Hurricane Helene Hits the Lowcountry: Community Braces for Impact
Beaufort, SC – As Hurricane Helene made its way toward Florida’s Big Bend region late Thursday, the Lowcountry was put on alert. A tropical storm watch has been issued in preparation for the strong winds and rain that are expected to affect our area.
The storm, which intensified quickly, sparked concerns among residents and local officials. People in Beaufort and surrounding areas began to take precautionary measures as forecasts predicted that Helene would leave a mark on our beautiful coast.
Impact Assessment and Hospital Closures
In response to the incoming storm, Beaufort Memorial Hospital announced the closure and delays of several outpatient services. This decision was made on Friday morning following a thorough assessment of the situation. The health and safety of both patients and staff are top priorities during extreme weather conditions.
According to the hospital’s statement, the following services will be impacted:
- All physician practices and outpatient services
- Breast health center
- Imaging and lab services
- Outpatient rehabilitation therapies including physical, speech, occupational, cardiac, and pulmonary
- New River Cancer Center located in the Okatie Medical Pavilion
- All express care and occupational health clinics
Hospital staff are actively reaching out to patients to reschedule their necessary appointments. While certain facilities will be closed, some essential services will remain operational. These are:
- Main hospital campus
- Beaufort Primary Care at 989 Ribaut Road
- Heart Specialists at 300 Midtown Drive
- Lady’s Island Internal Medicine at 117 Sea Island Parkway
- Lowcountry Medical Group-Primary Care and Specialty Care at 300 Midtown Drive
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists at 989 Ribaut Road
- Oncology Specialists and Radiation Oncology at 989 Ribaut Road
- Sea Island Psychiatry at 989 Ribaut Road
A Community Comes Together
As the storm approached, the community of Beaufort came together to support one another. Many residents took to social media to share their preparations and offered help to those who might need it. From grocery runs to offering a safe place to ride out the storm, the spirit of togetherness shone bright amidst the ominous weather predictions.
Local businesses also showed their support by lending a hand where they could. Some shops offered discounts to encourage residents to stock up on supplies while also assuring them that they’d keep their doors open until the last moment deemed safe. This kind of camaraderie is what makes the Lowcountry such a resilient place.
What to Expect Next
The forecast indicates that Hurricane Helene may bring heavy rain and strong winds that could lead to downed trees and flooding in low-lying areas. Residents are urged to stay updated on the changing weather conditions and to heed local advisories. It’s wise for everyone to have an emergency plan in place, which includes having a safe backup location if needed.
In the meantime, we encourage everyone to remain calm and look out for one another. This is a time for community strength and resilience as we face the challenges that nature can present. Keep your loved ones close, stay informed, and be safe during this upcoming storm.
For more updates, make sure to check local resources as we continue navigating the impacts of Hurricane Helene together.
