Beaufort County is closely monitoring the development and track of Hurricane Helene and is in contact with the Emergency Management Division and State officials. Based on current forecasts, County facilities will operate on a normal schedule for Thursday, September 26, and Friday, September 27. 

Daufuskie Island--Lowcountry Ferry Service

Lowcountry Ferry Closing Early In Advance of Hurricane Helene
Due to growing weather conditions from Hurricane Helene,  Lowcountry Ferry will be closing early today, Thursday and tomorrow, Friday. Please check our website for the most up-to-date information. Today's (9/26) closure will be at 1 p.m. with the last run at 11:30 a.m. They anticipate reopening tomorrow at 1 p.m. This can change based on new information obtained from the National Weather Service and the Captain’s call on safety.

County Airports
Hilton Head Island Airport and Beaufort Executive Airport are operating normally at this time, however as Hurricane Helene 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. 

The latest update and information from Beaufort County Sheriff's Office:

Hurricane Helene is now a Category 2 storm. The NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center forecasts Hurricane Helene to continue to strengthen today and become a major hurricane before making landfall in the Florida Big Bend region later today.

Beaufort County remains under a TROPICAL STORM WARNING. US National Weather Service Charleston SC says our potential impacts include tornadoes, tropical storm force wind/wind gusts, periods of heavy rainfall, elevated tides/storm surge inundation, dangerous marine conditions, high surf and high rip current risk.

Today into tonight, conditions are favorable for scattered and possibly numerous tornadoes. So far today, we've already seen Tornado Watches/Warnings issued for portions of Beaufort County.

In the event of a Tornado Warning, here's what you should do:

• Get to the lowest floor of your home or building.
• Put as many walls between yourself and the outside as possible. Avoid windows at all cost!
• Go to a small interior room, such as a closet, bathroom or an interior hall on the lowest level.
• Protect yourself from flying debris with pillows, heavy coats, blankets, or quilts.
• If you live in a mobile home, outside or in your vehicle: seek sturdy shelter nearby, find shelter in a ditch or low spot, or stay in your vehicle and cover your head.

Hurricane Helene's impacts on our area could cause power outages and downed trees. Here's how to report that information:

Report power outages to your power company.

• Dominion: 888-333-4465
• Palmetto Electric: 866-445-5551
• Report downed trees by calling our non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777.

For emergencies, call 911

Meantime, please stay off the roads unless it's necessary to travel. And remember, if your windshield wipers are on, your headlights must be on. Also, take the time now to ensure you are able to receive weather alerts and ensure your devices are charged.

Beaufort County Parks and Recreation Programs

Due to the worsening weather conditions, seniors will be released early today. Additionally, all outdoor activities are canceled.

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.

Download your Hurricane Guide at hurricane.sc.

Sign up for alerts from:

• Beaufort County Government
• Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office
• Governor Henry McMaster
• Beaufort County Emergency Management Division

Beaufort County has important information running on Gas Station TV at seventeen different gas stations:

• Hurricane Preparedness--Are You Ready?
• Hurricane Preparedness--Pet Evacuation
• Hurricane Preparedness--Build a Disaster Supplies Kit

*Image is the latest from NWS Charleston