News Summary
A heavy winter storm warning has been issued for Beaufort County, with expectations of significant snowfall between 4 to 6 inches. The storm is anticipated to begin late afternoon on January 21, 2025, transitioning from rain to snow by evening. Local schools are adjusting schedules, and community services, including healthcare and transportation, will be affected. Residents are advised to stay safe and cautious on the roads as conditions may become hazardous.
Winter Storm Warning Hits Beaufort: Prepare for Significant Snowfall!
Beaufort is gearing up for a winter wonderland as a heavy winter storm warning has been issued for the Lowcountry, including not only Beaufort County but also nearby inland areas. This winter storm is expected to bring a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain with total accumulations ranging between 4 to 6 inches! Get ready for a chilly adventure, as local residents prepare for what could be the most significant snowfall in seven years.
When Is It All Happening?
The weather show is set to start late afternoon on January 21, 2025. Predictions indicate that precipitation in Beaufort County will kick off as rain after 5 p.m., but don’t let that fool you! By 11 p.m., things will take a frosty turn as we transition to snow and sleet. Mark your calendars because you may just wake up on January 22 to find between 3 to 5 inches of snow blanketing your yard!
What to Expect Weather-Wise
Temperatures on the day of the snowfall will be below average, with highs hovering in the low to mid-40s. As nighttime approaches, it’s going to get even colder, with overnight temperatures expected to dip into the 20s and wind chills soaring into the low teens. If you plan on heading outside, bundle up and stay warm!
School Dismissals and eLearning Days
The winter storm has prompted local schools to adjust their schedules. The Beaufort County School District will be dismissing elementary students at 11:45 a.m. and middle/high school students at 12:45 p.m. on January 21. And in case you were wondering, January 22 has been marked as an eLearning day to keep education moving forward while the snow falls. All district buildings will be closed, and all after-school activities on the 21st and 22nd are canceled.
In Jasper County, the schedule looks a bit different as they plan to have a half-day on January 21, with no students scheduled for January 22 due to planned professional development activities.
Local Institutions Adjusting Operations
Higher education institutions are also making necessary changes. The Technical College of the Lowcountry will operate virtually until 2 p.m. on January 21 and will close until January 22. Meanwhile, the University of South Carolina Beaufort plans to close at 2 p.m. on January 21 and will also remain closed on January 22. As for Hilton Head Island’s administrative offices, they will close at noon on January 21 and stay closed the following day.
Travel and Transportation Updates
Healthcare and Emergency Shelters
For those needing medical attention, be aware that Beaufort Memorial physician practices and outpatient departments will close January 22 and elective surgeries will be rescheduled. However, with the cold setting in, cold weather shelters have opened in both Beaufort and Jasper counties. The Sea Island Presbyterian Church has been providing shelter since January 19, operating from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. until January 23. Additionally, Christ Lutheran Church on Hilton Head Island has opened a shelter through January 23 with hours from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. An emergency warming shelter will also be available at Kingdom Touch Ministries in Jasper County starting at 6 p.m. on January 21.
Stay Safe and Cautious!
As we prepare for this winter storm, remember the roads may become hazardous. The South Carolina Department of Transportation will monitor conditions, and road closures might be necessary. Watch out for black ice that could form as wet roads refreeze overnight.
The National Weather Service is urging everyone to stay indoors if possible. If you must go out, please drive cautiously and allow extra time to reach your destination. It may be a winter wonderland out there, but safety should always come first! Stay warm and enjoy what this significant snowfall has to offer in Beaufort!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Welcomes Its First Snow in Five Years
Hilton Head Island Prepares for Unexpected Snowfall
Winter Storm Watch Issued for Beaufort County
Beaufort County Residents Prepare for Winter Wonderland
Winter Storm Watch Issued for Lowcountry
Columbia and South Carolina Brace for Winter Weather
Lowcountry Readies for Snow After Seven Years
Charleston Residents Prepare for Potential Snow and Ice
Charleston Braces for Chilly Weekend Ahead
Bluffton and Jasper County Water Main Upgrades Announced
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Winter Storm Preparation
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impact
- Bluffton Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
- News Observer
- Google News: Winter Storm
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