Full Notification

The National Hurricane Center released its Friday 5:00 p.m. update on the projected path of Tropical Storm Florence—downgraded from a hurricane a short time ago. The National Hurricane Center advises that Tropical Storm Florence is moving west at 3 miles per hour with maximum sustained winds of 70 miles per hour.

Based on current forecasts, Beaufort County could see up to 2 inches of rain this weekend with some coastal flooding, especially in low-lying areas. In addition, Beaufort County may experience some winds from the storm below that of tropical storm force—less than 39 miles per hour.
 
There are rip current and small craft advisories for Beaufort County; boaters and beach-goers are urged to exercise extreme caution. According to the National Weather Service, “everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening rip currents" and "during a Small Craft Advisory, inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions."

The next 36 to 48 hours will be the most critical for Beaufort County. We remain prepared with resources in the event Beaufort County experiences more severe effects from Tropical Storm Florence than current forecasts indicate. A decision to scale back storm-related resources will be made at the appropriate time and when Beaufort County is comfortably out of danger.    
 
Please continue to stay up-to-date on Tropical Storm Florence through official sources and avoid misinformation spread through social media. The Sheriff's Office, along with state and municipal governments will continue to keep you advised of developments with Tropical Storm Florence over the next few days. Our thoughts and prayers are with our neighbors to the north who are experiencing the effects of Tropical Storm Florence.

The Beaufort County School District announced earlier that public schools will reopen on Monday, September 17th. Beaufort County government offices will also re-open on Monday.

Beaufort County residents and guests are encouraged to monitor the storm's projected path through the National Hurricane Center https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ . The National Hurricane Center provides updates on the storm's path at 5:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. daily.

Thank you for staying informed and for your continued patience throughout this stressful and uncertain event.