Hurricane Helene Approaches: Lowcountry Braces for Impact
As we sit in beautiful Hilton Head Island, the looming presence of Hurricane Helene has everyone keeping a close eye on the weather. Expected to arrive in the Florida Big Bend region late Thursday, Helene is stirring up a tropical storm watch for the Lowcountry, prompting many locals to take precautions.
Bridges Under Tight Watch
Normally, the bridges connecting Hilton Head Island to the mainland remain open even during severe storms. However, this time, town officials, alongside experts from the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), are carefully monitoring Hurricane Helene as it barrels toward the Gulf of Mexico.
According to a spokesperson from SCDOT, as of Thursday morning, there were still no road closures due to Hurricane Helene. It is important to note that the decision to close bridges typically falls under the jurisdiction of SCDOT, which means they hold the key to keeping our paths clear… or not. Unlike some other places, South Carolina doesn’t have strict guidelines to determine when to shut down bridges. Instead, they rely heavily on local emergency management and law enforcement to make those calls.
History of Bridge Openings
Historically speaking, the bridges on Hilton Head Island are known for their resilience. They’ve generally remained open during numerous hurricanes and tropical storms, including names like Debby, Idalia, Ian, Florence, and Michael. Even during Hurricane Dorian’s mandatory evacuation in 2019, the Cross Island Parkway managed to stay clear, with some innovative traffic management allowing one lane to switch directions as folks left the island.
Thomas Dunn, the island’s emergency manager, reflects on a similar pattern, mentioning, “I can’t recall the last time the Cross Island Parkway actually closed for a hurricane or tropical storm.” The only significant closure he remembers was during a winter storm in 2018 when icy conditions forced the Charles E. Fraser Bridge to shut down for about two days.
Safety First: Wind Speed Conditions
Despite the uncertainty surrounding bridge closures, officials have previously mentioned certain conditions that could lead to shutting down specific spans. One of the primary factors? Wind speed. When sustained winds hit around 30 mph, the Cross Island Parkway generally restricts access to high-profile vehicles like emergency response units. If winds reach 40 mph or more, you can count on all vehicle traffic being cut off, which effectively includes a variety of emergency vehicles used by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office—think Dodge Chargers and Ford Explorers.
Forecasts are Concerning
The forecast from the experts at the National Weather Service indicates that the wind fields from Hurricane Helene could stretch out to an impressive 400 miles. As of Thursday afternoon, areas in the Lowcountry might start feeling winds between 39 and 57 miles per hour, with possible gusts even pushing up to 61 mph by the evening. That’s no joke!
What Comes Next?
As the storm approaches, it’s vital for residents and visitors to stay tuned to local updates and make safety preparations where necessary. Whether that means stocking up on supplies, being ready to evacuate, or simply having a plan in case the weather takes a turn for the worse, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
In the meantime, let’s keep our spirits high and our safety protocols in check as we navigate the impending weather. Remember, we are all in this together, and keeping an open line of communication with friends and family will make this easier. Stay safe, Hilton Head!
