News Summary
The flood advisory for Beaufort and Jasper counties has been lifted as the effects of Tropical Storm Debby diminish. Residents are urged to remain cautious as flood-prone areas still pose risks. Local officials report varying rainfall accumulations, and safety protocols are recommended for those in vulnerable areas. Travel conditions are hazardous, and emergency services are addressing community needs with shelter and sandbags. Although immediate flooding threats have decreased, authorities advise continued vigilance and adherence to safety directives.
Beaufort, South Carolina – The flood advisory for Beaufort and Jasper counties has been lifted as of 7 p.m. due to the diminishing effects of Tropical Storm Debby. Heavy rainfall has ceased, and the risk of flooding is no longer anticipated in these areas. However, local officials urge residents to remain cautious and heed existing road closures.
Following the storm, rainfall accumulation in the region has varied widely, with amounts recorded between 3 to 6 inches around Limehouse and Pritchardville. Despite the advisory being lifted, the areas still designated as flood-prone remain under observation, particularly for camping locations, where flooding may still pose a risk. Residents living in vulnerable areas are encouraged to move to higher ground and evacuate when instructed by authorities.
As a precaution, it is advisable for those evacuating to secure their homes by locking windows and doors, and, if time allows, disconnecting utilities such as gas and electricity to prevent further hazards. Additionally, individuals should follow safety protocols to avoid electrocution, which include refraining from entering flooded areas, not attempting to traverse floodwaters on foot, and reporting any downed power lines or trees.
Travel conditions remain precarious, with hydroplaning potential as vehicles struggle on wet roads. Residents should avoid driving through flooded roadways. A flash flood watch is currently active for Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties, extending until August 9 at 8 a.m. Additionally, a civil emergency has been declared in Jasper County due to ongoing concerns from flooding stemming from the storm.
Throughout Beaufort County, hazardous road conditions have been reported, and travel is largely discouraged. Flooding has affected various major access points, including several exits along I-95 and key intersections such as Grays Highway and Bees Creek Road. Recent reports indicate that rainfall in Jasper County has reached between 6 to 9 inches as of Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, the Bluffton area has been significantly impacted, with rainfall estimated at 18 inches.
Local government services have responded to the crisis by providing sandbags at designated locations, including Ridgeland (456 Grays Highway) and Hardeeville (205 Main Street), limited to five bags per household. The conditions across Hampton County have also been serious, with over 8 inches of rain affecting multiple streets and causing further disruptions.
Power outages have impacted many in Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties, correlating with the increased reports of downed trees. In response to the needs of those displaced by flooding, a shelter has been established at the Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Excellence. Residents have been warned against contact with floodwaters due to potential contamination from compromised sanitary sewer infrastructure. The Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority has issued cautions against consuming or coming into contact with floodwater due to the risk of contamination.
While the immediate flooding threat has diminished, residents are encouraged to stay informed, exercise caution, and follow government advisories as the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby continues to affect local communities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Beaufort County
Severe Flooding in Beaufort County Due to Tropical Storm Debby
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Flooding Update
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Bluffton Today: Jasper County Civil Emergency
- Google Search: Jasper County flooding
- WTOC: Contaminated Water Warning
- Google Scholar: Flood contamination
- Post and Courier: Power Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropical Storms
- Island Packet: Weather News
- Google News: Flood Warnings Beaufort
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.
