Beaufort County Prepares for Tropical Storm Milton’s Expected Arrival

Beaufort County Braces for Tropical Storm Milton

Beaufort County, SC – As the summer days fade and fall sets in, the residents of Beaufort County are starting to prepare for an unexpected guest. Tropical Storm Milton, which just formed in the Gulf of Mexico on October 5, has gotten folks buzzing with excitement and a bit of anxiety. With the storm expected to roar its way across Florida and potentially impact South Carolina by midweek, now is the time to pay attention!

What’s Happening with Milton?

Milton has already made quite a journey, drifting across the western Caribbean Sea for about 10 days, and now with sustained winds clocking in at 40 mph, it’s anticipated to strengthen. Meteorologists predict that Milton will transition from a tropical storm into a hurricane status by early October 7. The big question is where it’s headed next. Current projections indicate it may make landfall along the Gulf Coast of Florida by October 9. The National Hurricane Center is keeping a close eye on this storm and is warning that life-threatening storm surges and damaging winds are a real possibility along Florida’s shores starting late October 8.

What Can We Expect in South Carolina?

This storm is expected to be a Category 2 hurricane when it makes landfall, with sustained winds between 96 to 110 mph. According to Frank Strait, a severe weather liaison with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, there’s even a chance that Milton could ramp up to a Category 3 storm, which would definitely mean more serious conditions for our neighbors in Florida. And while Beaufort locals might think of ourselves as far away from the storm’s center, we aren’t out of the woods just yet.

Right now, the forecast for the next couple of days in Charleston is looking pretty calm with clear skies and temperatures around 80°F. Winds should be light, and coastal areas shouldn’t face any immediate threats. That said, as we inch closer to midweek, we may see some changes on the horizon. Meteorologist Emily McGraw notes that a NWS advisory issued for the area indicates that Milton is a large storm with impacts reaching far beyond its center.

Understanding the Risks

As Milton nears us, South Carolina could experience a range of effects: from gusty winds and rainfall to dangerous rip currents along the coast. Current forecasts project that we could see between 1 to 3 inches of rain and wind gusts pushing 40 to 50 mph, especially from Wednesday night into Thursday. Keep in mind that these possibilities can change depending on Milton’s path. If it takes a more northerly track, we could be in for a rougher ride.

Looking Back: The Journey of Milton

What’s interesting is that the meteorological story of Tropical Storm Milton actually began back on September 26 when it was just a weather disturbance. From the beginning, there were concerns as it seemed to share similarities with Hurricane Helene, which caused devastating impacts just a week prior. In fact, after beginning to gain momentum on October 3, it exploded into a tropical storm in just a matter of hours, officially claiming its name on October 5 – becoming the thirteenth named storm of this hurricane season.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration initially predicted 17 to 24 named storms for this year, so as we continue to watch Milton, there could still be more surprises waiting in the wings for us this season.

What Should Residents Do?

Everyone in Beaufort County should start making their preparations now. This is the perfect time to gather supplies, check your emergency kits, and create a safety plan in case we do face storm conditions. Stay tuned to local forecasts and heed any warnings that come your way as the storm approaches. Let’s keep each other safe and informed!

As we soak in this lovely early October weather, let’s keep an eye on the horizon and be ready for whatever Milton has in store for us. Remember, it’s better to be prepared than to be caught off guard!