Beaufort County Braces for Tropical Storm Debby

Beaufort County Braces for Tropical Storm Debby

Beaufort County, SC – As the threat of Tropical Storm Debby looms, residents are urged to take the weather system seriously. Local officials have placed Beaufort County under a tropical storm watch as of Sunday, warning everyone about the possibility of heavy rainfall leading to flooding.

Predicted Rainfall and Flooding Risks

According to the National Weather Service, areas such as Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Beaufort could face rainfall totals between 10 and 20 inches from this storm, with some locations potentially receiving up to 30 inches through Thursday. That’s quite a bit of rain for everyone to prepare for!

Such significant rainfall heightens the risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. The NWS noted that there could be “historic” amounts of rain making its way to the Lowcountry starting Sunday evening and continuing through the week.

Gov. McMaster’s State of Emergency Declaration

As a precaution, Governor Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency on Sunday, emphasizing the importance of preparedness for all residents in potentially affected areas. “It is critical that residents in potentially affected areas start making preparations and plans today,” he stated in a release.

Warnings and Advisory Updates

On Sunday, the NWS issued a storm surge warning just after 5 p.m., indicating hazardous flooding could begin within the next 36 hours. Basically, this means water might begin to creep further inland from the coast, making low-lying areas particularly susceptible to flooding.

It’s worth noting that Frank Strait, South Carolina’s severe weather liaison, described the rainfall predictions as “downright scary.” Local meteorologists have echoed his concerns, indicating that widespread severe flash flooding is likely.

Potential Impacts of Tropical Storm Debby

As the storm progresses, there could be noticeable wind effects starting as early as Monday morning, with gusts up to 57 mph predicted. Additionally, conditions could lead to dangerous marine environments and even isolated tornado activity near coastal regions.

Some of the effects residents may see include:

• Damage to lightweight structures like porches and carports.
• Potential for trees to snap or uproot.
• Access issues with flooded roads, especially in urban and wooded regions.
• Possible saltwater inundation near shorelines and rivers.
• Flooding of small streams and creeks, making driving conditions treacherous.

Tips for Storm Preparation

In light of the incoming weather, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department is sharing helpful tips for residents:

• Secure outdoor items: Items like trash cans, patio furniture, and hanging planters should be brought inside or secured.
• Check your drains: Clear any debris to ensure proper drainage around your home.
• Keep your pets safe: Remember, abandoning or tethering animals during a storm is against the law.
• Avoid travel: Stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
• Drive safely: Flooded roads and high winds can be extremely dangerous, especially on elevated roads and bridges.

Contact Information

If you experience power outages or downed lines, report these incidents immediately. Here are some important contact numbers:

• Dominion Energy for outages: 888-333-4465
• Gas leaks: 800-815-0083
• Palmetto Electric Cooperative for outages: 866-445-5551
• Non-emergency dispatch for downed lines and trees: 843-524-2777

As we prepare to weather Tropical Storm Debby, staying informed and proactive will be key to ensuring safety for you and your loved ones. Be ready for anything, and take care!