News Summary
Beaufort County is set to experience its first snowfall in nearly seven years, with forecasts predicting 1 to 2 inches of snow and freezing rain starting January 21. A Winter Weather Warning has been issued, prompting schools to adjust schedules and community shelters to open. The South Carolina Department of Transportation is also taking precautions to ensure road safety. Residents are advised to dress warmly and prepare for hazardous conditions as winter returns to the Lowcountry.
Beaufort County Braces for First Snowfall in Seven Years!
Get ready, Beaufort County! After a long wait of nearly seven years, *snow is making a grand entrance*, and it’s expected to paint a lovely layer of white across the area this week. If you thought winter had forgotten about us, think again! According to meteorologists from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston, *wintery precipitation* is set to kick off on Tuesday, January 21, and it’ll last all the way into Wednesday. So, dust off those snow boots, because this is going to be a chilly and exciting few days!
What to Expect: Snow and Ice
For those who remember, the last significant snowfall was back in January 2018 when Beaufort received about *four inches of snow*. Fast forward to this week, forecasts are predicting we could see between one to two inches of fresh snow along with freezing rain. A Winter Weather Warning has been issued for the Lowcountry, starting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday and running through noon on January 22. This means we need to be on alert for accumulating snow, freezing rain, and yes, those *bitterly cold temperatures* that can take your breath away.
Dress Warm and Stay Safe
Temperatures are expected to plunge into the *20s*, and with wind chill, it could feel even colder. Wednesday night could push those temperatures near record lows, so make sure you bundle up. Our high temperatures will be hovering in the upper 30s to low 40s, which isn’t exactly beach weather!
Community Support: Cold Weather Shelter Available
In the spirit of community, Sea Island Presbyterian Church will open its doors to provide a cold weather shelter from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m., Monday through Wednesday nights. They’ll be serving up hot meals and warm showers, so if you or someone you know needs a little extra warmth, don’t hesitate to reach out to them at (843) 525-0696.
School Schedule Shift
With the icy conditions expected, the Beaufort County School District has decided to have a half-day on Tuesday, followed by an e-learning day on Wednesday. Parents and students will be kept in the loop regarding school closures for Thursday, with updates coming by 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Flexibility is key in times like these!
Road Preparedness: SCDOT Takes Action
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is on top of things too! They’ve been busy pretreating interstates and primary routes to keep us as safe as possible as the weather rolls in. But, drivers beware: as the snow starts to fall, road conditions are expected to become *dangerous*, especially on bridges that can freeze quickly. If you can, it’s best to put that travel plan on hold!
The Snow is Here!
As Tuesday night sets in, light snowfall has already started to accumulate, and some areas are even experiencing sleet and icy rain. Reports suggest that we might see between *two to four inches* of snow across Beaufort County, with Hilton Head Island possibly receiving around *four inches*! It’s certainly shaping up to be a spectacular winter scene.
Watch Out for Black Ice
Officials are warning that with wet roads, there could be a risk of refreezing overnight, leading to potentially hazardous black ice conditions. Be cautious out there! Downtown Beaufort is already feeling the impact, with many businesses slowing down operations in anticipation of the weather. You might notice some closures on January 22, as everyone takes precautions during this winter wonderland.
So there you have it, Beaufort County! Snow has arrived, and it’s time to embrace the cold with a warm heart. Stay safe, stay cozy, and may your day be filled with the magic of winter!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Winter Weather Woes Hit Beaufort and Jasper Counties
Beaufort County Prepares for a Major Winter Storm
Winter Weather Alert Issued for Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton Counties
Winter Storm Disrupts Life in the Lowcountry
Beaufort County Braces for Impact from Severe Winter Storm
Winter Storm Hits Lowcountry: Residents Urged to Stay Safe and Warm
Beaufort County Prepares for First Snow in Seven Years
Winter Storm to Impact Beaufort County
Beaufort County Experiences First Snowfall in Five Years
Winter Weather Forces School Closures and E-Learning in SC
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: First Snowfall in Seven Years
- Wikipedia: Winter Weather
- Post and Courier: Snow Closures and Shelters
- Google Search: Beaufort County Winter Weather
- Your Island News: Beaufort Braces for Winter Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Snow
- Island Packet: Local News
- Google News: Beaufort County Weather
