Beaufort and Port Royal Recovering from the Aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene

Beaufort and Port Royal: Still Feeling the Effects of Tropical Storm Helene

Nearly two months have passed since Tropical Storm Helene swept through Beaufort and Port Royal, yet the echoes of the storm continue to resonate throughout these communities. The remnants of its powerful winds and storm surges linger on the scarred waterfront, reminding residents of the havoc that took place on September 27.

A Storm to Remember

What started as a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico had downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it reached South Carolina, but don’t let the name fool you—Helene packed a serious punch. With winds reaching up to 75 mph, the storm rocked the area, causing significant damage and chaos. As the last winds died down, residents found their roads littered with trees and debris, downed power lines in the way of their daily lives, and an assortment of twisted docks and stranded boats.

The storm left a staggering amount of damage in its wake, totaling more than $400,000 in public waterfront facilities alone in both communities. Town officials are now hard at work assessing the damage and formulating plans for recovery.

Beaufort’s Battle with Repairs

Take a stroll down to Beaufort’s waterfront and you’ll see the clear signs of the storm’s wrath. Linda Roper, the director of Beaufort’s Downtown Operations and Community Services, states that the damage to the city’s dinghy dock and marina amounts to a staggering $300,000, with the dinghy dock alone accounting for $200,000. The storm stripped away an entire section of the dock, and several floats that support it have been damaged beyond repair.

Although plans are in motion to replace those floats, the city is currently waiting to determine what insurance will cover before diving headfirst into the repairs. Fortunately, some repairs to the salvageable floats have already been completed.

At the marina, an additional $100,000 worth of damage occurred due to Helene’s fierce winds and raging tides, which twisted the docks and battered various supports. The loss of the “H dock” on the east side of the marina was a hard hit, along with damage to the “D dock,” a lengthy section on the west side. The gangway that connected the dock fell directly into the water and has since been replaced. However, the future of the D dock is still uncertain; discussions on whether to replace it completely are ongoing.

As for the eight boats that were moored in the marina during the storm, four remain beached along the muddy shores, serving as a reminder of the storm’s ferocity.

Port Royal Faces its Own Challenges

If you think Beaufort had it tough, check out what happened in Port Royal. Helene unleashed its fury on the famous Henry Robinson Boardwalk at Sands Beach, where locals love to walk, crab, and fish. The boardwalk suffered significant damage, with a large section washed away. To add insult to injury, the adjacent boat ramp was extensively damaged and remains closed for repairs. The gateway sign leading to the boardwalk still hangs at an awkward angle, a sight that many residents wish would go away.

The estimated cost for the boardwalk’s repairs sits at around $110,000, according to Town Manager Van Willis. But wait, there’s more! The town has decided to add an extra $100,000 to fortify the viewing tower where visitors can soak in breathtaking views of Battery Creek flowing into the Beaufort River. Thankfully, the tower emerged unscathed during the storm, but a structural assessment before the storm revealed that supporting it wouldn’t hurt.

Willis mentions that they plan to start on these repairs in just a few weeks, giving residents hope that normalcy will return faster than they anticipated.

Looking Ahead

As these two communities begin to heal and rebuild, it’s clear that the effects of Tropical Storm Helene will not be forgotten anytime soon. The residents and local officials are coming together, showing incredible resilience in the face of adversity. Stay tuned as these towns work tirelessly to restore their beloved waterfronts and prepare for whatever nature may throw next!