News Summary
Beaufort County has been issued a flood advisory by the National Weather Service due to persistent heavy rainfall and coastal flooding. The advisory warns residents about the dangers of flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. Local authorities urge residents to heed safety recommendations, including evacuating flood-prone areas and avoiding flooded roads. Additionally, Hurricane Milton is causing coastal flood conditions, leading to cancellations of community events and concerns about emergency services accessibility. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prioritize safety as weather conditions evolve.
Beaufort County, SC – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an updated flood advisory for Beaufort County due to persistent heavy rainfall and coastal flooding. The advisory became effective at 4:57 p.m. on Saturday and will remain in place until 7:30 p.m. Residents are cautioned about “flooding caused by excessive rainfall,” especially in low-lying and poorly-drained areas.
The NWS strongly recommends that residents heed the safety advice to “turn around, don’t drown” when confronted with flooded roads, as most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles. Those living in flood-prone areas or camping in low-lying regions are advised to move to higher ground immediately.
Evacuations should be carried out without delay if local authorities provide instructions. Residents are encouraged to lock their homes before leaving and, if feasible, to disconnect utilities and appliances. Special caution is advised for individuals in basements or any room where water has submerged electrical outlets or wires. Any signs of electrical disturbances, such as sparks, buzzing, or crackling, should be taken seriously, and evacuation should occur right away.
People are further warned to avoid any water that may be electrically charged. Attempting to walk through floodwaters can be extremely dangerous, as even 6 inches of rapidly moving water can sweep a person off their feet. In situations where individuals find themselves trapped by moving water, the NWS advises seeking the highest possible ground and contacting emergency services by calling 911.
The risk of flooding rises significantly during heavy rainfall, particularly in low-lying areas prone to water accumulation. Vehicles can be at risk as well, with only 12 inches of rushing water having the potential to sweep most cars away. Residents are reminded that hydroplaning can occur when a vehicle skids uncontrollably due to water pressure lifting it off the road surface.
Coastal Flooding and Weather Warnings
A coastal flood advisory is also in effect, predicting possible flooding along shore and tidal waterways, with forecasts indicating up to one foot of flooding until Friday. The city’s Public Works department is being urged to prioritize clearing roads critical for emergency services during this challenging weather period.
Expect gusty conditions as high sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph, are anticipated as the storm progresses. Beaufort County is bracing for the impacts of Hurricane Milton, which has been downgraded from a Category 3 to a Category 1 storm.
School and Community Responses
Due to the expected high winds and flooding, Beaufort County Parks and Recreation has canceled all classes and events. Additionally, the Beaufort County School District has announced the cancellation of all athletic and extracurricular activities planned for Thursday.
As coastal flooding is already occurring Thursday morning, several road closures have taken place, but conditions are expected to improve late Thursday into early Friday morning. Alongside these advisories, a Coastal Flood Warning is currently active for Charleston and coastal Colleton counties until 9 a.m., while a Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect for Beaufort and tidal Berkeley counties.
Residents are encouraged to remain informed and prepared as the situation develops, ensuring that safety remains the top priority in the wake of these hazardous weather conditions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Flood Advisory Lifted in Beaufort County Post-Tropical Storm Debby
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Beaufort County
Severe Flooding in Beaufort County Due to Tropical Storm Debby
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Flood Advisory in Beaufort County
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Herald Online: Weather Update
- Google Search: Weather Flooding Advisories
- Your Island News: Tropical Storm Warning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
- ABC News 4: Flood Warnings in Charleston
- Google News: Coastal Flooding 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.
