Full Notification

As of 1:30 p.m., today, January 23, 2025, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and our local enforcement partners continue to ask the public to remain at home unless travel is necessary.
 
Current conditions on roads in Beaufort County are as follows:

• Primary roads: Improving; however, hazards remain
• Secondary roads: Hazardous
• Rural and private roads: Hazardous

Primary roads are considered the main arteries (Ex. U.S. 278, U.S. 21, S.C. 170). Secondary roads serve to connect smaller areas or provide access to points off the primary routes (Ex. Parris Island Gateway, Bluffton Parkway).
 
Sunlight and warming temperatures are aiding in melting the ice, sleet, and snow on the roads. South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) continues to work on clearing and treating roads. Please keep in mind, that regardless of conditions improving on certain roads, shaded areas could potentially still be frozen. Before any travel, we encourage you to use the following resources to view current road conditions.
 
Travel and road condition resources:

• South Carolina Department of Transportation: www.scdot.org             
• SCDOT 511: www.511sc.org (Real-time traffic information, as well as live camera views across South Carolina)
• Beaufort County Traffic Cameras: https://apps.beaufortcountysc.gov/traffic-cameras/ (Current traffic conditions in images from traffic cameras throughout Beaufort County)

Starting late this afternoon into evening, the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures to drop once again in the low to mid-20s. This will cause any melted water to refreeze creating 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.
 
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.
 
For emergencies, please call 911. Otherwise, please use our non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777.