Beaufort Faces the Aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene
Beaufort, South Carolina experienced unexpected chaos as the remnants of Hurricane Helene swept through the area early Friday morning. The storm, which initially made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida, was downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it reached Beaufort County. However, the impacts were still severe enough to trigger a tropical storm watch, prompting local officials to take immediate action.
Winds and Surges Take Their Toll
Residents woke up to an unrecognizable landscape. High winds and powerful surf battered the town, turning the serene shores of Port Royal into a scene of confusion and distress. “It’s crazy,” said local resident Mike Milano, who found four boats washed up in his backyard. “I’ve never seen anything like this.” His house, which sits along the Beaufort River, had become an unintended shelter for vessels that had been tossed ashore by the storm surge.
The winds and waves had indeed transformed the port, leaving boats stranded on the riverbank and causing significant damage to the public landing dock at the Beaufort Marina, where water covered parts of the structure. The promenade nearby was filled with boats that were not supposed to be there, clumped together like toys abandoned by children.
Boardwalk in Ruins
Further to the south, in Port Royal, the iconic Henry Robinson Boardwalk took a beating as well. A large section connecting the boat landing and covered pier was washed away, a loss that Town Administrator Van Willis described as **significant**. “We do not need the public at risk, period,” Willis stated while announcing the closure of Sands Beach Road to prevent further accidents.
As reports rolled in, it became clear that the destruction was widespread. “The storm ended up being a lot worse than everybody anticipated,” Willis added, acknowledging the many trees that had fallen across roads and power lines. The Beaufort City Manager, Scott Marshall, echoed these sentiments, stating that the damage from the storm was more significant than expected.
Immediate Concerns for Safety
As the sun rose on Friday, the streets of Beaufort were littered with debris. Tree branches and Spanish moss lay scattered everywhere, while traffic lights blinked out, creating a chaotic traffic situation. Local law enforcement were on hand to direct traffic at busy intersections like Ladys Island Drive and Ribaut Road as the community tried to regain some sense of normalcy.
Reports started flooding in to the Beaufort-Port Royal Fire Department about fallen trees damaging homes and vehicles, including a few high-profile incidents in areas like Shell Point and near local hotels. Public safety officials were working diligently to assess these incidents and ensure that no one was in harm’s way.
Restoration of Power and Infrastructure
The effects on electricity supply were equally concerning. By early Friday morning, nearly 37,000 customers were reported to be without power, with utilities like Dominion Energy and Palmetto Electric scrambling to restore service. Fortunately, restoration efforts were already underway in some locations, with crews assessing the damage and doing everything they could to get the lights back on.
As spaces cleared and crews began their cleanup efforts, the somber reality of the storm began to sink in. “Our crews will be busy for a while,” Marshall noted, hinting at the extensive work ahead for local utility teams and emergency services.
Community Spirit Shines Through
While the damage was significant, what stood out amidst the chaos was the community spirit. Neighbors checked on one another, offering help, sharing stories of what they had witnessed, and organizing to clean up the scattered remains of the storm. Though the winds have died down, the strength of Beaufort’s community is surely what will see them through the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.
