News Summary
Beaufort County is grappling with heightened flooding risks due to heavy rainfall and recent federal funding cuts for flood mitigation programs. The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for the region, urging residents to exercise caution. Significant flooding threats, particularly in low-lying areas, have emerged, exacerbated by the termination of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program. The county’s vulnerability was highlighted following Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread power outages and damage. Community cooperation and safety measures remain essential as the region navigates ongoing weather challenges and funding uncertainties.
Beaufort, SC – Beaufort County is facing increased flooding risks following heavy rainfall and cutbacks in federal funding for flood mitigation efforts. The National Weather Service (NWS) Charleston, SC, issued a flood advisory for Beaufort and Jasper counties on Sunday at 7:31 a.m., which will remain in effect until 9:30 a.m. The advisory highlights potential flooding, particularly in low-lying areas with inadequate drainage. Residents are strongly urged to remain vigilant and heed safety precautions, with an emphasis on the dangers of driving through flooded roads.
The NWS has warned residents to “turn around, don’t drown” when encountering flooded roadways, as a significant number of flood-related fatalities occur when motorists attempt to drive through submerged areas. Those living in flood-prone regions are encouraged to seek higher ground immediately and evacuate if instructed by local authorities. Homeowners should secure their properties, disconnect utilities and appliances if possible, and avoid entering basements or rooms with submerged electrical outlets.
Hydroplaning is a particular hazard during these weather conditions, as vehicles can slide uncontrollably on wet roads due to water accumulating and affecting tire traction. The NWS emphasized that just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet, while 12 inches can sweep away most vehicles.
Beyond immediate weather concerns, the situation is compounded by cuts to federal funding that threaten Beaufort County’s flood mitigation initiatives. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reported that the cancellation of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program puts the county’s submitted flood mitigation projects from 2020 to 2023 in jeopardy. Beaufort County had submitted ten flood mitigation projects under this program, but with its recent termination, the prospects for these projects remain uncertain.
While BRIC supported disaster risk reduction efforts, the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program specifically focuses on tackling flooding issues affecting properties under the National Flood Insurance Program. An announcement earlier this year indicated that unallocated BRIC funds would revert to the Disaster Relief Fund, part of a broader initiative to curtail “wasteful spending.” Despite promising returns on investment for flood mitigation projects, many remain pending review or have been denied.
For fiscal year 2023, Beaufort County submitted a request for $220,000 through the FMA program to aid in a mitigation reconstruction project in a designated flood hazard region. However, other specific projects, such as Bluffton’s evaluation of flood risks in certain cove areas, were not selected for funding, further compounding uncertainty. The City of Beaufort’s Pidgeon Point Project, submitted in 2022, is now also ineligible for funding due to the termination of the BRIC program.
The recent flooding incidents in Beaufort County have highlighted vulnerabilities, particularly following Hurricane Helene in September, which left 34,000 residents without power at its peak, with downed trees and power lines reported throughout the area. Emergency services responded to over 50 incidents related to the storm, including various electrical hazards. As early October approached, residents began documenting structural damage caused by the hurricane, and a debris pickup for affected areas is scheduled for October 7 in the City of Beaufort.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division established a hotline for residents with inquiries about storm aftermath. Additionally, United Way’s 2-1-1 HELPLINE has been set up for non-emergency assistance. As schools resumed normal operations after eLearning days due to the storm’s impact, it is noteworthy that no storm-related fatalities have been reported.
As weather conditions continue to remain a concern, initiatives to ensure safety and mitigate flooding risks in Beaufort County are of paramount importance. The community’s cooperation and adherence to safety advisories during adverse weather events are vital for reducing risks and promoting public safety.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Braces for Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding
Significant Flooding Crisis in Beaufort Area Due to Tropical Storm Debby
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
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Flood Advisory Issued
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Island Packet: Flooding in Beaufort County
- Google Search: Beaufort County flooding 2023
- Post and Courier: Hurricane Milton Impact
- Google Scholar: Beaufort County flood mitigation
- The State: Flood Risks in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood mitigation strategies
- Island Packet: Hurricane Helene Aftermath
- Google News: Hurricane Helene 2023
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.
