Hurricane Helene Threatens Lowcountry, Local Closures Announced

Hurricane Helene Threatens Lowcountry, Local Closures Announced

Hilton Head Island is bracing for the imminent arrival of Hurricane Helene, with significant impacts forecasted for the area. The storm is expected to reach Florida’s Big Bend region late Thursday, prompting local authorities to issue a tropical storm watch across the Lowcountry. The projected path of the hurricane suggests that strong winds and possible tornadoes may affect Hilton Head Island, with meteorologists warning that the worst of the storm is likely to hit Beaufort County starting Thursday evening and continuing into early Friday.

Why Are Closures Taking Place?

As a precautionary measure in response to the storm, schools, government services, and various businesses have announced closures and delays. The decision to shut down operations was made to ensure the safety of residents and to prevent any hazardous situations as conditions worsen.

Details on School Closures

The Beaufort County School District will completely close all public school facilities on Friday, with lessons shifting to an online format. The district canceled all after-school activities on Thursday and noted that afternoon events scheduled for Friday will still proceed as planned.

Technical College of the Lowcountry has canceled all in-person classes after 5 p.m. Thursday and will remain closed on Friday, resuming normal operations on Monday at 8 a.m. Similarly, the University of South Carolina Beaufort will transition to e-learning for classes after 5 p.m. Thursday, while university offices will operate as usual on Friday.

Childcare and Educational Facility Closures

Mathnasium of Bluffton will not operate on Thursday, and May River Montessori School is shutting down on Friday. Other preschools, including Lowcountry Day Preschool and Ivybrook Academy, have announced Friday closures as well.

Impacts on Government and Local Businesses

Beaufort County governmental offices will be closed on Friday, which includes the auditor’s office, thus limiting services for residents. The Beaufort County Convenience Centers will also halt operations on Friday, with the expectation of normal services returning on Saturday.

For local businesses, SliderBar Bluffton will close early on Thursday at 3 p.m. A variety of other businesses and services, such as Limitless Pediatric Solutions and The Children’s Center, will be closed on Friday, further signaling a community-wide effort to prioritize safety during the storm.

Transportation Updates

Public transportation services are also affected. Palmetto Breeze Transit has announced that Friday routes will face delays of up to three hours. However, all other services will continue as planned unless conditions worsen significantly.

Stay Informed and Prepared

Residents are advised to stay informed about the latest developments regarding Hurricane Helene, as this list of closures and delays will be regularly updated as the situation unfolds. Officials are urging individuals to take necessary precautions and to secure homes before the storm’s impact is felt in the region.

This community response highlights the collective concern and preparedness facing the Lowcountry as it braces for potentially severe weather. With the storm’s trajectory still being monitored, residents are encouraged to have emergency plans in place and to stay tuned for ongoing updates.