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Roof Repair in Beaufort, SC
When it comes to your home, what do you consider to be the important part? Many people might say the kitchen or bedroom. Others might say the living room, where Sunday night football happens and family time is always in full swing. However, if you were to ask a builder, chances are they'd say your roof is the single-most vital part of your home. That's because your roof serves as a protective barrier for everything underneath it, including your most precious cargo: your family. Without a strong and sturdy roof, you and your family could be exposed to the elements or worse. Could you imagine trying to go through life with a dilapidated roof in need of repairs?
One moment, you could be sitting around with your loved ones enjoying each other's company. The next moment, you're scrambling to get a tarp up on your roof because there's a last-minute thunderstorm about to hit your neighborhood. Everything from critters to rain and wind would find its way inside. Even small holes and repairs left to fester can quickly become bigger problems in the summer and winter, when Lowcountry pests and storms tear away at minor issues, making them major.
Whether you're looking for roof repair in Beaufort to prepare for the inevitable or a complete roof replacement for long-term protection, Empire Roofing & Remodeling is your go-to choice for quality roofing services. Why take a risk with the part of your home that gives you the most protection year-round?
Service Areas
4 Reasons to Keep
Your Roof in Great Condition
Our team of experts at Empire Roofing is very passionate about roofing and, more specifically, keeping our client's roofs in great condition. We believe education can go a long way in keeping you safe, which is why we put together these points, so you understand how crucial it is to maintain your roof.
01. Your Roof Keeps Your Family Safe and Dry
The primary purpose of a roof is to shield your home from various weather conditions and potential threats. Without it, families would not have proper housing, so it is crucial to keep your roof in good condition to ensure the safety and comfort of its occupants. Could you imagine trying to help your kids with math homework with water dripping on your head? Without a well-built and maintained roof, you'll have to alter your way of living every time a storm swoops in or high-gusting wind picks up.
02. Maintain Structural Integrity of Your Home
Did you know that the roof of your house serves as a crucial structural support that keeps everything together? Without it, your lighting, plumbing, and interior design would not be able to function properly. Once your roof starts to go, it's only a matter of time before other issues start popping up. Before you know it, you're dealing with home repairs that can quickly snowball out of control, and it all started with your roof.
03. Keep Indoor Temperatures in Check
Your roofing system's insulation is a key factor in maintaining consistent indoor temperatures and reducing energy costs. By adding a layer of insulation, you can create a barrier that helps minimize the output required from HVAC units, leading to lower energy bills. And, if we're being honest, every penny saved in today's economy is worth it.
04. Raise the Value of Your Home
Having a well-maintained roof is one of the biggest factors that goes into the resale value of your home. Put yourself in the shoes of the buyer – if you were interested in buying a home but found that it was in need of a roof replacement in Beaufort, would you buy the property? Probably not. But having a solid roof that has been maintained won't just raise your property value. It could also help you sell your home and put you in a better position to pass a home inspection.
If you know for a fact that your roof is in bad shape, it's imperative to consider roof repairs when necessary and even a roof replacement when needed. By and large, roofing jobs are almost always best performed by trained professionals like you'll find at Empire Roofing & Remodeling. Fortunately, our team of licensed experts specializes in both roof repairs as well as roofing replacements.
Protect Your Biggest Investment with
Roof Repair in Beaufort
If your roof has minor or moderate damage, a roof repair may be all that's needed to fix the problem. This process can even prolong the life of an older roof. Most homeowners will face this project at some point, but it's best to hire a qualified roofing company like Empire Roofing to ensure it's done correctly, even if the damage seems easy enough to handle on your own.
Instead of replacing the entire roof, roof repair involves fixing a small, isolated area. The repair process may include patching holes and gaps or replacing damaged shingles and other materials, depending on the type of damage.
A qualified contractor will identify and evaluate the roofing problem before repairing it. You can look for signs of damage on your own by using binoculars to scan the roof from the ground. If you notice missing or broken shingles, nail pops, punctures or holes, cracked flashing, or granule loss, your roof needs repairing ASAP. When roof repairs are needed, Empire Roofing is ready to help.
