Beaufort County Prepares for Major Snowstorm

News Summary

Beaufort County is gearing up for its first significant snowfall in seven years, with predictions of up to 5 inches of snow, sleet, and freezing rain starting January 21, 2025. The National Weather Service is monitoring the situation closely as schools announce early dismissals and local services prepare for the cold weather. Residents are advised to stay safe as winter weather approaches, with precautionary measures in place to ensure public safety during this rare snowy event.

Beaufort County Gears Up for Its First Significant Snowfall in Years!

Excitement is brewing in Beaufort County and the surrounding areas as they prepare for what is being touted as the first major snowfall in seven long years! Residents are bracing themselves for a winter storm, with a warning currently in place for the Lowcountry and inland counties. Predictions are pointing to a potential for up to 5 inches of snow, sleet, and freezing rain beginning late in the afternoon on January 21, 2025.

What You Can Expect

Familiar faces at the local National Weather Service have expressed a high level of confidence in the incoming winter precipitation. The flurry is expected to kick off in Beaufort County starting with rain after 5 p.m. on January 21, before transforming into snow and sleet around 11 p.m. If you’re waking up on January 22, don’t be surprised if the ground is blanketed with a nice 3 to 5 inches of snow! So, folks, get your cameras ready; a picturesque snowy scene isn’t far away!

A chilly day is in store for January 21 with high temperatures hovering in the low to mid-40s and dropping to the 20s overnight. Get your blankets and hot cocoa ready, because January 22 may just turn out to be the coldest day we see all season, with highs potentially not climbing out of the 30s. To top it all off, those wind chills could plunge into the low teens overnight. Brr!

School and Local Business Updates

Parents, take note! The Beaufort County School District has plans to dismiss elementary students at 11:45 a.m. and middle and high school students at 12:45 p.m. on January 21. It’s the perfect excuse for the kids to enjoy some snowy fun! For the next day, January 22, remote learning is set to take place with all district buildings closed. Meanwhile, after-school activities on both January 21 and January 22 have been canceled.

The Jasper County School District will also be joining in on the half-day schedule on January 21, while January 22 will be a professional development day where no students will attend. For those attending The Technical College of the Lowcountry and the University of South Carolina Beaufort, both institutions will be shifting to virtual operations until 2 p.m. on January 21 and will remain closed on January 22.

Getting Ready for the Weather

The Town of Hilton Head Island is not sitting idle. Administrative offices will close at noon on January 21 and will stay shut on January 22. Residents can expect efforts to prevent any frozen pipes at park facilities. Meanwhile, the local airports are operating as planned, but flyers are advised to check for possible delays or cancellations just in case.

Public transit services by Palmetto Breeze will be halted on January 22 but will resume operations on January 23. Additionally, Beaufort Memorial Hospital has announced it will close its physician practices and outpatient services on January 22, with any elective surgeries being rescheduled.

Stay Safe Out There!

As Mother Nature prepares to sprinkle her wintry magic, local law enforcement and the South Carolina Department of Transportation will be closely monitoring roads and bridges for any potential closures due to the icy weather.

Cold weather shelters have already opened across the region, with locations such as Sea Island Presbyterian Church and Christ Lutheran Church in Beaufort and Jasper County offering refuge since January 19 and 20, respectively. It’s always good to have a warm and safe place to go!

Motorists, take heed! With winter weather approaching, be aware of hazardous driving conditions, especially concerning the sneaky black ice on roadways. Snow plow crews are already on the move to clear major highways, ensuring safe travels for those who must be out and about.

So, stay cozy, buckle up, and enjoy the stunning transformation of our beloved Lowcountry! Embrace the snow, but remember to stay safe and off those treacherous roads unless absolutely necessary!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Winter Storm Hits the Lowcountry: Essential Updates
Winter Weather Disrupts Daily Life in Beaufort and Jasper Counties
Columbia Braces for Severe Winter Weather
Beaufort County Animal Services Acts Against Winter Animal Cruelty
Beaufort County Prepares for a Snowy Onslaught
Historic Snowfall Blankets the Lowcountry
Winter Storm Warning Hits Beaufort County
Beaufort County Jail Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Strip Searches
Beaufort County Experiences Rare Snowfall
Beaufort County Prepares for Major Winter Storm

Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Beaufort County Gears Up for Its First Significant Snowfall in Years
• Wikipedia: Winter Storm
• AOL: Beaufort County Under Winter Storm Warning
• Google Search: Winter Storm Precautions
• WRAL: Snow Totals Across NC
• Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impact
• MSN: Beaufort County Under Winter Storm Warning
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather Effects
• WITN: Beaufort County First Responders