State of emergency declared as winter storm approaches; Beaufort County lists warming shelters and safety steps
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Summary
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency ahead of a winter storm. Beaufort County is publicizing warming shelters, utility safety guidance from Dominion Energy, and state resources to help residents prepare.
Beaufort County public officials and partners urged residents to prepare Friday after South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency ahead of a winter storm expected to affect the Lowcountry. The governor’s order activates the state emergency operations plan to help agencies and the National Guard coordinate response and to ease restrictions on emergency transportation.
The county has posted information about warming shelters and storm guidance. Two cold-weather shelter locations were announced for the Beaufort area: Sea Island Presbyterian Church in Beaufort and Christ Lutheran Church on Hilton Head Island. A full press release with operating rules and up-to-date openings is available from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office website, bcso.net, the broadcast said. Residents should check that site for the latest hours and eligibility rules before traveling to a shelter.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service’s Charleston office are monitoring the storm. Forecasters cautioned that freezing rain is the primary concern for the Lowcountry, and coastal lows in the mid-to-upper 20s could allow snow or ice to linger into next week; the greatest impacts were described as most likely late Saturday into Monday morning.
Dominion Energy said it is preparing crews statewide and reminded customers to pack emergency kits (flashlights, batteries, portable radios, first-aid supplies and several days of food and water), to avoid downed power lines, and to report outages at 1-888-333-4465 or through Dominion’s app or website. The broadcast also pointed listeners to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s winter-weather resource guide for checklists and preparation advice.
The county urged residents to follow local and state guidance, to monitor official websites and social channels for updates, and to use county and utility hotlines to report storm damage or outages. Matt Golden delivered the advisories on BCTV’s Beaufort County This Week.