Beaufort County, January 23, 2026
As Winter Storm Fern approaches, Beaufort County and much of coastal South Carolina brace for high winds and freezing temperatures. Although significant icy conditions are expected to be avoided, residents should prepare for strong winds and potential flight delays. The Midlands region, however, faces freezing rain and sleet. Travelers are advised to stay informed about road conditions and flight statuses.
Beaufort County and Coastal South Carolina Brace for High Winds and Freezing Temperatures as Winter Storm Fern Approaches
Beaufort, South Carolina – Winter Storm Fern is currently making its way towards the Southeast, bringing a forecast of high winds and freezing cold to Beaufort County and much of coastal South Carolina and Georgia, although the regions are largely expected to avoid the most severe wintry weather. Recent forecasts indicate that while the coastal areas will experience significant cold and strong winds, they will likely be spared from widespread icy conditions. However, residents in the South Carolina Lowcountry should prepare for potential disruptions, including possible flight delays.
Updated Forecast for Coastal Regions
The latest weather updates suggest a mixed outlook for the Lowcountry. While the threat of significant ice and snow has diminished for Beaufort County and coastal South Carolina and Georgia, conditions will still be challenging. Forecasters predict southwest winds from 20 to 25 mph with gusts, accompanying freezing cold temperatures across the area. For Hilton Head, specifically, the primary impact of Winter Storm Fern is expected to be rain, rather than icy precipitation. This updated forecast brings some relief from earlier concerns about extensive icy accumulation, but the combination of strong winds and very cold air still warrants caution.
Inland South Carolina Prepares for Freezing Rain and Sleet
Further inland, particularly in the Midlands region of South Carolina, the weather picture is different. Columbia and surrounding areas are forecast to experience freezing rain and sleet as part of this winter storm. While initial predictions included the possibility of snow, it now appears less likely to be a significant component of the storm in these areas. An earlier Winter Weather Advisory was in effect for regions including Dorchester, Hampton, Inland Colleton, Allendale, and Tidal Colleton, warning of freezing rain and total ice accumulations of up to one-tenth of an inch. This advisory highlighted the potential for hazardous travel conditions due to ice.
Potential Travel Disruptions
As Winter Storm Fern tracks through the region, air travel in the Lowcountry may be affected. There is a possibility of flight delays for airports serving coastal South Carolina and Georgia. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates on flight statuses before heading to the airport. Road conditions, particularly in areas experiencing freezing rain and sleet, are also expected to be hazardous, urging commuters to exercise extreme caution or avoid unnecessary travel.
Background on Winter Weather in the Southeast
The Southeast United States, including South Carolina, has a history of experiencing significant winter weather events, though they are less frequent than in northern regions. These events can sometimes bring substantial impacts. For example, the largest snowstorm in history for the Southeast U.S. coast occurred just before Christmas in 1989, breaking all-time snowfall records. More recently, Winter Storm Elliott in December 2022 brought some of the coldest winter weather in five years to South Carolina, characterized by extreme cold and high winds. Such historical events underscore the importance of preparedness, even when the immediate threat of heavy snow or ice is mitigated. Residents are always encouraged to stay informed through official weather alerts and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during periods of extreme cold and adverse weather conditions.
Winter Storm Fern: Key Features and Impact
| Feature | Beaufort County & Coastal SC/GA | Hilton Head Island | Midlands (Columbia, SC) | Lowcountry (General) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Impact | High winds, freezing cold. Largely spared from severe wintry weather. | Rain. | Freezing rain, sleet. Less likely snow. | High winds, freezing cold. |
| Wind Speeds | Southwest winds from 20 to 25 mph with gusts. | Not specified separately, included in coastal forecast. | Not specified separately, focus on precipitation. | Potential for high winds affecting travel. |
| Precipitation Type | Less widespread ice/snow. | Rain. | Freezing rain, sleet. | Primarily rain in coastal areas, freezing rain inland. |
| Travel Disruptions | Potential for flight delays. | Potential for flight delays. | Hazardous road conditions due to ice. | Potential flight delays for airports serving coastal South Carolina and Georgia. |
| Temperature | Freezing cold temperatures. | Freezing cold temperatures. | Freezing temperatures conducive to ice. | Freezing cold temperatures. |
Now Happening on X
- @wcti12 (January 22, 2026, 5:50 PM): Beaufort County emergency officials are preparing roads for possible winter weather and urging residents to ready themselves for icy conditions, power outages, and safe heating use. View on X
- @wnct9 (January 22, 2026, 10:46 PM): Beaufort County officials held a press conference to emphasize taking precautions against approaching winter weather before it’s too late. View on X
- @BeaufortSC_EMS (January 21, 2026, 10:00 PM): Emergency services share tips for the cold weather ahead, including stocking emergency supplies, checking heating systems, and insulating pipes to prevent freezing. View on X
- @RepNancyMace (January 21, 2026, 10:11 PM): Cold weather shelters are open in Beaufort, including Burton Wells Rec Center, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, and Christ Lutheran Church on Hilton Head through January 24. View on X
- @WSAV (January 20, 2026, 6:00 PM): A pedestrian was hit and killed in a Beaufort County collision. View on X
- @wcti12 (January 17, 2026, 12:51 PM): Officials in Beaufort County are investigating multiple thefts of air conditioning units and copper wiring, seeking public assistance. View on X
- @QuintinOnCamera (January 16, 2026, 11:34 PM): A man was arrested in connection with a shooting at a Beaufort mobile home park. View on X
- @QuintinOnCamera (January 22, 2026, 1:53 PM): Beaufort County authorities have safely located a runaway juvenile. View on X
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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.
