Full Notification

Good Morning,

The National Hurricane Center released its Saturday 8:00 a.m. update on the projected path of Tropical Storm Florence—downgraded yesterday afternoon from a hurricane. The National Hurricane Center advises that Tropical Storm Florence weakened overnight and is moving west at 2 miles per hour with maximum sustained winds of 50 miles per hour. Please see the attached image for more details.
 
According to the National Weather Service this morning, "Tropical Storm Florence, centered about 60 miles north northeast of Charleston early Saturday morning, will continue to move slowly toward the west-southwest and will gradually weaken through today. Tropical storm force winds will continue, especially across the Charleston Tri-County region, and locally heavy rainfall is also possible, especially north of Interstate 26 near the South Santee River. Conditions will begin to gradually improve tonight." 

Beaufort County could see up to 2 inches of rain and some minor coastal flooding this weekend. Beaufort County has and will continue to experience some winds from the storm, but those winds are expected to remain well-below tropical storm force—less than 39 miles per hour.
 
As of this morning, rip current and small craft advisories are still in effect 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."

We remain prepared for any significant impacts from Tropical Storm Florence. However, as those impacts become less likely today into tonight, the Sheriff's Office expects to scale back storm-related resources. Beaufort County public schools and Beaufort County government offices will reopen on Monday, September 17th. 

Beaufort County residents and guests can continue to monitor Tropical Storm Florence's projected path through the National Hurricane Center https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ 

Thank you for staying informed and for your patience throughout this storm event. Our thoughts and prayers are with our neighbors to the north who are experiencing the effects of Tropical Storm Florence.