Tropical Storm Debby Updates
The City of Beaufort is tracking Tropical Storm/Debby, 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 local information about Debby. 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.
Wednesday, Aug. 7, 3:44 p.m. update
The City of Beaufort will open for normal business operations at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8, following two days of closure during Tropical Storm Debby.
The Public Works Department continues to work throughout the City, cutting up and removing downed trees and pumping out flooded areas on some City streets.
Capital Waste Services
Capital Waste Services plans to resume trash pickup services on Thursday. Capital Waste will be servicing Tuesday and Wednesday garbage routes on Thursday. On Friday, they will service Thursday and Friday garbage routes. Residents are asked to have the cans placed at the curb early.
Wednesday, Aug. 7, 11:52 a.m. update
The two Beaufort County shelters will be closing today at noon. The Jasper County shelter will close today at 2 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 7, 7:57 a.m. update
Here is an update from the NWS 6 a.m. briefing for TS Debby:
Tuesday, Aug. 6, 6:44 p.m. update
Encouraging news from US National Weather Service Charleston SC :
● Potential for dangerous flooding/flash flooding decreasing. However,many locations still flooded. Additional rainfall could cause additional flooding, or exacerbate current flooding.
● Storm Surge Warning has been discontinued, but minor coastal flooding impacts still possible for the SC coast, during evening high tides.
● Potential for Tropical Storm Wind/Wind Gusts mainly confined to SC counties (especially coastal) and GA coastal counties.
As of now, we are projected to get from 3-6 inches of rain, up to 8 inches in some local areas.
Tuesday, Aug. 6, 5:44 p.m. update
Capital Waste Services is planning to run its Tuesday route tomorrow, on Wednesday. However, do not bring your bin to the curb until tomorrow morning, due to the probability of winds overnight.
If weather conditions are not safe tomorrow, they may have to suspend operations. We will keep you informed. Thank you.
Tuesday, Aug. 6, 3:31 p.m. update
Update from Dominion Energy:
Storm response is underway.
Dominion Energy crews are positioned across the state and have begun to respond to the impacts of Tropical Storm Debby, a slow-moving system that is expected to linger for several days with heavy rains and strong winds across South Carolina. Please stay safe and be prepared for severe flooding and multiple days of possible power outages.
Storm Resources Available: Emergency shelters, road conditions, and office closings in your area: South Carolina Emergency Management Division (scemd.org)
Important Reminders:
Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume downed power lines are energized and dangerous. Keep in mind the downed lines may not always be visible and use extra caution when walking outside after a storm. Please remain at least 30 feet away and ensure that others avoid the downed line. If you see a downed line, report it immediately 888-333-4465.
Avoid floodwaters. Never drive or walk through flooded streets. Among other dangers, power lines could be submerged underneath.
No need to turn off natural gas service at the outside meter. If your home is at risk of flooding to the point where water could extinguish the pilot lights in any appliances, it's okay to turn off the flow of gas at the individual appliance's supply/isolation valve. If gas appliances are flooded, contact a qualified contractor to inspect before using.
Download the Dominion Energy app. The fastest and most secure way to report or track an outage is using the Dominion Energy app. Customers may also report outages by going to DominionEnergy.com.
Check the outage map. Use the Dominion Energy outage map for up-to-date information on restoration process.
Follow Dominion Energy on social media. The company will provide regular updates and additional tips to stay informed and safe.
Tuesday, Aug. 6, 1:42 p.m. update
From the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office:
Two shelters in Beaufort County are now open to the public. One shelter is located on the northern side of Beaufort County at Battery Creek High School located at 1 Blue Dolphin Drive, Burton. The shelter located on the southern side of Beaufort County is at Bluffton Middle School located at 30 New Mustang Drive, Bluffton. Both shelters have limited resources. There are no medical resources available. No pets are allowed at either shelter.