The Empire Roofing Repair Process
With years of high-level roofing experience, we have developed a tried-and-true system for roof repairs in South Carolina:
Insurance: At Empire Roofing, we like to work with insurance companies, not against them. If your home has insurance that protects you from roof damage, we can help make the insurance claim process easier. That way, we can get to your repairs quicker.
Scope of Work: Once insurance signs off on your roof repair work, we'll provide you with a detailed estimate that covers the repairs and scope of work needed to repair your roof. Of course, you'll also get plenty of info on pricing, a repair timeline, and our contact info.
Approvals: If building permits or HOA approvals are necessary, we will acquire those so that we can get to work on repairing your roof.
Prep: Before our team gets to work, we always take the time necessary to protect your home and property. We're talking roof tarps, dump zones, and ground cover for your landscaping.
Roof Repairs in Beaufort: Once we've got your home and property prepped, we'll start repairing your roof, so you can rest easy at night knowing your family is protected.
Cleanup: We know that repairing roofs can be messy work. That's why we make it a point to clean up after ourselves by removing debris and remnants of your roofing job from your property.
Save Money and Stress with a Roof Replacement in Beaufort
Request Service
Repairing a roof only addresses a portion of the structure, whereas replacing it involves removing the entire visible area. With a roof replacement, just about everything must be stripped away. That way, the deck is exposed, and repairs to sheathing, rafters, and trusses can be made before your replacement project begins.
And while it's true that a total roof replacement is more complicated and involves more work than roof repairs, with time, a roof replacement can actually save you money. That's especially true if your roof is sagging or in such a state of disrepair that a replacement is your only option.
At Empire Roofing & Remodeling, we would be happy to inspect your roof to determine what type of service you need, whether it's a roof repair or roof replacement. If we find that you really do need a replacement, you can rest easy knowing that you're in capable hands with Empire. We've been replacing roofs for years and have the professional tools and training to get the job done right the first time.
With that said, we know that getting your roof replaced is still a nerve-wracking experience. While every roof replacement is different, knowing how we approach roof replacements in South Carolina can help give you peace of mind.
The Residential Roof Replacement Process at Empire Roofing
Deliver
Materials
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Move
Automobiles
Upon arrival, your roof replacement contractor from Empire will ask that you move all vehicles from your driveway or garage, except for any vehicle you won't need to use during the replacement process. This is done to allow you and your family to come and go as usual, without any obstructions. Additionally, it provides protection for your vehicles, as stray debris from the roof could potentially cause damage to your windshield or paint.
Old Roof
Removal
Once your contractor has prepared the area, they will remove your old roof in sections. They will start at the farthest corner of your roof from your driveway and work their way toward the dump trailer and new materials. As they remove a section, some of our contractors will begin installing your new roof while others will continue to remove your old roof. This is done to save time, money, and reduce foot traffic on your roof.
Protect Your Lawn
& Landscaping
As you prepare to replace your roof, the next step is to protect your property. Your contractor will start by tarping the ground where debris will be dumped and covering your shrubs and landscaping. This ensures that your property remains safe during the roof replacement process. It's also a good idea to consider protecting valuable items inside your home, depending on the size and scope of your roof replacement in Beaufort.
Gutters
Cleared
As your Empire roof replacement team cleans up and removes sections of your roof, your gutters will also be cleaned out. This cleaning includes removing any debris from the tear-off, leaves, and other potential blockages. It should be noted that it's important to clean out your gutters periodically throughout the year to maintain the integrity of your roof. Don't wait to have your gutters cleaned until it's time for your roof to be replaced.
Roof Replacement
Begins
After removing your old roofing materials and after your gutters are clean, our team will get to work on installing your new roof. We can use a wide range of materials for your new roof, from asphalt shingles for residential homes to TPO roofing for businesses.
