July 16, 2025

Beaufort and Jasper Counties Urge Hurricane Preparedness

News Summary

As hurricane season approaches, officials from Beaufort and Jasper Counties are urging local residents to prepare for potential evacuations. With the official season running from June 1 to November 30, the governor holds the authority to issue mandatory evacuation orders, which are coordinated with various emergency management agencies. Residents can determine their evacuation zones online and are encouraged to plan ahead for safety during storms.

Beaufort, South Carolina – With hurricane season approaching, officials in Beaufort and Jasper Counties are urging residents to prepare for potential evacuations. South Carolina’s hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, marking a critical time for communities in the region to ensure their safety and readiness.

The governor holds the exclusive legal authority to issue a mandatory evacuation order. These evacuation decisions are coordinated with key organizations, including the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD), the National Weather Service, and local emergency management agencies, to ensure a well-planned response to hurricanes.

Evacuation orders are issued by zones, starting with Zone A, which includes Beaufort County, designated as the first area to evacuate. Following Beaufort County, Jasper County comprises Zones B and C, which are the second and third areas to evacuate.

Vital Evacuation Information

It is noteworthy for residents of Daufuskie Island that there will only be one mandatory evacuation order issued. Residents can determine their evacuation zone by visiting Hurricane.SC or downloading the SC Emergency Manager app. These resources are designed to help residents quickly identify their zones and stay informed during a hurricane.

Evacuation orders will be communicated through a variety of channels, including:

Emergency Alert System (EAS)
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
County Emergency Management Websites
Social Media accounts of local agencies
SC Emergency Manager App for real-time updates
Local Media outlets
National Hurricane Center for watches and warnings

For evacuations, South Carolina has pre-established routes that may be adjusted as necessary by law enforcement. Evacuation notices will provide details on specific routes, staging areas, and the timing of traffic control measures. Furthermore, emergency personnel will assist with traffic management during these evacuations.

Timing and Safety Measures

It is important to note that evacuation operations will cease when tropical storm-force winds (39 mph) are anticipated to reach the area. Once a mandatory evacuation order is enacted, local hospitals will close, and medical services will no longer be available. Residents are strongly advised not to return home until officials declare the area safe, as some regions may remain inaccessible for an extended period after the storm.

Residents who ignore an evacuation order will be responsible for their own safety and well-being. The SCEMD emphasizes the significance of advanced planning, encouraging individuals to prepare their homes, familiarize themselves with their evacuation zones, and plot their evacuation routes accordingly.

Upcoming Hurricane Exercise

To enhance preparedness efforts, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety will conduct a comprehensive hurricane evacuation exercise on June 4, 2025. This exercise, in collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Transportation, will assess lane reversal strategies for coastal evacuations. Specific highways, including U.S. 278, U.S. 21, and segments of Interstate 26, will see the deployment of equipment and personnel to test these plans.

Law enforcement and traffic control devices will be integral to managing the flow of traffic during possible evacuations. Given the threat of flooding and damage to infrastructure, state leaders highlight the necessity of taking immediate action in preparation for hurricanes, rather than waiting for evacuation mandates or press conferences to take place.

Essential Resources

Planning for evacuations should take into account the wider impacts of hurricanes across the state, beyond just coastal regions. The SCEMD encourages residents to obtain their 2025 hurricane guides, available online and throughout the state, to access essential information pertaining to preparations during a hurricane.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

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.

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.

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