Please be prepared to supply your own necessities to include food and water. Both shelters are open at this time and will continue to remain open pending updates throughout Tropical Storm Debby. These two shelters are maintained by the Department of Social Services. There is still an available shelter in Jasper County at Ridgeland Elementary School located at 250 Jaguar Trail in Ridgeland. This shelter is prepared for special needs and is also pet-friendly.
If you shelter with your pet, please bring enough food, any medicine, a leash, vaccination paperwork, a crate if possible, blankets and toys. For storm-related information, reach out to our Emergency Management Division at 843-255-4000. If you need assistance or need to report a storm-related incident, contact our non-emergency number dispatch line at 843-524-2777.
Tuesday, Aug. 6, 10:44 a.m.
City Manager Scott Marshall just went on a drive throughout the City of Beaufort with the PD. Good news to report thus far:
- Some tree branches down
- No major obstructions in streets
- Standing water in some places, but no impassable streets, and no flooding observed.
Tuesday, Aug. 6, 9:43 a.m. update
Hunting Island State Park will close Tuesday for an undetermined amount of time in response to expected flooding and wind impacts from Tropical Storm Debby.
Park Manager Zabo McCants said Monday that the decision was based on the park’s history of flooding and erosion issues. And, ultimately, the closure will keep the public and park rangers safe, McCants said.
Tuesday, Aug. 6, 8:10 a.m. update
Just to reconfirm, our area is under:
● Tropical Storm Wind Warning ● Flood Watch - Entire area ● Storm Surge Warning - Entire coast ● Tornado Watch - Entire area
From SCEMD: Debby's wind field has increased. Debby's Maximum sustained winds is 45 mph. It is now moving at 7 mph toward the NE. A slower motion East and then North is expected is expected through Thursday night. The center is expected to move offshore later today. Some strengthening is expected. We are at a 99% chance of Tropical Force winds.
Multiple areas of the Lowcountry has received 8 to 10 inches of rain an additional 8 to 15 inches is expected. The map shows we are still in a 70% chance of flash flood.
Slide from 6 a.m. NWS Charleston briefing:
Tuesday, Aug. 6, 7:55 a.m. update
The Spanish Moss is Trail is closed to through traffic at Basin 1, between Rogers Drive and Broome Lane, and Basin 2, between Brotherhood Road and Riverside Drive, for pumping operations. Both ends are barricaded. Thank you.
Monday, Aug. 5, 6:49 p.m. update
Over the next couple of days, we could receive from 10-20 inches of rain, with some locally higher areas getting up to 30 inches.
There is a Storm Surge Warning for entire coastline. For South Carolina, Tuesday through Wednesday night, from 2-4 feet potential.
Tropical Storm Winds, Tuesday through Tuesday night.
Potential for isolated tornadoes over next few days.
Please be ultra-careful. Stay inside if you can. Remember, water in streets can be very deceiving – deeper and faster moving than it appears. Please don’t chance driving through it.
Also, we are under a flash-flood warning until 1 a.m.
Monday, Aug. 5, 5:21 p.m. update
Capital Waste Services will NOT be servicing Tuesday routes. If Tuesday is your normal pickup day, please do NOT place your bin out by the curb. We'll notify you tomorrow about Wednesday routes. Thank you.
Monday, Aug, 5, 3:23 p.m. update
City of Beaufort declares State of Emergency
BEAUFORT, S.C. – Mayor Phil Cromer has declared a State of Emergency for the City of Beaufort due to Tropical Storm Debby. The state of emergency is in effect from 2 p.m. today until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8, unless rescinded sooner. On Sunday, Gov. Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency for the State of South Carolina.
Weather conditions from Debby are expected to worsen from Tuesday through Thursday, and may include between 10 to 30 inches of rain in some areas; tropical force winds from later today into Thursday; isolated tornadoes; storm surge of 2 to 4 feet, and dangerous marine conditions. Debby is a slow-moving storm, which means its impacts are likely to last for a longer duration.
The City of Beaufort will be closed for normal business operations on Tuesday and Wednesday. City emergency personnel, which include the Police, Fire and Public Works Departments, remain on duty and actively engaged in storm mitigation efforts.
