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1. What is the difference between a tropical storm watch and warning?

A hurricane or tropical storm watch means storm conditions are possible in a specified area. This watch is usually issued 48 hours before storm-force winds (39-73 mph or higher) are expected in an area. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding.

A hurricane or tropical storm warning means storm conditions are expected in a specified area. This warning is usually issued 36 hours before storm-force winds (39-73 mph or higher) are expected in an area.

2. What are the categories of hurricanes and what do they mean?

The Saffir-Simpson Scale classifies hurricanes by maximum sustained winds. However, please keep in mind a storm may have stronger wind gusts.

Categories 1 through 5:

1. Category 1: 74 to 95 MPH sustained wind speed 
2. Category 2: 96 to 110 MPH sustained wind speed 
3. Category 3: 111 to 129 MPH sustained wind speed 
4. Category 4: 130 to 156 MPH sustained wind speed 
5. Category 5: Over 157 MPH sustained wind speed 

These categories only highlight potential damage and impacts form the wind. This does not address other potential hurricane related impacts, such as storm surge, flooding, and tornadoes.

Please also be mindful to not classify a storm by “just a category X.” There are many variables which can affect the severity of a hurricane such as if it is arrives at high tide. Remember, many factors are in a hurricane equation and each storm and its potential damage is unique. It is always best to err on the side of safety than to take a cavalier attitude towards hurricanes and tropical storms. 

3. What can I do to prepare for a storm?

• The South Carolina Emergency Management Division Hurricane Guide has details about personal plans, zones, emergency shelters and links to other agencies and information. https://scemd.org/stay-informed/publications/hurricane-guide/.
• Follow the City of Beaufort on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and NextDoor.
• Use the Beaufort County Hurricane Hotline for updated information. The phone number is 1-800-963-5023. 
• Remember the 5 P’s: People (pets), prescriptions, paper (i.e., important documents), personal needs (i.e., medication, etc.), priceless Items (i.e., pack your photos albums, etc.), and have a plan for each category. 
• Make a paper record of all your contact information for your family and friends in case there is no cell phone service. 
• Take photos of your property and home before and after the storm for insurance documentation. 
• Secure any loose articles (i.e., outdoor furniture, potted plants or décor items) on your property that could become airborne and cause damage, or block pipes or ditches. 
• Know your evacuations options and plan possible routes and hotels or housing arrangements.
• If you have a pet, know which hotels accept pets during a hurricane.
• Have a supply of at least two weeks’ worth of prescribed medications before you travel.
• Conduct inspections of drainage features around your house and property, including gutters, and remove any blockages.
• Turn off irrigation systems.
• Remove items which may hold water to deter mosquito breeding after the storm passes.
• Obtain flood insurance now. Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover flooding. The federal government administers flood insurance. More information is available at the National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov. Please be mindful you live in the Lowcountry; therefore, the entire region is flat and flood prone. 
• Best advice: Leave PRIOR to an evacuation order. You can better control your destination and route. Once an evacuation order is called, SC Highway Patrol officers and local officers will direct your path of travel, which may add to frustration and increase travel time to your intended destination.  
• Remember, if you decide to stay during an evacuation order, emergency services may be suspended due to unsafe weather conditions. Each resident who stays during an evacuation has to be prepared to address a health or safety situation alone.  
• Please be patient and help your neighbor. The City of Beaufort is working around the clock to manage the storm; however, everyone has a role in the community’s safety and recovery. 

4. Who has the authority to issue an evacuation order?

In South Carolina, only the governor can issue a mandatory evacuation order. Your local county and municipal officials are following the governor’s directive and may enact local measures to support and augment an evacuation order as needed for public safety.  

5. What are the evacuation routes?

For our area, the evacuation route will flow north and west. Lane reversals are possible and should be expected during an evacuation. Evacuation routes can be found at https://www.scemd.org/prepare/know-your-zone/.

6. Can I evacuate before an evacuation order?

During a pending storm, early evacuation is encouraged. As a former emergency manager said, “When you see a storm brewing, it’s a perfect time to plan a trip to visit friends or family.” If you leave before an official evacuation order, you can travel freely via any route. Once an evacuation order is issued, you may have to take a prescribed route out of town and endure traffic congestion. If your schedule permits, leaving as soon as you are able can prevent congestion and personal frustration.

7. What local agency leads during hurricane season?

The Beaufort County Storm Center is managed by the Beaufort County sheriff, and is the lead emergency management agency for all of Beaufort County. It has a direct link to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, and during emergencies that office coordinates all response activities countywide through the Beaufort County Emergency Operations Center. The County Emergency Operations Center is staffed by critical support functions and representatives from all municipalities and military bases in the county as well as representatives from the Beaufort County School District. 

Following the governor’s lifting of an evacuation order, a policy group made up of senior representatives in the Emergency Operations Center provide input to the Beaufort County emergency manager regarding re-entry procedures.  

The City of Beaufort follows the directives of Beaufort County Emergency Management during a hurricane or critical incident. The City of Beaufort  activates its own Emergency Operations Center, within the Fire Department, and its representatives are available to assist you with information during such an event.  

8. What are the best sources of information during a storm?

During a hurricane, the City will update its social media accounts frequently to ensure our residents are receiving the most recent, accurate information. Please be mindful to check if the information you are sharing and/or believing is attributed to a reliable source such as state, county or local government agency.

9. What if I need a shelter during a storm?

There are NO shelters available in Beaufort County during a hurricane. Beaufort County, also known as the Lowcountry, is comprised of low-lying land surrounded by marshes, rivers and other bodies of water. There are no shelters in Beaufort County due to its flat land and being flood prone.  

In previous years, the Red Cross has opened some shelters in Jasper County during storm events. Please call the Red Cross Lowcountry Chapter (843-764-2323) for more information, or follow them on social media.

This brochure from the Beaufort County Storm Center has information on where people can be picked up and brought to a shelter during an evacuation.

Additionally, a list of shelters will be available on https://scemd.org/stay-informed/emergency-shelters/

10. What if I need transportation to a shelter?

If you need transportation to a shelter prior to a storm, please call Palmetto Breeze, the Lowcountry’s public transportation system at 843.757.5782. Please plan ahead; its buses cease operation once the storm and/or high winds begin.

11. What happens if I stay in town during a mandatory evacuation order?

Mandatory evacuation orders are issued to save the lives of residents as well as first responders. If you choose to ignore the mandatory evacuation order, be prepared to be self-sufficient during, and for the first 72 hours after, a storm. High winds during storms prohibit travel of emergency response vehicles, and debris following storms, may also prevent travel. In addition, mandatory evacuations also include closure of hospital facilities. This means medical care is unavailable until after evacuation orders are lifted. Be prepared to be without electrical power as well.

12. What do I do if my house loses power?

• Ask if the power outage is isolated to your home or is it neighborhood wide or systemwide? Check with neighbors to assess the situation. 
• It may sound counterintuitive, but one of the first things you should do during a power outage is unplug any electrical appliances or electronics to prevent spikes once the power is restored. Ideally, sensitive electronics or devices should be on surge protectors to prevent damage. 
• Turn the air conditioner off to prevent a surge once the power comes back on. 
• Check your property for damage. Report any fallen power lines. Don’t touch or go near any downed lines.  
• Do not use any flooded electrical outlets, appliances or circuit breaker boxes until they’ve been checked by a professional.