News Summary
Residents in Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties are facing severe flooding after heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Debby. The National Weather Service has issued flood advisories, urging residents to evacuate to higher ground and take necessary safety precautions. The responsibility of local communities is growing due to persistent flooding issues, prompting plans for new sewer installations and urging residents to stay informed as dangerous road conditions persist. Emergency services are mobilized to assist those affected, as significant rainfall continues to challenge the region.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Residents in Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties are facing significant flooding following heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Debby. The National Weather Service (NWS) Charleston issued a flood advisory early Monday morning, warning of excessive rainfall and advising residents to be cautious, particularly at night when flood dangers may be less visible.
The flood advisory is valid until 4:15 a.m., and reports indicate minor flooding has occurred in low-lying and poorly drained areas, with water covering roadways. The NWS has also noted the occurrence of ponding water in urban areas, increasing the risk of flash floods. As a protective measure, residents are urged to seek higher ground and evacuate immediately if instructed to do so.
It is essential for residents to secure their homes before evacuation, including locking doors and disconnecting utilities and appliances if time permits. Those in flood-prone regions are further warned to avoid basements or rooms with submerged electrical outlets and cords. It is advised to evacuate if electrical hazards such as sparks or buzzing sounds are noticed. Furthermore, walking through floodwaters poses a severe risk, as even six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet.
The NWS has cautioned that if individuals find themselves trapped in moving water, they should seek the highest available ground and call emergency services by dialing 911. Driving in flooded areas is also highly discouraged, given that as little as 12 inches of rushing water can carry away vehicles. Residents should also be aware of the dangers of hydroplaning, which occurs when a car slides uncontrollably on wet roads.
In addition to the flood advisory, a coastal flood advisory was issued, warning of potential inundation of up to half a foot above ground level. This advisory will remain in effect from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. High tide at Fort Pulaski, expected around 7:55 p.m., is associated with possible saltwater flooding 1 to 2 hours before and after the tide peaks. Roads may be affected by saltwater inundation, and residents are advised to seek alternate routes and avoid barricades.
The flooding crisis has prompted action from local communities. Residents in the Alljoy neighborhood, which has seen persistent flooding issues, are in the process of planning for new sewer installations. Concerns have been raised about flooding overwhelming septic systems, leading to sewage leaching into the streets. The Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority (BJWSA) is waiving capacity fees for those who connect to the sewer system before August 1, potentially saving each household about $20,000.
Efforts to address flooding in Alljoy have been ongoing, supported by years of resident advocacy that have led to plans for improved stormwater infrastructure and sewage connections. The estimated total cost to connect approximately 900 homes to the new sewer system is around $80 million.
Tropical Storm Debby, currently located roughly 15 miles from Savannah, Georgia, is moving east-northeast at 6 mph. Both a Storm Surge Warning and a Tropical Storm Warning are in effect for the affected counties. A Flash Flood Watch has also been declared for Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties until 8:00 a.m. on August 9. A civil emergency has been issued for Jasper County due to the severity of the flooding.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed as hazardous road conditions persist, with numerous road closures reported across Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties. Significant rainfall amounts ranging from 6 to 18 inches have been recorded in the region. Sandbags have been made available in Ridgeland and Hardeeville for residents, although availability is limited due to resource constraints.
Updates on flooded roadways are being provided by local authorities, including the Town of Bluffton and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, both advising against travel in affected areas. Additionally, Palmetto Electric Cooperative is working to restore power to around 59 customers affected by downed power lines. A shelter has been established in Jasper County for displaced residents, with specific recommendations on necessary supplies, including provisions for pets.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Flash Flood Warning Issued for Beaufort County
Beaufort County Faces Flooding Threat from Heavy Rainfall
Beaufort County Braces for Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding
Beaufort County Unveils New Flood Alert System
Beaufort County Faces Extended Heat Advisory as Severe Weather Forecasted
Beaufort County Residents Advised to Prepare for Hurricane Season
Charleston Issues Coastal Flood Advisory as Tides Rise
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Charleston Area
Beaufort and Jasper Counties Urge Hurricane Preparedness
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Charleston Area
Additional Resources
- Herald Online
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Debby
- Island Packet
- Google Scholar: Flood Management
- Bluffton Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Natural Disaster
- Post and Courier
- Google News: Beaufort South Carolina flooding
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.
