News Summary
Beaufort and Jasper Counties are under a Winter Storm Warning as snow and sleet accumulations are expected. Authorities urge residents to prepare for hazardous conditions, including power outages and travel risks. Essential emergency contacts should be noted, and supplies must be gathered for safety. Local shelters will open for those in need during this severe weather event.
Emergency Preparedness in Beaufort and Jasper Counties Ahead of Winter Storm
Beaufort and Jasper Counties are facing a Winter Storm Warning from 5 p.m. Tuesday until noon Wednesday, with snow and sleet accumulations expected to reach up to two inches. Residents are urged to prepare for severe weather conditions and make necessary arrangements for safety.
With the potential for power outages and hazardous travel conditions, authorities emphasize the importance of having emergency contact information readily available. To ensure quick access to critical numbers, individuals should write down emergency contacts and keep printed lists in several locations such as the refrigerator, emergency kits, wallets, and near phones. Additionally, programming important numbers into mobile phones or marking them as favorite contacts is advisable.
Essential Emergency Contacts
Residents should include contacts of family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers who may need updates during emergencies. Critical contacts include:
- 911: For immediate emergencies
- SC 211: Dial or text “help” to 211-211 for local assistance
- Dominion Energy: 888-333-4465 for power outages, 800-815-0083 for gas leaks
- Palmetto Electric Cooperative: 866-445-5551
- National Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
- Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency Line: 843-524-2777
- Jasper County Non-Emergency Line: 843-726-7519
- Beaufort Memorial Hospital: 843-522-5200
- Coastal Carolina Hospital: 843-784-8000
- Hospital in Hilton Head: 843-681-6122
Emergency Services and Animal Services
For emergency service assistance, residents can contact:
- Beaufort County Emergency Management: 843-255-4000
- Beaufort County EMS: 843-255-5360
- Jasper County Fire-Rescue: 843-726-7519
- American Red Cross – Lowcountry Chapter: 843-764-2323
- South Carolina Emergency Management Division: 803-737-8500
- FEMA Disaster Assistance: 1-800-621-3362
- Beaufort County Animal Services: 843-255-5010
- Jasper County Animal Services: 843-726-7799
To report hazardous road conditions, contact the SC Department of Transportation at 1-855-GO-SCDOT (467-2368) and check current road conditions at 511sc.org.
Preparing for the Winter Storm
Residents are advised to prepare a winter storm kit including essentials such as tire chains, food, water, and blankets. Cold weather advisories indicate that wind chill temperatures may drop between 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Travel is generally discouraged, particularly in icy conditions.
Several local schools and government offices are closing early or transitioning to virtual learning due to the storm, with emergency warming shelters opening Tuesday night at Kingdom Touch Ministries in Ridgeland and Agape Life Center in Hardeeville. Cold weather shelters are also available in Beaufort County, including Sea Island Presbyterian Church and Christ Lutheran Church, where pets are not allowed (with the exception of service animals).
Health Services Updates
Beaufort Memorial Hospital will remain open during the storm but will suspend visiting hours from 5 p.m. Tuesday to noon Wednesday, with access limited to the emergency room. Patients can utilize Beaufort Memorial’s telehealth service, BMH Care Anywhere, which is available 24/7 for those with internet access.
As the storm approaches, residents should take these precautions seriously, ensuring safety for themselves and their families. Being well-prepared with emergency contacts and essential supplies can significantly mitigate risks associated with severe winter weather.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Emergency Preparedness in Beaufort and Jasper Counties
- Wikipedia: Emergency Preparedness
- The State: Weather Updates for Emergency Situations
- Google Search: Severe Weather Emergency
- Bluffton Today: Winter Storm Warnings and Closures
- Google Scholar: Winter Storm Preparation
- Island Packet: Local News on Winter Storm Conditions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Storm
- Bluffton Today: Shelter Closures and Road Updates
- Google News: County Closures
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.