Using an asphalt roof as an example, your Empire roofers will systematically work their way around your house, following the areas that have already been torn off. After a portion is removed, the underlayment is laid, and the drip edge will be installed. From there, your starter shingles and regular shingles will then be applied, taking into account current and future weather conditions. Once your shingles are ready, our team will put on your ridge capping. From there, we'll tackle your home's ventilation system.
Remember – each type of roofing material will have a different installation method. Contact our office today to learn more about the material choices we have available and which option is best for your needs.
Roof Replacement
Cleanup
After we replace your old roof, it's time to clean up. We'll get to work quickly, making it a point to blow off your roof so leftover debris is removed onto dump tarps. Our team will also clear any remaining debris out of your downspouts and gutters. Once we're done cleaning up on top of your roof, we'll move to the ground, where we'll finish cleaning up. Once we leave, you'll have a hard time knowing we were even there – except for the beautiful new roof sitting over your head.
Workmanship
Inspection
At Empire Roofing & Remodeling, we take roof repair and roof replacements very seriously. After all, your family's well-being and safety are on the line. That's why we double-check all of our work to ensure the quality of your roofing project matches our extra-high standards. Once we verify the quality of our work and we ensure that you're happy, we'll thank you and move on to our next roofing project in South Carolina.
Roof Replacement or
Roof Repair in Beaufort?
At Empire Roofing & Remodeling, one of the most common questions we receive often revolves around whether a client should get their roof repaired or replaced. When it comes to home improvement, repairing or replacing your roof is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. It's crucial to select the right approach to guarantee that your roof is in its best condition and that you're getting your money's worth.
If you're unsure whether roof repair or replacement is best, consider these factors.
Age of Your Roof
Although roofs are designed to endure and shield you from harsh weather conditions, they do have a limited lifespan. Each roofing material has a sell-by date indicating when it needs to be replaced. For instance, asphalt roofing shingles usually last for about 20 years. As your roof reaches the end of its lifespan, it is often more efficient and cost-effective to replace your roof rather than repair it every few months.
Condition of Your Roof
Is your roof deteriorating from an aesthetic standpoint, or has it suffered physical damage? Small visual issues resulting from minor damage are often best addressed by roof repairs. Extreme damage affecting your home's structural integrity often requires a full roof replacement.
Area of Roof Damaged
Is your roof deteriorating from an aesthetic standpoint, or has it suffered physical damage? Small visual issues resulting from minor damage are often best addressed by roof repairs. Extreme damage affecting your home's structural integrity often requires a full roof replacement.
Future Plans
Ask yourself this: How long do you plan on living in your current home? To increase the value of their property, many homeowners choose to invest in home improvement projects such as updating their roofing systems. However, if you plan to sell your home and increase its value, it's important to consider roof repair vs. roof replacement timelines. If you've got a new job lined up and have to move soon, a complete roof replacement might not be feasible.
Trust the Empire Roofing &
Remodeling Difference
Looking for a roofing contractor that you can trust with your biggest investment? At Empire Roofing & Remodeling, LLC, we take pride in our workmanship and unflinching commitment to customers. As a family-owned business, we know how important your roof is to the safety of your family. We also know that money doesn't grow on trees. That's why we're happy to provide dependable roofing services at prices that won't break the bank.
Whether your roof needs simple repairs or a complete roof replacement in Beaufort, you can count on our licensed professionals. No matter the size of your project, we're here to serve you with quality, integrity, and a friendly smile. Contact our office today to get started.
Call Us Now
(843) 810-7378
Free Estimate
Latest News in Beaufort, SC
Helene damage to Port Royal boardwalk could hit $100K. Boats fill Beaufort man’s backyard
Karl Pucketthttps://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/community/beaufort-news/article293128724.html
READ MOREExpected to reach Florida’s Big Bend region late Thursday, the predicted incoming impacts for Hurricane Helene triggered a tropical storm watch for the Lowcountry.Expand AllStorm surge and high winds from Tropical Storm Helene hammered Port Royal’s iconic boardwalk and beached several boats in Beaufort early Friday morning.“It’s crazy,” said Bay Street resident Mike Milano. “There’s four boats washed up in my backyard right now.” His home is on the Beauf...
