Beaufort Braces for Coastal Flooding This Sunday

Beaufort Braces for Coastal Flooding This Sunday

Hey there, Beaufort residents! Just a quick heads up about some weather news that could affect your plans this weekend. The National Weather Service has just issued a coastal flood advisory for our area, and it’s slated to be in effect on Sunday morning.

Timing and Expectations

So here’s the scoop: the advisory will start at 6 a.m. and wrap up around 10 a.m. on Sunday. During this window, we’re expecting up to half a foot of floodwaters to creep above ground level along our beautiful shorelines and tidal waterways. For those keeping track, that’s around 9.6 to 9.8 feet of Mean Lower Low Water at Fort Pulaski.

High tide is set to occur at approximately 7:30 a.m. Come Sunday morning, this means that saltwater could start seeping into areas about one to two hours before and after high tide. So, if you’re near the coast, it might be a good idea to keep a close eye on things!

Travel Warning

The NWS is urging everyone to be cautious on the roads, especially since saltwater inundation may affect several roadways. If you have to travel during this period, please allow extra time as some roads may be closed. A crucial piece of advice? Don’t drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. It’s just not worth the risk.

Take Precautions

For anyone living or camping in low-lying areas that tend to flood, it’s advised to take immediate action and move to higher ground. Follow any evacuation instructions you receive without delay. If time permits, make sure to lock up your home when you leave and consider disconnecting utilities and appliances to prevent further issues.

Stay Safe While Evacuating

Keep these safety tips in mind: avoid accessing basements or rooms where electrical outlets might be submerged in water. If you notice anything unusual like sparks or hear strange sounds—buzzing or popping—make sure to evacuate the area right away. Remember, even entering water that may be electrified is a big no-no!

What about walking through floodwaters? That’s another risk you should avoid. Did you know that just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet? If you ever find yourself trapped by floodwaters, move to the highest point available and call for help by dialing 911.

The Risks of Hydroplaning

With heavy rain, we also have to consider the risk of flooding on roads. You might think it’s okay to drive through water that looks shallow, but it can be deceiving. Just twelve inches of fast-moving water can sweep most cars off the road. That’s where hydroplaning comes into play. It’s when your vehicle starts sliding out of control on wet roads as water builds up in front of your tires faster than your car can push it out of the way.

To avoid hydroplaning, keep your speed down and make sure your tires have good tread. If you do end up hydroplaning, try to stay calm and steer gently; don’t slam on the brakes, as that can make things worse.

As we gear up for this coastal flood advisory, let’s stay informed, safe, and responsible. Wishing everyone in Beaufort a safe and dry Sunday! Remember, when it comes to flooding, it’s always better to be prepared than to be caught off guard!