Beaufort County, January 26, 2026
As Beaufort County braces for a significant cold snap, local authorities have opened warming shelters to help residents cope with the frigid temperatures. Simultaneously, community members are raising alarms over proposed plans for large-scale housing developments on Upper and Lower Cane islands, which could see up to 700 new homes and a five-story hotel. Concerns center around potential environmental impacts and increased traffic on local roads amidst the unfolding weather challenges.
Beaufort County Braces for Frigid Temperatures as Warming Shelters Open; Residents Alarmed by Large-Scale Island Development Plans
Beaufort County is currently experiencing a significant cold snap, prompting the opening of warming shelters as overnight temperatures are expected to drop well below freezing through the week. Concurrently, local residents are voicing strong concerns over recently revealed plans for up to 700 new houses and a five-story hotel across Upper and Lower Cane islands, which are among the last undeveloped barrier islands in the region. These two critical developments are unfolding as the community navigates immediate weather challenges and long-term environmental and infrastructure concerns.
Cold Weather Advisory and Warming Shelter Operations
A cold weather advisory is in effect for southeast South Carolina, including Beaufort County, beginning Monday at 10 p.m. and lasting until Tuesday at 9 a.m.. The National Weather Service anticipates additional advisories as this prolonged cold pattern is set to continue throughout the week and into the upcoming weekend. Forecasts indicate that overnight apparent temperatures could plummet into the upper teens to low 20s, which is considered unusually cold for the Lowcountry.
On Monday, Beaufort County will see sunny skies with afternoon highs in the low 50s. However, strong west winds are expected to make it feel significantly colder. Clear conditions on Monday night will cause temperatures to fall rapidly, reaching lows in the mid-20s. This cold trend is projected to persist through Tuesday, with sunny weather and highs in the upper 40s, followed by another night of freezing temperatures. Similar conditions, with daytime temperatures around 50 degrees and overnight lows at or below freezing, are anticipated through the midweek. By late Friday night, clouds are expected to increase, bringing a 20% chance of showers. Forecasters are also monitoring the potential for rain and snow showers on Saturday, though the probability remains low at around 20%. Saturday’s high temperature is expected to struggle to reach the low 40s, with yet another freezing night to follow.
To help residents cope with the frigid conditions, warming shelters have been activated. Sea Island Presbyterian Church, located at 81 Lady’s Island Drive in Beaufort, opened its doors at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 26. This cold weather shelter will provide services from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. through the morning of Thursday, January 29. Guests will be offered dinner, access to showers, and breakfast. Similarly, Christ Lutheran Church, situated at 829 William Hilton Parkway on Hilton Head, is operating a cold weather shelter from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., running from Sunday, January 25, through the morning of Thursday, January 29. This shelter offers dinner and a to-go breakfast. Both facilities maintain policies against weapons, alcohol, drugs, smoking, and pets, though service animals are permitted.
Beaufort County officials have advised residents to take precautions. These include staying off roads if possible due to potentially deteriorating conditions, dressing in warm layers, and protecting pets by bringing them indoors. Homeowners are also encouraged to prepare their residences by insulating outdoor pipes and allowing indoor faucets to drip to prevent freezing. Awareness of potential carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock, and fire hazards is also crucial when using alternative heating or cooking sources.
Controversial Housing Development on Beaufort Islands
In a separate but equally pressing matter, residents of Beaufort County are expressing significant alarm over large-scale housing projects planned for Upper and Lower Cane islands. These two islands are considered among the last undeveloped barrier islands in the region. Landowners and developers have recently reactivated 30-year-old development agreements with the city of Beaufort, initiating “planned unit developments” (PUDs).
The proposed developments span approximately 380 acres and have the potential to introduce up to 700 new residential units, a five-story hotel, and more than a mile of hard riprap along the sensitive shoreline of these barrier islands. Residents of nearby Cat Island are particularly concerned about the environmental impact these projects could have, as well as the anticipated increase in traffic on already congested roads such as Ladys Island Drive and the narrow Islands Causeway.