READ MORE
Expected to reach Florida’s Big Bend region late Thursday, the predicted incoming impacts for Hurricane Helene triggered a tropical storm watch for the Lowcountry.
Expand All
Storm surge and high winds from Tropical Storm Helene hammered Port Royal’s iconic boardwalk and beached several boats in Beaufort early Friday morning.
“It’s crazy,” said Bay Street resident Mike Milano. “There’s four boats washed up in my backyard right now.” His home is on the Beaufort River.
The high winds and surf pushed boats around like toys and several were seen on the riverbank, presumably washed there from the mooring field attached to the Beaufort Marina. The rough water also heavily damaged the public landing dock at the marina, which appeared to have snapped in one place and was underwater. Waves lapped at the promenade near the marina where windswept boats were clustered in unfamiliar territory.
To the south in Port Royal, a section of the Henry Robinson Boardwalk on Battery Creek, one of the region’s most popular destinations, was washed away in the storm.
The section between the boat landing and covered pier took the brunt of the damage, Town Administrator Van Willis said.. At 9:30 a.m., the town was in the process of shutting down Sands Beach Road, which leads to the beach and the boardwalk, to the public. “We do not need the public at risk, period,” Willis said.
“The storm ended up being a lot worse than everybody anticipated and we’ve got significant trees down everywhere,” Willis added.
Beaufort City Manager Scott Marshall said late Friday morning that tree damage in the city was significant.
“We literally had dozens of trees down across power lines or across roads,” Marshall said.
The city was assessing the damage to the dock and the marina as well, he said. Marshall counted nine boats that had broken away in the high winds and ended up on the shore.
“It’s more significant I think than any of us had anticipated,” Marshall said of damage from the storm. “Our crews will be busy for a while.”
There were a few reports of large trees falling on houses and cars, including one in the Shell Point area of Port Royal and another at the Hampton Inn on Boundary Street in Beaufort, according to the Beaufort-Port Royal Fire Department.
Milano, the Beaufort resident, walked along the shoreline at around 7 a.m. to survey the beached boats. He noticed that winds knocked down a brick wall near his home and ripped shingles and siding off of his house.
The storm system, which was a Category 4 Hurricane when it made landfall in Florida, had been downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it reached Beaufort County early Friday.
As the sun rose Friday morning, it revealed streets littered with tree branches and Spanish moss and traffic lights were dark. A Port Royal officer directed traffic at the busy intersection of Ladys Island Drive and Ribaut Road because the traffic lights were not working.
The sun was peeking through the gray clouds by late Friday morning but Beaufort County was expected to remain under a tropical storm warning until 1:15 p.m.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center said it had received dozens of reports of downed trees and power lines and advised residents to use caution when traveling.
Early Friday morning, Dominion Energy reported nearly 37,000 customers without power but electricity was being restored in some locations as the morning progressed. Palmetto Electric initially reported more than 20,000 customers without electricity.
This story was originally published September 27, 2024, 9:30 AM.
What’s still closed in Beaufort County, Hilton Head due to Helene? Here’s a running list
Evan McKennahttps://www.islandpacket.com/news/weather-news/article293085754.html
READ MOREExpected to reach Florida’s Big Bend region late Thursday, the predicted incoming impacts for Hurricane Helene triggered a tropical storm watch for the Lowcountry.Expand AllLocal schools, government services and businesses rapidly announced closures and delays Thursday before Hurricane Helene was posed to batter Florida’s Big Bend region, residual bringing the threat of ...
READ MORE
Expected to reach Florida’s Big Bend region late Thursday, the predicted incoming impacts for Hurricane Helene triggered a tropical storm watch for the Lowcountry.
Expand All
Local schools, government services and businesses rapidly announced closures and delays Thursday before Hurricane Helene was posed to batter Florida’s Big Bend region, residual bringing the threat of high winds and tornadoes to the Hilton Head Island area. Meteorologists predict the worst of the storm will hit Beaufort County beginning Thursday evening and overnight Friday.
