Travel Advisory, State of Emergency Declared
Emergency Shelter Opened In Jasper County



All Beaufort County offices and facilities are closed today, Wednesday, August 30 and Thursday, August 31 due to the threat of severe weather conditions associated with Hurricane Idalia. 

"As we prepare for Hurricane Idalia’s arrival, Beaufort County is taking precautionary measure to protect our citizens, and our community," said Interim Administrator John Robinson. "I am proud of our dedicated team of employees who have demonstrated unwavering commitment and exceptional professionalism during this state of emergency. Their tireless efforts, resilience, and teamwork are nothing short of commendable."

State of Emergency Declared
Beaufort County Council Chairman Joseph Passiment has declared a state of emergency for Beaufort County beginning today, August 30 and to continue through Sunday, September 3. This is a precautionary measure that will help with funding and services if there are catastrophic damages as a result of Hurricane Idalia.

Travel Advisory
People are reminded to stay off the roads if at all possible. Low lying areas will begin flooding and bridges will be dangerous when the winds start. Please be cautious if you must travel. Please keep roads clear for law enforcement and emergency vehicles.

Emergency Shelter Opening in Jasper County
People who have no place to go for safety from Hurricane Idalia can go to an emergency shelter at Ridgeland School, 250 Jaguar Trail. This shelter, operated by Jasper County Emergency Services along with support from state and local partners, can accommodate anyone who needs a safe place to stay temporarily along with their pets. The shelter opened at 10 a.m. today and will remain open for the duration of the hurricane.

For shelter information, please call 843-726-4421.

People coming to the shelter, 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.

County Animal Services
Pets should be brought inside to shelter from the storm. 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--if you are able to help foster an animal during the storm or donate a cage/crate, please contact Animal Services directly. Once flooding begins, Animal Services and Law Enforcement are limited in where they can go to rescue animals in need.

County Public Works Department
County Public Works crews have been prepping since Monday, getting small hand tools and equipment ready and are staged for deployment.

County Convenience Centers
County Convenience Centers are closed Wednesday and Thursday. Depending on weather and safety issues, it's anticipated that those centers normally operating on Friday, will be open. However, if it is not safe to do so, an announcement will be posted.

County Airports
From Hilton Head Island Airport: Hurricane Idalia UPDATE (8/30/23 at 9:01 a.m.): While the airport intends to remain open, as of this morning, it has been announced that all commercial flights into/out of HHH, as well as other parts of the region, have been canceled for today (8.30.23).  Please check with your airline directly for travel waivers and rebooking information.  Please be safe and read and adhere to all information and directives as provided by Beaufort County, SC and the Town of Hilton Head Island Government as related to additional hurricane updates.

Inquiries regarding flight information should be directed to the individual carriers. Operating schedules at both airports are subject to weather conditions. 

Daufuskie Island Ferry Service
The Daufuskie Island Ferry service will be suspended beginning today, Wednesday, August 30 following the 11:30 a.m. departure. The 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. ferries departing Buckingham and 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. ferries departing Melrose Landing are canceled. They hope to resume service Thursday, August 31 and will confirm that as soon as possible following the storm and the assessment of the docks and boats.

News Updates and Information Resources
To receive news and updates from Beaufort County Government, sign up here.

Sign up for NIXLE at www.nixle.com to receive up-to-date information on matters of public safety from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office or text your zip code to 888777.

Stay tuned to Beaufort County TV (BCTV) on Comcast channel 2; Hargray 9 and 113; and Spectrum 1304.

Please become familiar with information and resources available online with other official public sources to assist with your preparedness before, during, and after a storm event, to include, but not limited to:

Public Safety and Health:
- Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office: www.bcso.net  
- SC Emergency Management Division: www.scemd.org  
- SC Dept. of Transportation: www.scdot.org/travel/stormResources.aspx  
- SC Dept. of Health and Environmental Control: www.scdhec.gov  

Municipalities:
- City of Beaufort, SC: www.cityofbeaufort.org 
- City of Hardeeville, SC: www.hardeevillesc.gov   
- Town of Bluffton, SC: www.townofbluffton.sc.gov 
- Town of Hilton Head Island, SC: www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov 
- Town of Port Royal, SC: www.portroyal.org 
- Town of Yemassee, SC: www.townofyemassee.org 

Other Resources:
- Beaufort County School District: http://beaufort.k12.sc.us 
- Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority: www.bjwsa.org   
- Beaufort Memorial Hospital: www.bmhsc.org 
- Daufuskie Island Ferry Services: www.daufuskieislandferry.com  
- Dominion Energy: www.sceg.com 
- Palmetto Electric: www.palmetto.coop 
- Palmetto Breeze Transit: www.palmettobreezetransit.com 

Image courtesy of NWS.