News Summary
Residents of Beaufort and Jasper counties are facing a significant winter storm, with snow and sleet accumulation expected. Government offices, schools, and local businesses are closing early or adapting their schedules in preparation for the inclement weather. Emergency shelters are opening to provide safe refuge for those who need it. Residents are advised to stay alert, exercise caution while traveling, and monitor the situation as the storm unfolds.
Winter Weather Woes Hit Beaufort and Jasper Counties
Beaufort, SC – As the winter chill sweeps through the Lowcountry, residents are advised to stay alert and prepare for a significant winter storm that has prompted widespread closures and safety cautions across Beaufort and Jasper counties. The winter storm warning is in effect from 5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21, until noon on Wednesday, January 22, with predictions of snow and sleet accumulation of up to two inches in some areas. However, some local spots could see as much as four to six inches of the wintry mix, making it a weather event to take seriously.
County Services and School Closures
Starting Tuesday afternoon, government offices throughout Beaufort and Jasper counties will close early, with many remaining shut on Wednesday. To keep folks in the loop:
- Hardeeville City Offices will close at 1 p.m. on Tuesday and be entirely closed on Wednesday.
- Jasper County offices will shut at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, with Wednesday closures depending on road conditions.
- The City of Beaufort’s non-emergency services will follow suit, closing at 1 p.m. and staying closed on Wednesday.
- Local libraries in Bluffton will close at 2 p.m. and stay dark for the entire day on Wednesday.
- Beaufort County Auditor’s Office will also close at 2 p.m. on Tuesday and will not reopen on Wednesday.
- As for our students, the Beaufort County School District will have a half-day on Tuesday, followed by a mandatory eLearning day on Wednesday, with all after-school activities canceled.
In addition, the Technical College of the Lowcountry and the Culinary Institute of the South will both be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Academic inconvenience is certainly in the air!
Health Services Update
While Beaufort Memorial Hospital remains operational, they’ve made some adjustments for safety. Visiting hours are suspended, with entry limited to the emergency room only from 5 p.m. Tuesday until noon on Wednesday. It’s a temporary change to keep everyone safe while the storm rolls through.
Emergency Shelters Open Their Doors
If you’re feeling uneasy about the storm, several emergency shelters have opened in the area:
- Sea Island Presbyterian Church in Beaufort will accommodate residents from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.
- Christ Lutheran Church in Hilton Head follows closely with welcome arms from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.
- Kingdom Touch Ministries in Ridgeland will open at 6 p.m.
- And Agape Life Center in Hardeeville will be ready starting at 9 p.m.
These shelters are a safe haven from the cold and a great place for community support.
Local Businesses Adapt to Winter Conditions
- Dunkin’ Donuts is serving caffeine fixes until 4 p.m. Tuesday.
- Chick-fil-A is wrapping things up by 5 p.m. Tuesday.
- Expect many local bars and eateries to close down by 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
Convenience Centers will wrap up operations early as well, remaining closed Wednesday, with Thursday openings dependent on the aftermath of the storm.
Travel Tips and Safety Measures
Travelers should be advised that the local airports are operating normally; however, it’s wise to check with your carriers for potential flight delays. General travel is not recommended unless absolutely necessary. If you do step outside, exercise caution! Hazardous road conditions may arise due to ice and snow. And remember, the cold weather advisory remains effective until noon on Wednesday, with wind chills potentially reaching record lows.
Be sure to keep pets indoors, dress warmly, and be aware of risks like frostbite and hypothermia. With hazards lurking, let’s be smart and stay safe during this winter storm!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Prepares for a Major Winter Storm
Winter Weather Alert Issued for Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton Counties
Winter Storm Disrupts Life in the Lowcountry
Beaufort County Braces for Impact from Severe Winter Storm
Winter Storm Hits Lowcountry: Residents Urged to Stay Safe and Warm
Unprecedented Winter Storm Blankets Southern U.S.
Beaufort County Prepares for First Snow in Seven Years
Winter Storm to Impact Beaufort County
Beaufort County Experiences First Snowfall in Five Years
Winter Storm Warning Issued for South Carolina
Additional Resources
- Bluffton Today
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Winter Storm Preparation
- AOL News
- Google Scholar: Winter Storm Effects
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
- Post and Courier
- Google News: Winter Storm Updates
