IDALIA Updates

The City of Beaufort is tracking Tropical Storm/Hurricane Idalia, and will post time-stamped news and information updates on this page that are pertinent to the City of Beaufort. 

Keeping up with alerts & information

 
Check the City of Beaufort Facebook page and Nextdoor posts for the latest information about Idalia. Follow the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office on Facebook as well. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division Facebook page has lots of good tips, plus current information.

Make sure you are signed up for Nixle (emergency) alerts from the City of Beaufort and Beaufort County.

The Hurricane Readiness section on the City’s website has a great deal of information about what to do before, during and after a hurricane.

Thursday, Aug. 31

10:20 a.m.

Public Works Director Nate Farrow, after surveying the major thoroughfares of the City early this morning, said his crews are working to clear debris in public roadways and rights-of-way throughout today and tomorrow. He has found no major blockage of ditches and drains – which Public Works cleaned out before Tropical Storm Idalia came through on Aug 30. He said there is very little water accumulation on City streets.

 Yesterday, even during the storm, Public Works worked with SCDOT crews to remove fallen trees and limbs on Robert Smalls Parkway and public rights-of-way in residential areas. 

 A few power outages remain as of the time of this release, to include the traffic light at First Boulevard and Ribaut Road. Drivers are asked to use caution and to treat this non-functional signal as a four-way stop. 

 Capital Waste Services is picking up trash and recycling for its Wednesday routes today (Thursday). It will pick up the Thursday routes on Friday, and complete Friday routes on Saturday.

 As a reminder, the Public Works Department will do a one-time sweep in the City of Beaufort to pick up excess yard debris caused by the storm beginning Tuesday, Sept. 5, through Friday, Sept. 8.

 Yard debris must be placed next to the roadway by Tuesday morning, Sept. 5. Do not put the debris near or next to utility boxes or poles, fire hydrants, or under tree canopies. The department’s knuckle boom truck must be able to reach the debris.

8:45 a.m.

Capital Waste Services will be making its Wednesday routes today, its Thursday routes on Friday, and completing everything on Saturday. There is no trash service on Monday, which is Labor Day.

Wednesday, Aug. 30

6:45 p.m.

Lastest update from National Weather Service Charleston:

The Hurricane Warning has been canceled for our area, but we are still under a Tropical Storm Warning. Idalia has weakened; but coastal areas may still experience some high wind gusts. Little additional rainfall is expected in our area. 

However, storm surge is still a concern tonight because of the King Tide, so coastal areas still need to be vigilant. The threat of tornadoes is also diminishing, but not over.

6 p.m. briefing

12:45 p.m.

Here is the latest update from the National Weather Service Charleston: Biggest change is that threat of tornadoes is greater than first expected. Highest impact for heavy winds, rain and storm surge is this afternoon through tonight. Please stay vigilant and safe! 

Noon NWS Briefing

11:15 a.m.

States of Emergency are in effect at the State, County and City level now. Mayor's Declaration of State of Emergency for City of Beaufort.

The effects of Hurricane IDALIA are more severe than first anticipated for our area due to strengthening overnight off the coast of Florida. Storm speed has also increased, and it is moving North-Northeast at 18 mph.

Strong tropical storm force winds are expected to pick up by early afternoon through the evening. Citizens are advised to shelter in place, if possible and to avoid bridges once the strong winds arrive. Any decision to close bridges will be made by SC DOT and will be shared ASAP.

In addition to the King Tide at 9:40 p.m. tonight, we can also expect an additional storm surge of 3 to 5 feet which will lead to flooding in low lying areas and other areas which are historically prone to flooding. People in these areas are encouraged to seek higher ground as soon as possible.

Jasper County has opened a pet-friendly shelter at Ridgeland High School. See information at the bottom of this post regarding the shelter. 

We also expect to see trees down during this storm. Our Public Works Department will address this once the storm has passed and once it is safe for them to be out. 

If you see downed power lines, STAY AWAY. Always assume they are energized. Keep in mind, downed lines may not always be visible so use extra caution when walking outside after a storm. Thank you for your vigilance, and please stay safe. 

Check our IDALIA update page to keep up to date; https://www.cityofbeaufort.org/705/IDALIA-Updates 

Shelter at Ridgeland High School, 250 Jaguar Trail, Ridgeland

 PLEASE DO NOT CALL 911 REGARDING THE SHELTER AND NEEDS, CALL 843-726-4421.

People coming to the shelter, located at 250 Jaguar Trail in Ridgeland, should bring with them the following: 

• Personal hygiene products.
• Bedding items such as their own blankets and pillows 
• Important documents for identification, 
• A 3 day supply food for those with restrictive diets, 
• At least a 7 day supply of any medications along with prescription information. 

