News Summary
Beaufort faces its first significant winter storm in seven years as Winter Storm Enzo blankets the city with 3 inches of sleet and snow. Temperatures plunge to 20°F, causing icy conditions and emergency closures. The community unites to support those in need by establishing cold weather shelters, while schools and local businesses respond proactively to ensure safety. Residents are advised to stay home as public transportation is disrupted. Despite the challenges, the community’s resilience and camaraderie shine through in this difficult weather situation.
Beaufort Braces for Rare Winter Storm Enzo
The charming city of Beaufort has been blanketed in a wintry mix, as Winter Storm Enzo swept through on January 21. It’s been seven years since locals have witnessed anything like this, and boy, did it make an impact! Residents woke up to a true winter wonderland, with Beaufort receiving an impressive 3 inches of sleet and snow, while nearby Port Royal saw around 2.5 inches.
Frozen Roads and Frigid Temperatures
Temperatures dipped to a brisk low of 20 degrees Fahrenheit overnight, creating icy road conditions that posed a challenge for even the most experienced drivers. Emergency officials quickly sprang into action, urging residents to hunker down at home and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary. This was no time to be behind the wheel!
A Warm Welcome Amid the Chill
Understanding that many families would need assistance during this harsh weather, a cold weather shelter was established at Sea Island Presbyterian Church. The community rallied together to provide hot meals and overnight accommodations for up to 30 individuals each night, proving once again that Beaufortians have a knack for looking out for one another!
School and Business Closures
As the storm continued its frosty grip on the area, the Beaufort County School District (BCSD) modified its schedule. The students faced a half-day of classes on January 21, followed by an e-learning day on January 22. Unfortunately, BCSD had already used up all its allotted e-learning days, meaning the kids will need to hit the books on March 17 to make up for the missed school day on January 23. The Board of Education is meeting in February to discuss how to handle additional closures, including the one on January 24.
But schools weren’t the only places closing down. Many local municipalities and businesses also shuttered their doors for safety reasons, keeping pedestrians off the slippery sidewalks. The last snowfall experienced in Beaufort before this occurred back in 2018, when the city received 3.5 inches of snow, so it’s safe to say this latest storm left an impression!
Impact on Local Higher Education
Higher education institutes, including the Technical College of the Lowcountry and the University of South Carolina Beaufort, followed suit and closed their doors to ensure the safety of students and staff. Retail stores adjusted their hours too, either closing early or operating on reduced schedules. This certainly made for a unique midweek shopping experience!
Transportation and Safety Measures
Public transportation was suspended on January 22 but was set to resume shortly after, allowing life to slowly return to normal. Officials kept an eagle eye on the roads, monitoring for hazards like black ice, while law enforcement provided timely updates on road conditions. Some additional cold weather shelters were opened in various locations, including Christ Lutheran Church and Kingdom Touch Ministries, ensuring everyone remained safe and warm during this chilly event.
Keeping Our Community Safe
Residents were reminded to take necessary safety precautions during the frigid weather, such as keeping pets indoors and insulating pipes to prevent freezing. Certainly not the ideal conditions for a stroll along the waterfront, but it’s great to see how regardless of the weather, Beaufort remains a tight-knit community ready to lend a hand for those in need.
Continued Cold Ahead
Looking ahead, forecasts indicated temperatures would remain below freezing, which means the community needs to stay vigilant about road safety for the foreseeable future. Let’s hope for warmer days ahead!
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Additional Resources
- The Post and Courier: Beaufort Hilton Head Snow Closures & Shelters
- Wikipedia: Winter storm
- Your Island News: A Lowcountry Winter Wonderland
- Google Search: Beaufort Winter Storm Enzo
- Island Packet: Local News on Winter Storm
- Google Scholar: Winter Storm Impact on Communities
- Live 5 News: Road Closures Due to Ice
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
- WTOC: School Closures and Changes
- Google News: Beaufort School Closures
