Beaufort County, August 25, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort County is transitioning from extreme heat to significant rainfall and potential flash flooding as temperatures drop sharply. A cold front stalling over the region is expected to bring 4 to 6 inches of rain through Monday evening, with thunderstorms and wind gusts up to 60 mph. Residents in flood-prone areas are urged to evacuate and prepare for dangerous conditions, including high surf advisories along the coast.
Beaufort County is currently transitioning from heat advisories to heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding this weekend, as a significant change in weather patterns takes place. The heat advisories in effect, triggered by a week of temperatures reaching into the triple digits, are set to end this evening.
A cold front that is stalling over the region is responsible for this abrupt shift in conditions. Meteorologists expect showers and thunderstorms to commence early this evening, with heavy rainfall and associated risks of flash flooding anticipated to persist throughout the weekend. In a dramatic change, temperatures are predicted to drop from a high of 96 degrees on Friday to the mid to low 80s during this wet period.
The forecast suggests that Beaufort County will receive between 4 to 6 inches of rain from Friday until Monday evening, with the possibility of some areas experiencing rainfall exceeding 6 inches. Thunderstorms are also expected to bring wind gusts of up to 60 mph, further amplifying weather hazards in the region.
Beginning before midnight on Friday, showers and thunderstorms are projected to continue through the night. On Saturday, the majority of rain is expected between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., but conditions may remain wet into the evening, increasing the likelihood of flash flooding in various areas.
This anticipated heavy rainfall is likely to result in flash flooding, posing a risk to low-lying roads and intersections, which may become inundated and potentially trap vehicles. The flooding risk may be exacerbated by heavy rain occurring during high tide conditions.
In light of these concerns, the National Weather Service (NWS) is updating its flood warning system. Minor flood situations will now trigger flash flood warnings in populated areas. The new protocol will classify alerts as “Base,” “Considerable,” and “Catastrophic,” depending on the severity of flooding implications.
Additionally, a high surf advisory remains in effect until 5 p.m. today, as large breaking waves of up to 5 feet are expected along the coast. The NWS warns that dangerous swimming and surfing conditions exist and advises inexperienced swimmers to stay out of the water.
A coastal flood advisory is also effective until 11 p.m. for Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County, forecasting potential inundation of up to half a foot along shorelines and tidal waterways. Saltwater inundation may begin 1 to 2 hours after high tide, impacting some nearby roads.
Residents residing in flood-prone areas are strongly advised to move to higher ground and evacuate if directed by local authorities. Emergency preparedness measures are crucial, including locking homes before leaving, disconnecting utilities, and avoiding basements or rooms at risk of flooding. As little as 12 inches of moving water can sweep away vehicles, therefore, drivers are urged not to attempt crossing floodwaters on roads, regardless of the perceived depth.
Key Weather Updates
- Transition from heat advisories to heavy rainfall.
- Forecast of 4 to 6 inches of rain through Monday evening.
- Thunderstorm wind gusts up to 60 mph expected.
- Flash flood risks will be present throughout the weekend.
Emergency Preparedness for Residents
- Evacuate to higher ground if in flood-prone areas.
- Lock homes before leaving and disconnect utilities where safe.
- Avoid basements and low-lying areas during heavy rain.
New Flood Alert Categories
- Base: Minor flooding.
- Considerable: Moderate flooding.
- Catastrophic: Severe flooding conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should residents do during a flood warning?
Residents should evacuate to higher ground, lock their homes, disconnect utilities, and avoid flood-prone areas. Following local authority directives is crucial.
How much rainfall is expected over the weekend?
Between 4 to 6 inches of rain is forecasted from Friday evening to Monday evening, with some areas potentially exceeding that amount.
What are the dangers of flooding?
Flooding can inundate roads, stranding vehicles, and even sweep away cars with as little as 12 inches of moving water. It can also pose dangers for pedestrians and cause significant property damage.
Are any public advisories in place?
Yes, a coastal flood advisory and high surf advisory are both in effect. Residents are advised to be cautious along coastlines, avoiding swimming and surfing due to dangerous conditions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Issues Flood Advisory Amid Heavy Rainfall
Charleston Faces Urgent Flash Flood Warning Amid Heavy Rain
High Surf Advisory and Rip Current Risks in Charleston, SC
Flash Flood Warning Issued for Beaufort, SC
Beaufort, SC Faces Flash Flood Warning Following Severe Rainfall
Beaufort Advances Plans for $100 Million Arena Project
Flash Flood Warning Issued for Beaufort and Jasper Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Beaufort and Colleton Counties
Severe Weather Alert in Charleston SC: Thunderstorms and Flooding
HELP of Beaufort Opens New Facility in Port Royal
Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Weather Update
- Wikipedia: Flash Flood
- The State: Weather Advisory
- Google Search: Beaufort County weather
- Island Packet: Heavy Rainfall Forecast
- Google Scholar: Weather Advisory
- Weather.com: Beaufort NC 10-Day Forecast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- Post and Courier: Beaufort Weather Updates
- Google News: Beaufort County
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.