This list of closures and delays will be constantly updated as the week progresses.
Beaufort County School District: All Beaufort County public school facilities will be closed Friday and classes will be held online, the district announced just before noon on Thursday. After-school activities Thursday were canceled, but activities set for Friday afternoon would continue as scheduled.
Technical College of the Lowcountry: In-person classes canceled after 5 p.m. Thursday and all day Friday; normal operations resuming 8 a.m. Monday
University of South Carolina Beaufort: Classes after 5 p.m. Thursday moved to e-learning; all classes and university offices will “operate normally” Friday.
Mathnasium of Bluffton: Closed Thursday.
May River Montessori School: Closed Friday.
Lowcountry Day Preschool: Closing at 2 p.m. Thursday; closed Friday.
Ivybrook Academy: Closed Friday.
Kids College: Closing at 2:30 p.m. Thursday; closed Friday.
The Children’s Center: Closed Friday.
Limitless Pediatric Solutions: Closed Friday.
SliderBar Bluffton: Closing at 3 p.m. Thursday.
Beaufort County Auditor’s Bluffton office: Closed Friday.
Beaufort County offices: Closed Friday.
Beaufort County Convenience Centers: Closed Friday; normal operations expected Saturday.
Beaufort Magistrate Court: Facilities open Friday; all Friday preliminary hearings rescheduled for Oct. 11.
Bluffton Waste Management: Lowcountry Hauling and WM Brunswick Hauling services working Thursday and Friday; route delays expected Friday.
Palmetto Breeze Transit: Friday routes delayed by three hours; all other services “will operate as scheduled.”
City of Hardeeville offices: Closed Friday.
Low Country Shrimp and Knits: Closing at 5 p.m. Thursday
To add your own business or other closure information to this list, email us at newsroom@islandpacket.com.
This story was originally published September 26, 2024, 2:35 PM.
Weather Service confirms 3 tornadoes in Beaufort County from Helene. Here’s where they hit
Sarah Haselhorsthttps://www.islandpacket.com/news/weather-news/article293248274.html
Hurricane Helene’s wrath spawned three EF-0 tornadoes in Beaufort County between Thursday and Friday mornings, according to the National Weather Service’s Charleston Office.On Wednesday, nearly 24 hours before the first twister touched down on Daufuskie Island, the NWS urged residents to prepare for scattered tornadoes, as meteorologists said the storm system had a “very good” setup for tornadoes t...
Hurricane Helene’s wrath spawned three EF-0 tornadoes in Beaufort County between Thursday and Friday mornings, according to the National Weather Service’s Charleston Office.
On Wednesday, nearly 24 hours before the first twister touched down on Daufuskie Island, the NWS urged residents to prepare for scattered tornadoes, as meteorologists said the storm system had a “very good” setup for tornadoes to form.
Hurricanes and tropical storms can lead to the formation of tornadoes, because as the outer bands of a storm reach land, winds are slowed closer to the ground but remain strong at higher altitudes. The difference causes wind shear, which is a variation in wind speed and direction at different heights, and creates the spin required for tornado formation.
The first blaring of a tornado warning came at 7:05 a.m. Thursday, quickly following an EF-0 tornado that was packing 80 mph winds and had touched down on Daufuskie Island near Driftwood Cottage Lane at 7:03 a.m. The twister, which covered 6.66 miles and had a path width of 150 yards, spun northward across the island and lifted north of Big House Plantation Road near Myrtle Island on the mainland, according to the NWS.
At 7:18 a.m., a second warning rang out. Two minutes later, an EF-0 tornado with maximum winds of 76 mph touched down near Headwaters Road in Palmetto Bluff near Pritchardville, the service reported. The twister, which traveled 1.27 miles and had a 100-yard path width, rotated north and crossed the far western marshy area of the May River before crossing May River Road. The tornado dissipated north of May River Road.