A key point of contention is that these 1990s-era PUD agreements do not mandate public input, requiring only an administrative review by the city of Beaufort. This lack of public discourse has largely silenced the voices of opponents at the local level. Despite this, Beaufort city council members did pass a resolution in November opposing one of the developer’s riprap plans, which is currently under review by state regulators. However, the council’s ability to intervene is limited due to the pre-existing PUD agreements.
Critics, many from Cat Island, are now redirecting their efforts toward state agencies responsible for issuing traffic and shoreline permits. Their hope is to at least restrict the overall footprint of these two significant housing projects. Dennis Ross, a resident of Cat Island, emphasized that these PUDs allow developers to proceed “unchecked without any concern for current development codes”. The combined density of the Upper and Lower Cane islands projects is noted to be substantially larger than the controversial Pine Island golf course and housing project on St. Helena Island, which has been a subject of public debate and legal battles for years.
Nationwide Update: Obama Presidential Center Nears Completion
On a nationwide level, the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago is nearing its scheduled opening. The comprehensive 19.3-acre campus is anticipated to officially open its doors in June 2026. Construction efforts continue across the site.
The center is designed to house a museum, a community hub, a new branch of the Chicago Public Library, and “Home Court,” which will serve as an athletics and recreation space. It aims to become a significant global center for civic and community engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the current weather forecast for Beaufort County?
A: A cold weather advisory is in effect for southeast South Carolina, including Beaufort County, from 10 p.m. Monday through 9 a.m. Tuesday. Overnight apparent temperatures are expected to drop into the upper teens to low 20s each night, with freezing conditions continuing through the week.
Q: Where are warming shelters available in Beaufort County?
A: Warming shelters are open at Sea Island Presbyterian Church (81 Lady’s Island Dr, Beaufort) and Christ Lutheran Church (829 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head). Sea Island Presbyterian Church will operate from 5:30 p.m. Monday, January 26, until 8:00 a.m. Thursday, January 29. Christ Lutheran Church will operate from 5:30 p.m. Sunday, January 25, through the morning of Thursday, January 29.
Q: What amenities do the warming shelters provide?
A: Sea Island Presbyterian Church provides dinner, showers, and breakfast. Christ Lutheran Church offers dinner and a to-go breakfast.
Q: What are the concerns regarding the planned housing developments in Beaufort County?
A: Residents are concerned about plans for up to 700 additional houses, a five-story hotel, and over a mile of hard riprap on Upper and Lower Cane islands. Concerns include environmental impacts and increased traffic on Ladys Island Drive and Islands Causeway.
Q: Why is public input not required for the island housing developments?
A: Public input is not required due to 1990s-era Planned Unit Development (PUD) agreements, which only necessitate an administrative review by the city of Beaufort.
Q: When is the Obama Presidential Center scheduled to open?
A: The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago is scheduled to open in June 2026.
Key Features Summary
| Event | Scope | Details | Key Dates/Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Weather Advisory | Beaufort County, South Carolina | Overnight apparent temperatures expected in upper teens to low 20s; prolonged freezing conditions through the week. | Monday 10 p.m. – Tuesday 9 a.m. (advisory); throughout the week (cold pattern). |
| Warming Shelters Opened | Beaufort County, South Carolina | Sea Island Presbyterian Church (Beaufort) and Christ Lutheran Church (Hilton Head) offering shelter, meals, and other amenities. | Sea Island: Mon, Jan 26 (5:30 p.m.) – Thu, Jan 29 (8:00 a.m.). Christ Lutheran: Sun, Jan 25 (5:30 p.m.) – Thu, Jan 29 (7:30 a.m.). |
| Island Housing Development Plans | Beaufort County, South Carolina | Up to 700 new houses and a five-story hotel on Upper and Lower Cane islands; concerns over environmental impact and traffic. | Plans stem from 30-year-old PUD agreements; Beaufort city council passed resolution against riprap in November. |
| Obama Presidential Center Opening | Nationwide (Chicago) | 19.3-acre campus with a museum, community hub, library, and athletics space. | Scheduled to open in June 2026. |
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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.
