Destruction caused by severe weather in Beaufort County
On March 31, severe weather wreaked havoc across Jasper and Beaufort counties, resulting in downed trees, power outages, and school closures. With reports of destruction flooding in, community members joined forces to assist affected families as local authorities responded swiftly. The aftermath reflects the resilience of the communities during challenging times as recovery efforts commence.
Jasper County – The atmosphere turned chaotic on March 31, as severe weather rolled through Jasper and Beaufort counties, leaving behind a trail of destruction and disruption. Reports flooded in to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston, detailing downed trees and power lines that created havoc for residents.
The day commenced with ominous clouds gathering, prompting the NWS to issue multiple watches and warnings throughout the afternoon. Residents were urged to stay alert for the approaching cold front, which ultimately produced a squall line sweeping across the region from west to east.
As the storm intensified, eyewitness Consuelo Cisneros was on the scene when a vehicle collided with a fallen tree on a busy roadway near Pritchardville. Thankfully, the car’s occupants managed to escape without injuries, though understandably shaken by the close call.
The disturbances caught the attention of the Beaufort County Emergency Manager, who indicated that the incident occurred at approximately 6:11 p.m., just two miles east-southeast of Pritchardville. As tree-related accidents became more commonplace, law enforcement reported two additional downed trees in Jasper County, particularly in the areas of Switzerland and Pocotaligo.
The Burton Fire District was busy that evening, responding to not one, but two incidents in Shell Point where trees fell, damaging homes and displacing families. The first incident was reported just past 6 p.m. on Hickory Street, where a tree had not only blocked the road but also caused significant structural damage to a house, thankfully without any injuries.
A family was displaced from their Hickory Street home but secured power amidst the chaos. Shortly after, around 7 p.m., another response was required on Magnolia Bluff Circle, where a fallen tree damaged two homes and even caused a gas leak. Again, no injuries were reported, and firefighters swiftly secured both power and gas lines, while notifying the American Red Cross to assist the families in need.
Utility companies were quick to respond to numerous outages resulting from the severe weather. Palmetto Electric Cooperative reported significant disruptions due to a downed tree on a transmission line in Hilton Head. An estimated 5,700 members across Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper counties were affected by the outages resulting from the storms.
At around 7:30 p.m., Dominion Energy reported approximately 3,113 outages scattered across Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties. For many residents, the evening was not just marked by fleeting storms but also the uncertainty of power outages in the dark of night.
With the weather showing no signs of letting up, schools in Hampton, Beaufort, and Jasper counties decided to play it safe by announcing closures. High winds and hazardous driving conditions were cited as valid concerns, making the safe operation of school buses impossible.
The Beaufort County School District and Jasper County School District canceled all after-school activities, indicating plans to resume normal operations the following Thursday unless otherwise notified. Earlier that day, a tornado warning had indeed been issued for the region, but fortunately, it was canceled around 11:30 a.m. as the storm began to weaken.
As the stormy situation unfolded, community members offered assistance wherever possible. Whether it was helping a neighbor clean up fallen branches, assessing property damage, or taking in displaced families, the spirit of camaraderie shone through amidst this trying time. Local authorities worked diligently to keep residents informed and safe, showcasing the resilience and strength of the Jasper and Beaufort county communities in the face of nature’s challenges.
As calm returns to the region, the focus shifts towards recovery, cleanup, and restoring power to those left in the dark. Residents are reminded to stay updated with their local weather advisories and to assist one another as they navigate the aftermath of this fierce storm.
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