A more extensive list of items can be viewed from DHEC. Residents seeking shelter with their pets MUST bring a crate, pet food, vaccination records and rabies certificate, most recent heartworm test, most recent FeLV/FIV test result (for cats), at least a 7 day supply of their medications, litter and litterbox (for cats), cleaning supplies, food and water bowls. Pets who are not service animals will not be permitted in the main shelter area due to safety considerations. I

9:15 a.m.

Beaufort Memorial Hospital & Physicians

Beaufort Memorial officials have made some service updates due to the expected severe weather associated with Hurricane Idalia.  Visit www.bmhsc.org for up-to date information throughout the next couple of days.

The updates are as follows:

• Beaufort Memorial physician practices will close at noon Wednesday, Aug. 30, and reopen at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 31.
• On Wednesday, Aug. 30, the Express Care & Occupational Health clinics will close at noon. All three clinics will reopen at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 31.
• Outpatient departments will see patients until noon Wednesday, Aug. 30, and reopen at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, including outpatient laboratory services.
• Scheduled elective surgeries at the hospital and Beaufort Memorial Surgery Center will continue as planned Wednesday, Aug. 30, and Thursday, Aug. 31.
• Radiation therapy, chemotherapy and infusion services will continue as planned Wednesday, Aug. 30. Appointments have been rescheduled to start after 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 31.
• Patient Financial Services (Billing) and Medical Records will close at noon Wednesday, Aug. 30, and reopen at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 31.

The hospital and emergency room remain open. Visiting hours will end at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30. Entry into the hospital after that time will only be through the emergency room entrance.

The hospital’s telehealth service, BMH Care Anywhere, remains available 24 hours a day to anyone with internet access. Download the BMH Care Anywhere app or visit BMHCareAnyware.org.

8 a.m.

Capital Waste WILL NOT be doing its Wednesday routes. Please secure your bins if you have not already done so. 

6:15 a.m.

Beaufort County is under a Hurricane Warning.

From the 6 a.m. one-pager from the Nationa weather Service Charleston:

Details regarding the track, intensity, and timing of Idalia are still being adjusted.

However, confidence in the following impacts remains high:

• Heavy rainfall and flash flooding: Rainfall totals are forecast to range between 4 to 8 inches across inland SE GA/SC with 1 to 3 inches closer to the coast.
• Strong, gusty winds: There is a high probability of tropical storm force winds across SE GA/SC. A corridor of hurricane force winds is likely close to the storm center and over the Atlantic marine waters as it tracks across SE GA into SE SC before weakening to a tropical storm.
• Storm surge/coastal flooding: Based on the timing of the current forecast track, the Wednesday evening (~8:30 PM) high tide cycle will produce the highest water levels (3-5 feet of water inundation near the immediate coast and tidal waterways).
• Rip currents, high surf, and likely significant beach erosion.
• Risk for tornadoes across portions of SE GA/SC today and into tonight as well as waterspouts over the coastal waters.

NWS ALERTS

• A Hurricane Warning is now in effect for portions SE GA/SC through Thurs. morning.

Tuesday, Aug. 29

6:45 p.m.

The National Weather Service Charleston's briefing at 6 p.m. changed somewhat for South Carolina and Beaufort County. The county is under a Hurricane Watch; we are at risk for low-end hurricane-force winds and gusts, particularly along the coast.

Our heaviest winds are likely to occur Wednesday night.

Coastal rainfall is likely to be from 1-3 inches, with higher amounts expected inland. Note: the worst rain is expected Wednesday night, meaning it could be very hazardous. DON'T LEAVE HOME TOMORROW NIGHT!

6 p.m. National Weather Service briefing

3:20 p.m.

Gov. Henry McMaster today declared a State of Emergency in preparation for the potential effects from Hurricane Idalia, and asks South Carolinians to monitor local forecasts and to begin taking proper precautions. The governor's order directs the South Carolina Emergency Management Division to coordinate with all relevant state agencies and to be prepared to respond to any requests for state assistance from local officials and county emergency management leaders.

Press release

2:30 p.m.

The City of Beaufort is suspending normal operations on Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 30-31, in response to Hurricane/Tropical Storm IDALIA. City offices will be closed to the public, but Police, Fire and Public Works Departments will be at full staff to prepare for and respond to the storm.

Tropical Storm Warning

Beaufort County is now under a Tropical Storm Warning. 

