Here’s when, where & how much snow is expected across Beaufort County this weekend
Record-breaking cold weather is expected to impact the South Carolina Lowcountry this weekend, with unusually cold conditions lingering into early next week, according to the National Weather Service.
A winter storm warning remains in effect for Beaufort County, as confidence continues to increase that portions of the region could see accumulating snowfall from Saturday afternoon through midday Sunday.
Forecasters say precipitation is expected to transition from rain to snow sometime Saturday afternoon, with the most likely window for snowfall between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. The snow is expected to be dry snow, which could allow for brief accumulation.
Current forecasts call for 1 to 2 inches of snow for the Hilton Head and Beaufort areas, though there remains some uncertainty in final totals. There is approximately a 10% chance that snowfall amounts could reach or exceed 2 inches in some areas.
For the broader Lowcountry, snowfall is expected to end within several hours after sunrise Sunday.
In addition to the winter storm watch, an extreme cold watch has been issued for the entire region from Saturday night into Sunday morning. This period is expected to be the coldest of the event, with dangerously low temperatures and wind chills in the single digits.
Local Forecast Breakdown
Hilton Head Island
- Saturday: Rain likely before 4 p.m., then snow likely. High near 41 degrees with a 70% chance of precipitation. Little or no snow accumulation expected during the day.
- Saturday Night: Snow likely, mainly before 1 a.m., with a low around 23. Blustery with a 70% chance of precipitation. Snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches is possible.
- Sunday: Sunny with a high near 38 and a low around 25, with wind chills Sunday morning.
Beaufort
- Saturday: Rain likely before 4 p.m., then snow likely. High near 40 degrees with a 70% chance of precipitation. Less than a half-inch of snow is possible during the day.
- Saturday Night: Snow likely, mainly before 1 a.m. The chance of precipitation is 70%, with snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
- Sunday: Sunny with a high near 36 degrees and a low of around 22, with wind chills Sunday morning.
Warming shelters open
Two warming shelters will be open for those in need:
Sea Island Presbyterian Church: 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort
- Open: Friday, Jan. 30 to Sunday, Feb. 1
- Time: Opens at 5:30 p.m., closes at 8 a.m. the following morning
- Dinner, breakfast provided and showers available
- No weapons, alcohol, smoking, or pets are permitted; service animals will be allowed
- For additional information, click here or call 843-525-0696
Christ Lutheran Church: 829 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island
- Open: Saturday, Jan. 31 to Monday, Feb. 2
- Time: Opens at 5:30 p.m., closes at 7:30 a.m. the following morning
- Dinner, morning to-go meal provided
- No weapons, alcohol, smoking, or pets are permitted; service animals will be allowed
- For additional information and transportation assistance from the island, click here or call 843-422-7640
For the most updated forecast information, visit the NWS webpage.
This story was originally published January 30, 2026 at 8:50 AM.