Shelter
A regional shelter will open in Jasper County at 4 p.m. Monday:
Ridgeland Elementary School
250 Jaguar Trail
Ridgeland, SC 29936
This shelter is prepared for special needs and is also pet-friendly.
Stay up to date
The City of Beaufort will send out updates on its Facebook, Instagram and Nextdoor pages, and will also keep a website page updated with the latest local information pertaining to Tropical Storm Debby. We also have a Hurricane Preparation Page with extensive information for residents.
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From TCL
Due to the potential for severe weather from Tropical Storm Debby, all Technical College of the Lowcountry campuses will be closing beginning this afternoon, Monday, Aug. 5.
Campuses will remain closed Tuesday, Aug. 6, and Wednesday, Aug. 7.
Beaufort Memorial Hospital
- Beaufort Memorial physician practices will be closed Tuesday, Aug. 6.
- All three Express Care & Occupational Health clinics will close as normal on Monday, Aug. 5 at 8 p.m. and will be closed on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
- Outpatient departments will be closed on Tuesday, Aug. 6, including outpatient laboratory services.
- Elective surgeries planned for Tuesday, Aug. 6, at the hospital and the Beaufort Memorial Surgery Center have been rescheduled.
- Radiation therapy, chemotherapy and infusion services will continue as planned on Monday, Aug. 5. Appointments for Tuesday, Aug. 6 have been rescheduled.
- Patient Financial Services (Billing) and Medical Records will be closed Tuesday, Aug. 6.
- LifeFit Wellness Center will close as normal at 8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 5, and be closed on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
Monday, Aug. 5, 2:36 p.m. update
From Beaufort County:
Beaufort County offices will close Tuesday and Wednesday due to Tropical Storm Debby. Determination for Thursday will be made at a later time, depending on weather conditions.
County Convenience Centers
County Convenience Centers will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Determination for Thursday will be made at a later time, again, depending on weather conditions.
Daufuskie Island--Lowcountry Ferry Service
From their website: Currently all trips for Monday August 5, will be run as scheduled until weather prohibits safe travel. Please monitor this website for any updates. We will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday and tentatively Thursday based on weather conditions. We will resume trips on Friday. We will continue to monitor the storm and the government warnings throughout the week. This can change based on new information and we will update here accordingly.*
*Service is based on public safety, monitoring storm conditions and at the Captain's discretion.
County Airports
Hilton Head Island Airport and Beaufort Executive Airport are operating normally at this time, however as Tropical Storm Debby 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. Travelers are encouraged to check their airlines for waivers, as well. Inquiries regarding flight information should be directed to the individual carriers. Operating schedules at both airports are subject to weather conditions.
Beaufort County Animal Services
Pets should be brought inside to shelter from the weather. It is against the law to leave them tethered outside during a named tropical storm. Please check the BCAS Facebook page for updates and requests. Once flooding begins, Animal Services and Law Enforcement are limited in where they can go to rescue animals in need.
Monday, Aug. 5, 2:09 p.m. update
From Beaufort County School District:
As an update to yesterday’s communication, please be advised that all BCSD buildings and facilities will be CLOSED for the remainder of today (August 5), Tuesday (August 6), and Wednesday (August 7).
There will be no school on Wednesday, August 7. In conjunction with Emergency Management’s recommendations, the district will reassess our facilities on Wednesday to make a determination regarding whether or not school will take place on Thursday. As such, the district will provide another update to families and employees on Wednesday, August 7.
Again, we understand that you need as much advanced notice as possible regarding any decisions so you can plan accordingly for your family’s needs. However, please know we don’t take the possibility of further postponing the start of the school year lightly as to avoid students having to utilize make-up days during the winter break, especially since e-learning is not an option this week as device distribution is still taking place.
Please continue to stay safe and continue to monitor your email and the district’s website and social media channels for the latest communications, as well as local media outlets for weather conditions.
John Mark Verdier House
The John Mark Verdier House will be closed Monday and Tuesday (August 5 & 6) in preparation and during Hurricane Debbie. We will reopen once the storm has passed and we’ve had a chance to assess any damage and prepare for reopening.
