Full Notification

Sheriff PJ Tanner and Major Adam Zsamar of our Emergency Management Division provide an update as to the status of operations within Beaufort County and what residents and visitors can expect in the coming days. Please click the YouTube link to view. https://youtu.be/qBE0CmQP0Xs
 
As of 5:45 p.m., Beaufort County is under the following watches and warnings: Storm Surge Warning, Tornado Watch, Tropical Storm Warning and Flood Watch.
 
Beaufort County has declared a State of Emergency due to expected impacts from Tropical Storm Debby. The state of emergency is in effect from 2 p.m. today until August 11, unless rescinded sooner. Governor Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency for the State of South Carolina on Sunday.
 
A regional shelter opened in Jasper County at 4 p.m. today, 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.
 
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Division remains in constant contact with local, state, and national agencies in monitoring Tropical Storm Debby’s path and the potential impacts of this storm in our area.
 
Forecasters are predicting heavy rainfall that will likely result in considerable flooding.
 
As a reminder, here are important reminders and details:
▪ You are encouraged to secure outdoor items such as trash cans, patio furniture, hanging planters, and any other items that may become airborne. Also, please ensure all drains near your home are free of debris.
▪ Please keep in mind when preparing your animals ahead of the storm, that it’s against the law to abandon or tether an animal during a named storm.
▪ Stay off the roads unless it’s necessary to travel. Never drive through flooded roads. Keep in mind crossing elevated roads and bridges is not safe during periods of high winds.
▪ The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is the agency to determine if bridges will close, not the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. Currently, all bridges remain open.
▪ In the event you lose power because of forecasted inclement weather, you can report that information to your power company.
     ▪ Dominion Energy | Downed power lines or outages: 888-333-4465 | Gas leaks: 800-815-0083
     ▪ Palmetto Electric Cooperative, Inc | Outages: 866-445-5551
▪ Please report downed power lines, downed trees, and flooded roads by calling our non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777.
 
Please stay informed through official sources regarding the latest developments on Tropical Storm Debby and avoid misinformation spread through social media.
 
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office will continue to update the public as our weather story changes.