Shortly after midnight, at 1:29 a.m. Friday, an EF-0 tornado with maximum winds near 70 mph hit the Gardens Corner area, north of Beaufort. The twister touched down southeast of Washington Farm Road, then spun northwest across Stroban Road near Daniels Drive, according to the NWS. The rotating system, which covered 3.87 miles and had a 175-yard path width, then crossed US Highway 17 before dissipating in a marshy area.
Based on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, tornado ratings account for estimated wind speeds and related damages. An EF-0 tornado must have an estimated 3-second wind gust between 65 mph and 85 mph.
As of Monday morning, NWS Meteorologist Jonathan Lamb said the three tornadoes were the only confirmed in Beaufort County so far. Most recently, in early August, the NWS reported two short-lived EF-0 twisters, one on Lady’s Island and the other on Saint Helena Island, as a result of Tropical Storm Debby.
This story was originally published September 30, 2024, 12:47 PM.
Surcheros delays opening of new location in Beaufort
Explore Beaufort -https://explorebeaufortsc.com/surcheros-delays-opening-of-new-location-in-beaufort/
Many of the stores that were much anticipated to open at the new Beaufort Station Shopping Center have already opened their doors, but what about some food? Chicken Salad Chick opened on October 15th, but what about Panda Express and Surcheros in Beaufort?Sucheros Fresh Mex is one of the tenants that is setting up shop at the center, and it had originally announced that the restaurant had planned to open on November 19th. As of October 29th, that has now been delayed.We received ...
Many of the stores that were much anticipated to open at the new Beaufort Station Shopping Center have already opened their doors, but what about some food? Chicken Salad Chick opened on October 15th, but what about Panda Express and Surcheros in Beaufort?
Sucheros Fresh Mex is one of the tenants that is setting up shop at the center, and it had originally announced that the restaurant had planned to open on November 19th.
As of October 29th, that has now been delayed.
We received an email from Surcheros contracted marketing firm letting us know that the opening of the restaurant has been delayed until sometime in 2025.
The reason we were given is due to construction delays.
When it does finally open, the new Surcheros in Beaufort will be the first location in South Carolina for the growing, Georgia-based Tex-Mex chain.
With over 30 locations across Florida and Georgia, Surcheros is celebrated for its fresh, Mexican-inspired offerings, featuring customizable burritos, bowls, tacos, nachos, quesadillas, salads and more.
In early 2024, the chain announced plans to open 100 restaurants within the next five years. The company expects to open 15 to 20 locations by the end of 2025.
The 209,250 square foot shopping center with outparcels on the corner of Robert Smalls Parkway and Paris Island Gateway is home to a variety of businesses that are new to Beaufort, SC as well as a couple that have moved across the highway to enjoy the new digs.
Among tenants that have opened at the new shopping center are PetSmart, TJ Maxx, Home Goods, Five Below, and Rack Room Shoes, Hobby Lobby, Ross Dress for Less, Ulta Beauty, and Old Navy.
Joining Surcheros in Beaufort as new neighbors will be Chicken Salad Chick, Le Nails, Panda Express, Surcheros Fresh Mex, Mattress Warehouse, America’s Best, a Parker’s Kitchen and a Parker’s Car Wash.
“Beaufort is a beautiful community, and growing, but underserved in retail,” said Jeff Surrency, executive vice president of development at The Morgan Companies, the developers of Beaufort Station.
“We continue to attract high quality tenants for this project, and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Trey Morgan, President of The Morgan Companies. “This is not only a testament to great real estate, but a growing, vibrant community as well.”
We’re looking forward to Surcheros in Beaufort, whenever it comes.
Beaufort County under tropical storm warning Wednesday as Helene intensifies into hurricane
Sarah Haselhorsthttps://www.islandpacket.com/news/weather-news/article293016909.html
READ MOREExpected to reach Florida’s Big Bend region late Thursday, the predicted incoming impacts for Hurricane Helene triggered a tropical storm watch for the Lowcountry.Expand AllFollowing Helene intensifying into a Category 1 hurricane mid-morning Wednesday, Beaufort County was ...
READ MORE
Expected to reach Florida’s Big Bend region late Thursday, the predicted incoming impacts for Hurricane Helene triggered a tropical storm watch for the Lowcountry.