Trash/recycling

Capital Waste expects to pick up trash/recycling through 2 p.m. Wednesday, depending on the weather. Bring your bins in at that time. It is very likely there will be no service on Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, Capital Waste will catch up on missed routes.

Capital Waste is performing bulk pickups throughout the City of Beaufort that have already been requested through its ticket system. Please do not submit new bulk pickup requests until the storm has passed.

Last minute tips

Make sure you have adequate food and water at home. If you have a generator, make sure it works properly. Put gas in your cars and trucks today. Move any loose yard items inside, or make sure they are properly secured.

First Friday

As of now, First Friday is still scheduled for downtown Beaufort on Sept. 1 from 5-8 p.m. However, this is subject to change in response to weather conditions and storm damage.

Post-storm

The Public Works Department will do a one-time sweep in the City of Beaufort to pick up excess yard debris caused by the storm beginning Tuesday, Sept. 5, through Friday, Sept. 8.

Yard debris must be placed next to the roadway by Tuesday morning, Sept. 5. Do not put the debris near utility boxes or poles, fire hydrants, or under tree canopies. The department’s knuckle boom truck must be able to reach the debris.

1:30 p.m.

Tropical Storm Warning

Beaufort County is now under a Tropical Storm Warning. 

The latest briefing from the National Weather Service Charleston puts the entire coast of South Carolina under a Storm Surge Warning, with the highest threat from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday night. This will be combined with a high tide and full moon on Wednesday at 9:40 p.m., with the tide expected to be 9.4 feet, so flooding in coastal and low-lying areas is probable, and could be dangerous.

Tropical Storm force winds (39-73 mph) are most likely to come in this area on Wednesday evening.

In addition, major flooding rainfall, including flash flooding, could happen through Wednesday night. Coastal counties could experience 3-5 inches of rain, with more expected inland.

NWS Services 11:30 a.m. briefing

Beaufort County

Beaufort County offices will close to the public Aug. 30-31. Convenience centers will also be closed; parks and rec classes are canceled. 

Hilton Head Island Airport and Beaufort Executive Airport are operating normally at this time, however as Hurricane Idalia approaches, travelers need to check with their carriers for any possible flight delays and cancellations. Air travelers are encouraged to download their respective airline aps on their mobile devices & to enable notifications so they are sure to receive the latest official word from their airline.

Dominion Energy

Beaufort County School District

Due to the forecasted inclement weather associated with Hurricane Idalia, BCSD will have eLearning and remote work days on Wednesday, August 30^th and Thursday, August 31^th (assuming electrical and internet utilities are functioning). District buildings will be closed on both days.

 E-learning is taking place in order to avoid having to implement make-up days in January and March. 

 Your child’s teacher and/or school will provide additional information about eLearning for both days. If your family is traveling or experiencing utility outages during eLearning days, please reach out to your child’s teachers and/or school when feasible so accommodations can be made. 

 Extracurricular activities and afterschool programs scheduled for Wednesday, August 30^th and Thursday, August 31^th are cancelled. 

6 a.m. 

National Weather Service Charleston 6 a.m. one-pager

Key takeaways:

The greatest impacts for southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina are expected to occur late Wednesday morning through early Thursday morning.

Details regarding the track, intensity, and timing of Idalia are still being refined. 

However, confidence in the following impacts is increasing: 

• Heavy rainfall and flash flooding: 4 8 inches of rain possible across SE GA/SC. 
• Strong, gusty winds: The probability of tropical storm force winds remains moderate to high, especially along the coast. Hurricane conditions remain possible across portions of the GA Atlantic waters. 
• Storm surge/coastal flooding: based on the timing of the current forecast track, the Wednesday evening (~8:30 PM) high tide cycle could produce the highest water levels. Rip currents, high surf, and possibly significant beach erosion. Risk for tornadoes across the coastal counties of SE GA/SC Wed. and Wed. night.

Monday, Aug. 28

6 p.m. 

Key takeaways from National Weather Service Charleston 6 p.m. briefing:

• Idalia expected to strengthen to Major/CAT 3 Hurricane in NE Gulf
• Tropical Storm Watch and Storm Surge Watch for the entire SC coast
• Highest/strongest impacts, especially winds, surge and rainfall, expected Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday  night

Read briefing here

3:30 p.m.

City prepares for Idalia (press release)

BEAUFORT, S.C. (Aug. 28, 2023) –  Tropical Storm Idalia, which is projected to become a major hurricane when it makes landfall along the Florida Gulf Coast, is likely to bring tropical storm winds and significant rainfall in Beaufort County, probably starting Wednesday. The City of Beaufort is preparing for this event.

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