Hilton Head Island Faces the Effects of Hurricane Rafael

Hilton Head Island Faces the Effects of Hurricane Rafael

As many folks in the Hilton Head Island area are likely noticing, the weather has taken quite a turn lately, and it’s all thanks to Hurricane Rafael. Just this past Wednesday night, this cyclone made its presence known as it roared through Cuba as a powerful Category 3 storm. Since then, it has made its way west into the Gulf of Mexico and, while it has weakened a bit, the impacts have been felt locally.

Hazardous Weather Outlook and Flood Warnings

On Thursday around noon, both Beaufort and Jasper counties found themselves under a hazardous weather outlook. If you live inland in Jasper County, you were likely keenly aware of the flood watch that lasted until 7 p.m. that same day. The National Weather Service’s Charleston office warned residents to expect “a period of persistent and heavy rainfall” on Thursday afternoon. This could lead to localized flooding, not just in our local counties but also affecting some areas of Georgia.

Reports showed that some areas inland received an astonishing 8 to 10 inches of rain overnight! So if your garden is looking a little soggy, you’re not alone! According to the NWS, Beaufort County and its southern neighbors were preparing for an additional 1.5-2.5 inches of rain on Thursday, which would only add to the already damp conditions.

Road Safety During Heavy Rains

Jasper County officials have been particularly vocal about safety on the roads. The overnight rainfall has made for “unsafe roads in parts of the county,” and they are urging residents to stay off water-covered routes. There is a possibility of road washouts, and with the amount of rain coming down, it’s a good idea to think twice before hitting the road.

As of the latest updates on Thursday at 1 p.m., police and fire personnel from Beaufort and Jasper counties have reported no confirmed road closures. However, it’s important to remain cautious. Stephen Combs, a spokesperson for the Bluffton Township Fire District, indicated that their crews had responded to some non-serious collisions caused by hydroplaning vehicles. So, take it easy if you’re out driving!

A Brief reprieve in the Rain

If you’re hoping for a break from the rain, you may get some good news. The chances of rain in the Beaufort area are expected to drop below 20% starting at 11 p.m. Thursday and will fall below 10% by Friday afternoon. So, perhaps keep an umbrella handy, but don’t expect it to be as drippy!

The forecast also suggests that a cold front is moving into the Southeast on Friday, which may bring some isolated showers. As of Thursday morning, Hurricane Rafael was still being classified as a Category 2 hurricane with winds still whipping at 100 mph. The National Hurricane Center had originally predicted that Rafael would make a beeline toward Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. However, the storm adjusted its course midweek, deciding to head into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico instead.

Tracking Hurricane Rafael

For the record, Rafael is now the 17th named storm of the 2024 hurricane season, which continues until the end of November. While we’ve dodged the worst so far, it serves as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature.

As the weather continues to unfold, residents are encouraged to stay informed and to keep an eye on local alerts. We’ve all got to take care of each other during these wild weather events, and hopefully, we’ll see calmer skies soon!