Expand All
Following Helene intensifying into a Category 1 hurricane mid-morning Wednesday, Beaufort County was upgraded to a tropical storm warning, according to the National Weather Service’s Charleston Office.
The warning was triggered at 11 a.m. and indicates that tropical storm-force winds are expected somewhere in the area — Beaufort, Bluffton and Hilton Head Island — within the next 36 hours.
The tropical storm warning was set to expire at 1:15 a.m. Thursday. On Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Henry McMaster issued a State of Emergency to ensure the “Team South Carolina has the necessary resources in place to respond to these potential impacts.”
“Although South Carolina will likely avoid the brunt of Hurricane Helene’s impacts, the storm is still expected to bring dangerous flooding, high winds, and isolated tornadoes to many parts of the state,” McMaster said in a statement.
At 4 p.m. Wednesday, Hurricane Helene was 460 miles south-southwest of Tampa, Florida, moving north at 12 mph and packing 85 mph winds, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The center of Helene would pass near the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on Wednesday morning, churn across the eastern Gulf of Mexico on later Wednesday and Thursday, and reach the Big Bend coast of Florida late Thursday, according to NHC computer models. Hurricane Helene will “rapidly strengthen” over the eastern Gulf of Mexico and become a “major hurricane” Thursday.
The NWS said Hurricane Helene was likely to bring strong winds, heavy rain and rough seas to the Lowcountry. During an NWS briefing Wednesday, Meteorologist Ron Morales said there were no significant changes in Helene’s track, which meant the forecasters’ confidence of expected impacts to the area had increased.
Winds driven by Hurricane Helene could reach between 39 and 57 mph beginning Thursday afternoon in the Lowcountry, leading to downed and/or uprooted trees, isolated-to-scattered power outages and debris-filled roads, according to the NWS.
Morales said Wednesday evening that Beaufort County would get up to 55 mph wind gusts, starting Thursday and lasting through Friday morning.
Tornadoes are a concern for Thursday night, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division said. And the twisters are the greatest impact Beaufort County could get from Helene, Morales said during a Wednesday evening briefing.
The Storm Prediction Center has identified a slight risk of severe weather for areas south and east of Interstate 20, and an enhanced risk — level 3 of 5 — for the far southern part of the state.
Morales said the service was becoming more concerned about tornadoes, because the current environment is a “very good setup” for tornadoes to form. The highest threat for tornadoes is within stronger rain bands.
“We expect the radar to get a lot busier a lot busier later tonight and certainly tomorrow, as we start getting into the actual rain bands of circulation,” Morales said.
Frank Strait, the state’s severe weather liaison, said a tornado outbreak at night is “never a good thing,” as people are usually sleeping and miss warnings.
“It’s important to have tornado preparations in place ahead of Helene,” Strait said. “Decide on your best shelter area in advance, as you might not get much lead time. Tropical tornadoes often hit fast without much lead time on warnings.”
Beaufort County does not have tornado sirens, so ensure you have a way to get alerts for tornado watches and warnings.
Storm surge between 1 and 3 feet above ground was possible starting Wednesday, with the greatest impacts Thursday. The surge could cause localized flooding in low-lying areas, washing of streets and roads near the coast and minor-to-moderate beach erosion.
On Thursday and into Friday morning, there will be a threat of high surf and deadly rip currents, the NWS said. Seas could build 6 to 15 feet, with 9 to 17 feet as the highest. Winds and wind gusts of up to 55 knots are possible.
Beginning 8 p.m. Wednesday and lasting through 8 p.m. Friday, up to 2 inches of rain could fall in Beaufort County.
This story was originally published September 25, 2024, 11:30 AM.
The Island Packet
Sarah Haselhorst, a St. Louis native, writes about climate issues along South Carolina’s coast. Her work is produced with financial support from Journalism Funding Partners. Previously, Sarah spent time reporting in Jackson, Mississippi; Cincinnati, Ohio; and mid-Missouri.
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