News Summary
Beaufort and surrounding areas in the Lowcountry are facing dangerous road conditions following a rare snowfall of around four inches. Snow plow crews are working to clear the roads, but officials caution residents to avoid nonessential travel due to lurking black ice. With multiple accidents reported, authorities urge travelers to prioritize safety and check road conditions before heading out. As temperatures are expected to fall below freezing again, concerns about refreezing and more black ice linger, making safe travel a top priority for the community.
Lowcountry Residents Urged to Avoid Nonessential Travel after Rare Snowfall
As the beautiful city of Beaufort continues to dig out from a rare snowfall, life in the Lowcountry has taken a bit of a turn. Snow plow crews have been hard at work, clearing some of the main roadways, but officials are cautioning everyone to think twice before heading out—especially if it’s not absolutely necessary. After all, what might look like a peaceful winter wonderland can hide a dangerous side.
Treacherous Road Conditions
By Thursday morning, the dedicated snow plow crews have completed their efforts on I-95 and are now concentrating on the major highways in Beaufort and Jasper counties. However, local officials are sending out a friendly reminder that some roads still pose a _treacherous_ challenge due to the lurking black ice. This ice can be particularly sneaky, resembling regular pavement, making it incredibly difficult for drivers to spot.
Travelers are advised to take a moment to check current road conditions via traffic cameras, but caution is encouraged. Nobody wants to be caught off guard by black ice on their way to grab a cup of coffee!
Driving Tips for Icy Conditions
For those brave enough to venture out, the United States Forest Service has shared some important driving tips. If you happen to encounter some of that _tricky_ black ice, the best course of action is to gently take your foot off the gas and keep your steering wheel steady. Staying calm and collected behind the wheel can make all the difference!
Road Updates
As of 3 p.m. Thursday, there was promising news for travelers heading to Hilton Head, where all lanes of U.S. 278 were reported clear. Just days ago, those lanes were snow-covered, making this a welcome sight. However, it’s not all clear sailing. The Bluffton Parkway has been noted for rough conditions, especially near its interchange with U.S. 278, although a narrow path has formed thanks to brave drivers.
The bridge linking Lady’s Island to downtown Beaufort looked mostly clear by Thursday afternoon. Still, caution is advised, especially on the overpass crossing S.C. 170 in the Okatie area, where the risk of icy patches is higher. Authorities also reported that while I-95 appears to be safe for travel through areas like Hardeeville and Ridgeland, many secondary roads, particularly rural and private ones, remain icy and hazardous.
Accident Reports and Assistance
In light of these conditions, law enforcement in Jasper County has seen at least 40 vehicle accidents since the snowfall began. This includes minor mishaps, like a Beaufort County deputy providing assistance to a motorist with a disabled vehicle. So, it’s clear that while snow can create a beautiful scene, it also requires a lot of _care_ on the roads.
Fun in the Snow and Cautions
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Lowcountry Residents Urged to Avoid Nonessential Travel
- Island Packet: Treacherous Road Conditions Reported
- Live 5 News: Road Closures and Driving Dangers
- AOL: Snowy Roads Lead to Increased Caution in Beaufort County
- Savannah Now: Live Updates on Winter Storm
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
- Google Search: Winter Driving Safety
- Google Scholar: Black Ice Driving Hazards
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
- Google News: Snow Storms 2025
