News Summary
Tropical Storm Helene impacted Beaufort County significantly, leading to extensive damage, power outages, and emergency responses. Governor McMaster reported a historic 675,000 outages statewide with 37,000 affected in Beaufort County alone. The storm caused downed trees, debris, and tornado warnings, prompting a concerted effort to restore services. Local governments have established support systems for residents affected by the storm, while damage to public infrastructure is estimated to exceed $400,000.
Beaufort County, SC
Tropical Storm Helene caused extensive damage across Beaufort County as it swept through, leaving thousands without power and significant destruction in its wake. As daylight broke on Friday, the impact of the storm was immediately evident with fallen trees, debris-filled roadways, and downed power lines scattered across the area.
Governor Henry McMaster announced in a statewide update that the storm may have led to more power outages in South Carolina than any other storm in recent history, with a historic total of 675,000 outages reported statewide. In Beaufort County alone, the peak of the outages affected around 37,000 customers, which has since decreased to approximately 3,000 as utility crews worked diligently to restore power.
The National Weather Service recorded maximum wind gusts of 75 mph in Beaufort, prompting the issuance of 63 tornado warnings statewide. Three tornadoes classified as EF0 were confirmed in Beaufort County. Emergency responders from the Bluffton Township Fire District reported handling 130 emergency calls related to the storm over a 24-hour period, including instances of downed trees causing damage to structures in the area.
Emergencies and Road Closures
Crews have been active in clearing debris and restoring power since the storm passed. One significant area affected is May River Road, which will remain closed for an extended period due to downed power lines and trees. Additionally, the Hilton Head Island Fire Department reported responding to emergencies caused by downed trees, some of which posed hazards to buildings.
Other fire districts, including the Lady’s Island-St. Helena Fire District and the Beaufort/Port Royal Fire Department, also responded to numerous storm-related calls, emphasizing the widespread challenges faced by emergency services in the aftermath of Helene.
Storm Impact on Infrastructure
The storm produced significant storm surge effects, particularly damaging Port Royal’s boardwalk and causing boats to be stranded on the Beaufort River. Damage estimates indicate that public waterfront facilities in Beaufort and Port Royal could exceed $400,000. Specifically, the marina in Beaufort sustained extensive damage estimated at $300,000, while Port Royal’s Henry Robinson Boardwalk lost a considerable portion, resulting in repair costs projected at around $110,000.
Utility services were severely impacted, with the Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority reporting that two-thirds of their pump stations were without power following the storm, further complicating recovery efforts.
Weather and Community Response
The rainfall amounts varied across the region, with some areas in Bluffton receiving up to 5.44 inches, while other locations experienced less than 2 inches. As conditions began to improve, Beaufort County government resumed normal operations, and schools are scheduled to reopen on October 1 after implementing remote learning due to the storm’s impact.
For residents seeking assistance, the local government has established a Disaster Hotline for Hurricane Helene, which provides 24-hour support. Additionally, homeowners can report storm damage via a dedicated web form set up by the county’s administration, facilitating damage assessment and potential aid.
The city has planned a one-time debris pick-up for October 7 to assist residents in clearing storm-related debris from their properties. As the community begins the recovery process, the National Weather Service continues to keep an eye on additional systems developing in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, signaling the importance of remaining vigilant to future weather threats.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Alarmed by Sunken Sailboat in Beaufort River
Additional Resources
- AOL News: Hurricane Helene Damages Port Royal
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
- Island Packet: Helene Leaves Lowcountry in the Dark
- Google Search: Hurricane Helene South Carolina
- Bluffton Today: Crews Continue to Repair Power
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Helene
- Post and Courier: Weather Update on Hurricane Helene
- Google News: Hurricane Helene Impact
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
