Beaufort, SC, August 18, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort and Jasper counties are under a flash flood warning due to heavy rains and thunderstorms, resulting in significant flooding. Local roads are reported to be closed, and residents are advised to seek higher ground and avoid flooded areas. The National Weather Service has indicated that additional rainfall could exacerbate flooding conditions. Community safety is a top priority as weather conditions continue to develop and residents are urged to stay informed.
Beaufort, SC
A flash flood warning has been issued for Beaufort and Jasper counties by the National Weather Service (NWS) Charleston SC, effective until 5:45 p.m. on Saturday. The warning was prompted by heavy rains and thunderstorms that have caused significant flooding in the area.
At 4:56 p.m., local law enforcement reported vehicles stalled near Highway 170 and Castle Rock Road. Between 3 and 6 inches of rain have fallen in the warned area, with another inch expected, particularly in Effingham and Jasper counties. Flash flooding is either ongoing or anticipated to start shortly, extending its impact to small creeks, urban areas, highways, streets, underpasses, and low-lying regions.
The following areas are particularly affected: Beaufort, Port Royal, Jasper, Rincon, Hardeeville, Calawassie Island, Lemon Island, Rose Hill, Sun City, and Shell Point. Residents in these areas are advised to take safety precautions, including evacuating higher ground if needed and avoid driving through flooded roads, adhering to the “turn around, don’t drown” guideline, as most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles caught in floodwaters.
Current Conditions
As of now, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has closed the ramp to U.S. 278 Eastbound from S.C. 170 due to flooding. Additionally, the intersection of S.C. 170 and Castle Rock Road is also under water and closed, along with Broad River Boulevard and County Shed Road in Burton, which are experiencing high water levels.
Residents should remain vigilant as an additional 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected through the evening, coupled with continued thunderstorms. Although the flash flood warning is slated to end at 5:45 p.m., the ongoing conditions suggest that flooding could still pose a risk.
Weather Context
The current weather system has introduced a significant shift from heat advisories to heavy rainfall and flash flooding in Beaufort County. Over the period from Friday to Monday evening, a total of 4 to 6 inches of rain is anticipated, with some locations potentially exceeding 6 inches. Strong wind gusts up to 60 mph are also projected as thunderstorms move through the region.
It’s important to note that flash flood alerts, now triggered by minor flooding situations, are becoming more frequent. This has resulted in a reassessment of flood risk categories, which include: “Base” flash flood warning, indicating low-risk flooding; “Considerable” flash flood warning, signaling expected damaging flooding; and “Catastrophic” flash flood warning, reserved for exceedingly rare emergencies.
Safety Recommendations
- Residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas should seek higher ground immediately.
- Do not attempt to drive through flooded roadways; most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
- Stay informed about local weather updates and alerts.
Conclusion
The community is encouraged to take the flash flood warning seriously and to prioritize safety as storm conditions develop. Continued monitoring of local weather updates is crucial during this time.
FAQ
What areas are under the flash flood warning?
The affected areas include Beaufort, Port Royal, Jasper, Rincon, Hardeeville, Calawassie Island, Lemon Island, Rose Hill, Sun City, and Shell Point.
How much rain is expected?
Between 3 and 6 inches of rain have already fallen, with an additional 1 to 3 inches anticipated this evening.
What should residents do during a flash flood warning?
Residents are advised to seek higher ground, avoid flooded areas, and stay updated on the latest weather information.
Why was a flash flood warning issued?
The warning was issued due to heavy rainfall causing significant flooding in the area, creating risks for residents and infrastructure.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Flash Flood Warning | A warning issued by the NWS for Beaufort and Jasper counties due to heavy rain. |
| Rainfall Amounts | 3 to 6 inches have already fallen, with an additional 1 to 3 inches expected. |
| Areas Affected | Beaufort, Port Royal, Jasper, Rincon, Hardeeville, Calawassie Island, Lemon Island, Rose Hill, Sun City, and Shell Point. |
| Safety Recommendations | Seek higher ground, don’t attempt to drive through flooded roads. |
| Expected Wind Gusts | Up to 60 mph with approaching thunderstorms. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Beaufort, South Carolina Faces Erosion Challenges as Innovative Restoration Project Launches
HELP of Beaufort Opens New Facility in Port Royal
Multiple Crashes Raise Safety Concerns in Beaufort County
The Impact of the 1940 Hurricane on Beaufort, SC
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Flash Flood Warning in Beaufort
- Wikipedia: Flash Flood
- AOL: Heat Advisory Extended for Beaufort County
- Google Search: Beaufort County Weather
- WSAV: Lady’s Island Flooding Concerns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- Herald Online: Weather Update Beaufort
- Google News: Beaufort South Carolina Weather
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.
