Beaufort County, August 31, 2025
News Summary
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office warns Boost Mobile customers about potential disruptions when dialing 911 due to expected thunderstorms. The National Weather Service has issued alerts for high wind gusts and lightning risks, advising residents in flood-prone areas to take precautions. Coastal flood advisories are also in effect, urging safety measures as flooding and hazardous driving conditions may arise. Residents are reminded to prepare for severe weather and utilize non-emergency contacts if necessary.
Beaufort – The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning for Boost Mobile customers regarding potential disruptions when dialing 911 due to severe weather conditions expected in the area. This information was communicated to the Sheriff’s Office by Boost Mobile on Friday, as strong thunderstorms are anticipated to impact the region.
The National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City NC issued a strong thunderstorm alert on Saturday at 5:06 p.m., valid until 5:45 p.m., for the Mainland Hyde and Beaufort County areas. Forecasts predict wind gusts could reach up to 40 mph, posing risks to outdoor objects and possibly causing minor damage. Doppler radar identified a storm capable of generating a landspout over Belhaven, situated 22 miles east of River Road.
Residents in affected areas, which include Belhaven, Sladesville, Ransomville, Winsteadville, Sidney Crossroads, Sydney Crossroads, and Pantego, are advised to seek shelter indoors during inclement weather. The NWS warns that lightning strikes are a significant hazard during thunderstorms, with the United States experiencing around 25 million strikes annually, leading to an average of 20 fatalities each year. As storms approach, the risk for lightning increases and peaks when the storm is directly overhead.
Additionally, a coastal flood advisory was issued by the NWS Charleston SC on Saturday at 9:22 p.m., effective until 11 p.m. for Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County. Following high tide, approximately half a foot of inundation could affect ground levels along shorelines and tidal waterways. Residents were urged to be aware that high tide at Fort Pulaski took place around 9:10 p.m., and saltwater inundation is possible for 1 to 2 hours thereafter.
Travel in flood-prone areas may be particularly challenging, and the NWS advised residents to allow extra time while on the roads, as some routes could be closed. In case of flooding, residents are urged to avoid driving around barricades and to take protective measures for flood-prone properties. Those in high-risk areas are advised to evacuate when instructed, disconnecting utilities and locking homes as a precaution.
The dangers of floods are amplified by swift water, with even as little as six inches capable of knocking individuals off their feet. Motorists are also cautioned about the dangers of hydroplaning, which occurs when vehicles lose traction on wet roads due to water buildup. The top contributors to hydroplaning include wet road conditions, high speeds, and the condition of tire tread depth.
In summary, while boosters may face challenges reaching emergency services through 911, they can contact non-emergency dispatch at 843-524-2777 if necessary. Residents are urged to stay alert and to prepare for the upcoming severe weather to ensure personal safety and the protection of property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Boost Mobile customers may face service disruptions when trying to dial 911 during severe weather. In such cases, they are advised to contact non-emergency dispatch at 843-524-2777.
2. What weather events have been announced for Beaufort County?
A strong thunderstorm warning effective until 5:45 p.m. was issued, forecasting wind gusts up to 40 mph. Additionally, a coastal flood advisory is in place until 11 p.m., anticipating significant inundation in certain areas.
3. What precautions should residents take during the storm?
Residents should seek shelter indoors, avoid driving through flooded areas, and prepare their property for potential flooding. If in a flood-prone area, residents are advised to evacuate when instructed.
4. What are the risks associated with lightning during thunderstorms?
Lightning poses a serious risk during thunderstorms, with summer being the peak season. The likelihood of being struck increases as the storm approaches.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Beaufort and Colleton Counties
Additional Resources
- News Observer
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Beaufort County weather
- Herald Online
- Google Scholar: Storm preparedness
- The State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning
- WTOC
- Google News: Coastal flood advisory
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.
