Beaufort Faces the Wrath of Hurricane Helene
This past week, residents of Beaufort, South Carolina, found themselves bracing for an unexpected visit from Hurricane Helene. Originally anticipated to make its way towards Florida’s Big Bend region, this fierce storm shifted course and brought along its winds and rain, prompting numerous precautions across our lovely Lowcountry.
All Hands on Deck!
On Thursday, forecasts became more concerning, and by Friday morning, Beaufort County School District decided to take action. They sent out an email informing families that after-school activities and athletic games for Friday night had been canceled to keep everyone safe. The school district understood the importance of maintaining safety first, and the recent shift in Helene’s trajectory raised a few alarm bells.
As schools assessed their readiness, Candace Bruder, a district spokesperson, explained that they had made a mere switch to remote learning starting Friday due to the potential hazardous conditions as the storm’s winds were projected to be dangerously high. She mentioned that “the safety of students and staff was our top priority, and we wanted to make sure everyone was safe and sound at home instead of traveling on a day that saw gusts reaching up to 60 mph.”
Hurricane to Tropical Storm
By the time Helene made landfall late Thursday at just past 11 p.m., it was measured as a Category 4 hurricane, boasting wind speeds of up to 140 mph. It hit approximately 10 miles west-southwest of Perry, Florida. However, as it barreled northward, the storm was downgraded to a tropical storm by early Friday morning. The change in classification offered some relief, but the damage was done.
Wake-Up Call for Residents
Residents of Beaufort woke up on Friday to a chaotic scene; numerous reports streamed in of downed trees blocking roads, mixed debris scattered around neighborhoods, and many experiencing power outages. Over 50,000 electricity customers in Beaufort County woke up without power that morning. Fortunately, the situation improved throughout the day, and by early afternoon, that number decreased to over 33,000 customers.
Community Spirit Shines
Even amidst the chaos, the community spirit in Beaufort shone bright. Residents came together to help one another, clearing fallen branches from pathways and checking on neighbors to ensure everyone was okay. While the storm caused turbulence and interruption, the camaraderie shown reminded everyone of the strength our community holds during challenging times.
What’s Next?
The Beaufort County School District is currently working hard to assess any damages across their campuses, readying themselves for the changes to routines from the storm’s aftermath. Plans for rescheduling after-school activities are in the works, as the district aims to make adjustments so that students can get back to their normal schedules as soon as possible.
Stay Safe!
As residents continue to navigate through the effects of Helene, it’s crucial to stay informed, safe, and connected. Many are taking the time to check in regularly on community updates and weather reports while keeping each other’s spirits high. Our hearts are with our friends and neighbors during this trying time, and together, we’ll weather this storm and come out even stronger on the other side!
Remember, your safety always comes first, and it’s essential to follow guidance from local authorities during these unpredictable moments. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation evolves!
