Full Notification

As of 5 p.m., tonight, January 22, 2025, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office deputies and other law enforcement agencies within the county are requesting the public avoid traveling at this time.
 
According to the National Weather Service, Beaufort County remains under a COLD WEATHER ADVISORY. Currently, temperatures are dropping and will fall to around 20 degrees (+/-) overnight. These freezing temperatures, combined with melted water, will create hazardous driving conditions. The concern is black ice. Black ice is a thin coat of ice that can form on roads and bridges in multiple scenarios, and because it is transparent, it visually blends into the pavement, taking drivers by surprise. Also, please keep in mind that shaded areas of the road could potentially be frozen at this time and remain frozen.
 
Should travel be necessary, please be advised of the following tips:

• Slow down: Reduce your speed and leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you.
• Brake gently: Avoid slamming on the brakes, which can cause skidding.
• Use low gears: Low gears help maintain traction, especially on hills.
• Increase visibility: Turn on your lights and keep your windshield clean.
• Be careful on bridges and overpasses: These areas freeze first.
• Don't use cruise control or overdrive: These features can be dangerous on icy roads.
• Take it easy: Avoid sudden movements and don't panic.
• Wear your seat belt: This will help keep you safe in the event of an accident.

• Burton Wells Recreation Center (1 Middleton Recreation Drive, Beaufort)
  • Open: The cold weather shelter is currently open to the public
  • This shelter is run by the Department of Social Services (DSS)
  • No weapons, alcohol, smoking, or pets are permitted; however, service animals will be allowed
  • Those who utilize this shelter must be prepared to bring their own necessities and personal items
• Sea Island Presbyterian Church (81 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort)
  • Open: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights (Jan. 22 – Jan. 24) at 5 p.m. and closes at 8 a.m. the following morning
  • Dinner & breakfast provided
  • Showers available
  • No weapons, alcohol, smoking, or pets are permitted; however, service animals will be allowed
  • For additional information, call Sea Island Presbyterian Church at 843-525-0696
• Christ Lutheran Church (829 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island)
  • Open: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights (Jan. 22 – Jan. 24) at 5:30 p.m. & closes at 7:30 a.m. the following morning
  • Dinner & morning to-go meal provided
  • No weapons, alcohol, smoking, or pets are permitted; however, service animals will be allowed
  • For additional information and transportation assistance, call Christ Lutheran Church at 843-540-4299

• People
  • Minimize time outdoors
  • Prepare for power outages
  • Check on the elderly & other vulnerable people to make sure they’re ok
• Pets
  • Keep your pets warm, dry & indoors as much as possible
  • Ensure their food & water doesn’t freeze
  • Limit outside time & keep them bundled up
• Pipes
  • Insulate pipes if possible
  • Open sink cabinets to expose pipes to heated air
  • Disconnect hoses and turn off water to sprinklers
• Plants
  • Know their temperature thresholds
  • If possible, cover them before the cold weather sets in to help retain some heat

• To report power outages/gas leaks:
  • Dominion Energy
    • Power outages and downed/sparking lines: 1-888-333-4465
    • Gas leaks: 1-800-815-0083
  • Palmetto Electric
    • Power outages: 1-866-445-5551
• To report issues with water/sewer services:
  • Beaufort Jasper Water & Sewer Authority
    • 843-987-9200
  • Broad Creek Public Service District
    • 843-785-7582
  • Hilton Head Public Service District
    • 843-681-5052
• To report cable/internet outages:
  • Hargray/Sparklight
    • 843-686-1138
  • Spectrum
    • 1-833-267-6094
  • Brightspeed
    • 1-833-692-7773
• For all emergencies, call 911
• For non-emergencies, call 843-524-2777
  • Utilize this number if attempting to report non-urgent information to Beaufort County law enforcement agencies, fire departments, or Beaufort County EMS.