By Delayna Earley
The Island News
The Lowcountry is likely to experience heavy rains and strong winds as Tropical Storm Helene moves into the area on Thursday according to the National Weather Service’s Charleston Office.
Tropical Storm Helene is expected to continue to gain strength as it moves over the Gulf of Mexico toward the Gulf coast of Florida, potentially reaching hurricane strength by Wednesday afternoon and becoming a major hurricane before making landfall along the Florida panhandle on Thursday.
Meteorologists have said that the storm is expected to be very large and could affect areas well outside of the Track Cone of uncertainty, which would include the Lowcountry.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, Beaufort can expect rain starting as early as Thursday morning with winds and storm surge following later in the day.
Local meteorologists are forecasting periods of heavy rain, wind gusts up to 50-60 mph, isolated tornadoes and coastal flooding during high tide cycles, according to a press release posted by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
People are advised to reduce potential debris around their homes by trimming bushes and trees, securing any outdoor items that could become airborne and clearing gutters and drains of debris.
BCSO also wants to remind people to report power outages to their power company and report downed trees by calling the non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777.
Once the inclement weather begins, people are advised to stay off the roads unless it is necessary for travel and any wind-related bridge closures will be handled by the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
While storms such as hurricanes do sometimes change their trajectory, the National Weather Service Charleston has stated that the models have shown that Tropical Storm Helene’s track is pretty set and is likely what will happen.
Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.
