel for updates. We will continue to keep everyone updated, as we are informed.

Below is the latest update of the effects to be expected from the storm.

Tropical Storm Watch

• Beaufort, SC

…STORM SURGE WATCH IN EFFECT… …TROPICAL STORM WATCH IN EFFECT… A Storm Surge Watch means life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, is possible somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm-force winds are possible somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours * LOCATIONS AFFECTED – Hilton Head Island – Beaufort – Bluffton * WIND – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind – Peak Wind Forecast: 35-45 mph with gusts to 55 mph – Window for Tropical Storm force winds: early Friday morning until Saturday morning – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph – PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force. – PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be underway. Prepare for limited wind damage. – ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind becomes hazardous. – POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited – Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. – Large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. – Some roads impassable due to debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded locations. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways, especially for high profile vehicles. – Isolated to scattered power and communications outages. * STORM SURGE – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Life-threatening storm surge possible – Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for 2-4 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas – Window of concern: Begins Wednesday morning – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for storm surge flooding greater than 3 feet above ground – PLAN: Plan for life-threatening storm surge flooding of greater than 3 feet above ground. – PREPARE: Evacuation efforts and flood preparations should soon be brought to completion before conditions become unsafe. – ACT: Leave immediately if evacuation orders are given for your area to avoid being cut off from emergency services or needlessly risk lives. – POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant – Areas of inundation of saltwater along immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots farther inland near rivers and creeks, with storm surge flooding accentuated by waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast. – Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become weakened or washed out, especially in normally vulnerable low spots. – Moderate to major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and numerous rip currents. – Minor to moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages. Some navigation aids possibly displaced well off station, creating difficult navigation near inlets and waterways. * FLOODING RAIN – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: – Peak Rainfall Amounts: 4-8 inches, with locally higher amounts – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for moderate flooding rain – PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are possible. – PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. – ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action may result in serious injury or loss of life. – POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant – Moderate rainfall flooding could prompt some rescues. – Rivers and tributaries could quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in normally vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches overflow. – Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places could experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures. * TORNADO – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: – Situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for a few tornadoes – PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for a few tornadoes. – PREPARE: If your shelter is particularly vulnerable to tornadoes, prepare to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather arrives. – ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly. – POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited – Isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans. – Isolated locations could experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions. – In isolated locations, tornadoes could damage trees, vehicles, boats and buildings, especially mobile homes and other poorly constructed structures. *

FOR MORE INFORMATION: – https://weather.gov/chs – https://ready.gov/hurricanes – http://www.bcgov.net