News Summary
Beaufort County is bracing for an expected winter storm bringing up to 5 inches of snow, sleet, and freezing rain starting on the evening of January 21. Meteorologists predict significant accumulations overnight, with temperatures plunging into the 20s. Schools in the area will have early dismissals, transitioning to eLearning on January 22. Community shelters are being set up for those in need, and local authorities are advising caution on the roads. Residents are encouraged to stay safe and warm during this winter weather event.
Beaufort County Gets Ready for a Winter Wonderland!
Hey Beaufort! We’re in for quite the surprise as major snowfall is on the horizon. A winter storm warning has been issued for our lovely Beaufort County and other nearby inland areas. If you thought we’d escaped a snowy season, think again! Starting late afternoon on January 21, this storm is set to bring us up to a whopping 5 inches of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Sounds like it’s time to get those snow shovels ready!
The Forecast Is In!
Meteorologists are feeling pretty confident about this forecast. They predict that we could see a significant accumulation of winter precipitation not just in Beaufort but also throughout southeast South Carolina and into Georgia as well. On January 21, expect the rain to start transforming into snow and sleet after 11 p.m. So, when you go to bed, be prepared to wake up to a winter wonderland on January 22! That could mean anywhere from 3 to 5 inches of snow blanket the ground by morning.
Bundle Up!
Now, if you love warm weather, brace yourself! High temperatures on January 21 are expected to only be in the low to mid-40s, and guess what? Overnight, those temps are going to dip into the 20s. Mark your calendars, because January 22 is looking like it could be the coldest day of the season with highs not even making it to the 30s. That’s not all; wind chills could drop down to the low teens. It’s safe to say you’ll want to bundle up tight and maybe even build a snowman!
School and Work Updates!
For all the parents out there, the Beaufort County School District has decided to dismiss its elementary schools early at 11:45 a.m. and middle and high schools will follow suit at 12:45 p.m. on January 21. Plus, January 22 will be an eLearning and remote workday across the district, meaning all school buildings will be closed. So, while the kids might get a taste of a snow day, learning will still go on from home!
Jasper County School District is also getting in on the action; they’ll have a half day on January 21 with all evening athletic activities postponed. If you’re involved with the Technical College of the Lowcountry, heads up! They’ll be operating virtually until 2 p.m. on January 21 and then shutting down until January 22. The University of South Carolina Beaufort will also close at 2 p.m. on January 21, through to the following day.
Expect Some Closures!
Administrative offices in the Town of Hilton Head Island will close at noon on January 21, remaining shut on January 22. Travel plans? As of now, both Hilton Head Island Airport and Beaufort Executive Airport are functioning normally, but it’s always wise to check for potential flight delays or cancellations. If you rely on Palmetto Breeze transit services, remember they will suspend operations on January 22, but they are expected to resume regular services on January 23.
Stay Safe and Warm!
Beaufort Memorial physician practices and outpatient departments will be closing on January 22, with elective surgeries getting rescheduled. For those in need of warmth, several cold weather shelters are opening across the county. Sea Island Presbyterian Church will have a cold shelter running from January 19 to January 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. Additionally, Christ Lutheran Church will also be welcoming those in need from January 20 through 23, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. It’s fantastic to see the community come together!
Road Conditions and Safety Tips
Local law enforcement, together with the South Carolina Department of Transportation, will keep an eye on the weather conditions and may announce road or bridge closures. It’s important to stay tuned to local updates. If you don’t have to be on the roads, it’s best to stay home and cozy! With potential dangerous conditions like black ice looming, safety should always be your top priority. Snow plow crews will prioritize clearing the major highways, all while reminding everyone to stay safe during travel.
So, Beaufort, prepare for a snowscape like no other. Whether you enjoy the snow or prefer the warmth, it’s lovely to see our community band together and help one another out. Embrace the chill, and who knows, maybe it’s the perfect time for a hot cocoa by the fire!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Beaufort County Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Festive Events
Winter Storm Hits Lowcountry: Residents Urged to Stay Safe and Warm
Unprecedented Winter Storm Blankets Southern U.S.
Beaufort County Prepares for First Snow in Seven Years
Winter Storm to Impact Beaufort County
Beaufort County Experiences First Snowfall in Five Years
Winter Storm Warning Issued for South Carolina
Additional Resources
- AOL: Beaufort County Under Winter Storm Warning
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
- Island Packet: Weather News
- Google Search: Beaufort County winter storm
- WRAL: Snow Totals Across NC
- Google Scholar: Winter Storm Impacts
- Explore Beaufort SC: Will It Snow?
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Storm
- MSN: Beaufort County Under Winter Storm Warning
- Google News: Winter Weather Updates Beaufort County
