Heavy Rain and Flood Risks from Hurricane Rafael in Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island and the surrounding areas are facing a soggy situation as Hurricane Rafael continues to drench the Southeast with a heavy downpour. The mighty storm, which was previously a Category 3 hurricane, unleashed its fury on Cuba Wednesday night before heading into the Gulf of Mexico where it weakened slightly on its westbound journey.

Hazardous Weather Updates

As of Thursday afternoon, Beaufort and Jasper counties are under a hazardous weather outlook, according to local weather reports. Jasper County is particularly on high alert, having issued a flood watch that will remain in effect until 7 p.m. that evening. The local meteorologists have stressed that we could expect “a period of persistent and heavy rainfall” which has the potential to cause localized flooding not only here but also across parts of Georgia.

Rainfall Totals and Concerns

Want to know how much rain has fallen? Well, it’s quite a lot! Some of the inland areas, especially in Jasper County, experienced a significant accumulation of around 8 to 10 inches of rain overnight. What’s even more astonishing is that Beaufort County and its neighbor are bracing for another bout of 1.5 to 2.5 inches on Thursday alone! And if you’re thinking about Friday, be prepared for some dense fog settling in overnight and into the early hours.

In light of this, local officials are urging residents to exercise caution. Jasper County officials reported that the saturated conditions have led to “unsafe roads in parts of the county,” and they advised against driving through any water-covered routes. There’s a genuine concern that road washouts could occur, leading to hazardous travel conditions.

Emergency Services in Action

Emergency personnel from the police and fire services in Beaufort and Jasper counties have been busy; however, as of 1 p.m. Thursday, they hadn’t reported any significant road closures. Stephen Combs, a representative from the Bluffton Township Fire District, mentioned that emergency crews have responded to a few minor accidents linked to hydroplaning. So, it’s a reminder for all drivers out there to take it slow and steady!

What’s Next for Rafael?

As the day goes on, forecasters predict a decrease in rainfall chances in the Beaufort area. The chance of rain is expected to drop below 20% by 11 p.m. Thursday and then below 10% by Friday afternoon. A cold front is on its way, potentially bringing isolated showers, so it seems like the weather is being a bit unpredictable!

By 10 a.m. Thursday, Hurricane Rafael remained a Category 2 storm, clocking winds at a robust 100 mph. Initially, projections had the storm gearing towards Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, but the cyclone took a westward turn over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, proving that Mother Nature is anything but predictable.

Storm Season Continues

Mark your calendars, folks! Rafael is officially the 17th named storm of the 2024 hurricane season, which wraps up at the end of November. So whether you’re a longtime resident or a tourist enjoying the beauty of Hilton Head, it’s essential to stay safe and be prepared as we navigate through these weather challenges together.

Stay tuned, stay safe, and don’t forget to check in on friends and neighbors during this stormy stretch!