Monday, Aug. 5, 11:30 a.m.
Update from National Weather Service, Charleston
Monday, Aug. 5, 11:27 a.m.
The City of Beaufort will be closed for normal business operations on Tuesday, Aug. 6, as Hurricane/Tropical Storm Debby begins to impact the Beaufort area. A decision on normal business operations beyond Tuesday depends on the evolving storm track and effects.
With catastrophic flooding predicted for South Carolina coastal areas, including Beaufort County, the City of Beaufort continues to prepare for the storm.
Capital Waste Services
- Capital Waste will perform its Monday routes as usual.
- Decisions on routes for the rest of the week have not been determined, but will be made in the interest of safety as the storm develops. Capital Waste is prepared to double up on routes with extra trucks at the end of this event. The City will continue to keep the public informed regarding waste pick-up schedules.
Public Works Department
- Public Works is extremely busy, making sure all its equipment is staged for after-storm cleanup.
- They have lowered the water level in City-controlled tidal ponds, to allow for the maximum accumulation of rainfall.
- They’re also making sure all the pond outfalls are clear of debris.
- On our streets, the crews are double-checking all drains and making sure they are clear of any debris and are as free-flowing as possible.
- Public Works will close all public restrooms in the City, including restrooms in all of our parks, at 5 p.m. today.
Waterfront Park and Marina
- All tables, chairs, and trash cans are being removed from Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. In addition, the marina will shut off fueling operations later today.
Building Inspections
- The City’s Building Inspections team is inspecting all construction sites to ensure materials and equipment are secured. There will be no regular business inspections pending more information about Debby’s impacts.
Police and Fire Department
- Both departments have all personnel on standby for immediate recall, as needed, and have high-water vehicles ready to deploy.
Beaufort County
- Beaufort County is continuing its sandbag operations to 4 p.m. today or until supplies are exhausted. Its northern county pickup point is at 80 Shanklin Road. Residents are limited to 10 bags per resident.
National Weather Service Charleston
- At its 6 a.m. update, the National Weather Service reported that the very slow motion of Tropical Storm Debby over the Southeast will bring a prolonged period of impacts through mid-to-late week. Tropical storm force winds, storm surge, and several tornadoes are also possible for portions of the area.
Longer term river flooding could inhibit recovery efforts into next week and beyond. weather.gov/chs/tropical
Stay up to date
The City of Beaufort will send out updates on its Facebook, Instagram and Nextdoor pages, and will also keep a website page updated with the latest local information pertaining to Tropical Storm Debby. We also have a Hurricane Preparation Page with extensive information for residents.
Mayor Phil Cromer discusses City of Beaufort preparations: Video
Sunday, Aug. 4, 6:05 p.m.
The Public Works Department is working diligently to prepare for the storm. Among the checks it is doing:
- Inspecting tidal gates for proper operation
- Inspecting all outfalls, and removing debris or obstructions
- Checking streets and drains for trouble spots
- Inspecting pond levels to determine if they need to be lowered
- Inspecting each park for loose debris, check on drains
Sunday, Aug. 4, 2:05 p.m.
- Capital Waste will service Monday’s route as normal. All residents are asked to have their cans out and ready to be serviced in the morning. After service is complete they should bring the cans away from the curb and on their property.
- The Tuesday - Friday routes may be affected due to the wind and flooding. We will update you as the conditions change.
- The Greenery is removing the tables, chairs & trash cans from the Waterfront Park Monday morning. The trash cans will also be removed from Bay Street to Craven Street. Public restrooms will remain open until 5 p.m. Monday.
Sunday Morning, Aug. 4
National Weather Service
- Rainfall Flooding: Potential for historic rainfall amounts producing widespread severe flash flooding late tonight through Thursday.
- Wind and Storm Surge: Increasing confidence in elevated to moderate impacts, with tropical wind and surge watches likely issued today.
Early morning briefing from National Weather Service