Beaufort County, September 13, 2025
News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood advisory affecting Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County, warning residents of significant flooding potential. With road closures likely and rising waters, residents are urged to evacuate to higher ground if necessary. Recent studies indicate that flooding in North Carolina is being underestimated, emphasizing the need for better monitoring and adaptation strategies as sea levels continue to rise.
Charleston, SC
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a coastal flood advisory for Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County, effective Tuesday from 7 a.m. to noon. Residents and travelers are urged to heed the warnings as significant flooding is anticipated in these areas.
As local communities grapple with chronic flooding issues, travelers are advised to allow extra time on the roads, as closures are likely due to rising waters. Residents in flood-prone areas should seek higher ground immediately if evacuation orders are announced. The NWS advises that all homes should be securely locked, utilities disconnected, and individuals should avoid any rooms with submerged electrical outlets.
Flooding not only presents a threat to homes but also to lives, with the NWS underscoring that just six inches of moving water can render a person unable to stand, while 12 inches of fast-moving water can sweep away most vehicles. Hydroplaning, or losing control of a vehicle on wet roads, also poses a significant risk during these flooding events.
Recent Alerts and Predictions
The flood advisory is in place until Tuesday at noon. An updated advisory from NWS Charleston, which was released on Friday, covered Coastal Colleton and Charleston County, predicting potential flooding coinciding with high tide around 12:15 p.m. Residents should prepare for flooding above normal ground levels, with anticipated inundation of up to one foot along shorelines and tidal waterways.
Local Flooding Concerns
In North Carolina, communities have been facing worsening flooding conditions, prompting researchers to delve deeper into the frequency and severity of these events. A recent study by the University of North Carolina and North Carolina State University has highlighted the inadequacy of traditional flood monitoring methods that rely heavily on tide gauges. The reliance on these gauges has led to significant underestimations in recognizing the true frequency of flooding.
Data collected using sensors installed in Beaufort, Carolina Beach, and Sea Level over a year illuminated the issue further, revealing flooding incidents on 26 days in Beaufort, 65 days in Carolina Beach, and an alarming 128 days in Sea Level. The study illustrates how tide gauge data can sometimes lead to both underestimation and overestimation of flood occurrences.
Future Projections and Recommendations
Researchers are cautioning that coastal flooding is set to intensify due to ongoing global sea-level rise. By the end of the century, it is projected that between 190 to 340 million people could be at risk of inundation. Coastal regions in North Carolina are on track to see a sea-level rise of as much as 22 inches by 2050, highlighting the urgency for improved data collection methods and adaptation strategies.
Land-based sensor technology has shown promise in providing more accurate measurements of flooding caused by various local factors, including rain and wind. The study aims to enhance awareness regarding flooding impacts and to aid local leaders in planning strategies to bolster community resilience against future flooding events.
Key Findings and Implications
Ultimately, the findings emphasize the pressing need for better flood measurement technologies and improved data systems. This will be critical in guiding adaptation strategies to assist coastal communities in managing the growing challenges posed by climate change and rising sea levels.
FAQ
What is the current coastal flood advisory in South Carolina?
The NWS has issued a coastal flood advisory for Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County, valid from Tuesday 7 a.m. to noon. There is expected flooding with the potential for closed roads and safety hazards.
Why is there concern over flooding in North Carolina?
Research has shown that flooding events are more frequent than indicated by tide gauges. Many communities experience chronic flooding, and studies predict increased sea levels will exacerbate these issues.
What should residents do in case of evacuation?
Residents should evacuate to higher ground if advised, securely lock their homes, disconnect utilities, and avoid any rooms with submerged electricity outlets to prevent accidents.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Flood Advisory Timing | Effective Tuesday from 7 a.m. to noon |
| Predicted Flooding Levels | Inundation up to one foot above normal ground levels |
| Select Flood Days | Beaufort: 26 days; Carolina Beach: 65 days; Sea Level: 128 days |
| Predicted Sea Level Rise | Up to 22 inches by 2050 in North Carolina |
| Recommended Actions | Evacuate, secure property, avoid flooded areas |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rip Current Warning Issued for Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County
Beaufort County Enhances Hurricane Preparedness with AI Traffic Cameras
Coastal Flood Advisories Issued as Hurricane Erin Approaches
Charleston Faces Coastal Flood Advisory as King Tide Approaches
Southeast US Braces for a Cold and Snowy Winter
High Risk of Rip Currents as Hurricane Erin Approaches Charleston
Rip Current Warning Issued for Charleston, SC Beaches
Severe Weather Warning for Beaufort County Residents
The Impact of the Sea Island Hurricane on Beaufort, SC
Beaufort County Faces Heavy Rain and Flooding Risks This Weekend
Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Coastal Flood Advisory in South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Island Packet: Flooding in Coastal Regions
- Google Search: Flooding in Coastal Regions
- Nature: Study on Flood Frequency
- Google Scholar: Flooding Frequency Study
- The Assembly: Sea Level Rise in Beaufort, NC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sea Level
- News Observer: North Carolina Flooding Issues
- Google News: North Carolina Flooding Issues
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.
