Could Idalia get you stranded? Here’s what determines which Beaufort Co. bridges close
This story will be updated to show any bridge closures.
Amid the anticipated severe weather Hurricane Idalia is expected to bring to the Lowcountry, safety precautions and closures are already taking place.
At this time, flooding is forecast to be a key player in Beaufort County with this storm system.
With many areas in the county being interconnected by several bridges, it’s important to know which of them, if any, will be impacted by Hurricane Idalia and closed for safety reasons.
As for who decides the closures, the South Carolina Department of Transportation makes the final decision. However, SCDOT works closely with local officials to coordinate any necessary bridge closures during inclement weather.
In relation to the storm surge, “we have not identified any bridges that will be overtopped in the Beaufort area due to storm surge. Citizens along the coast and in low lying areas need to be prepared for localized street flooding due to the storm surge,” said Shawn Skillman, media relations manager for SCDOT wrote in an email.
Based on the latest rainfall projections, SCDOT does not anticipate any bridges being threatened for overtopping due to riverine flooding. Once again, citizens need to be aware of the threat for localized street flooding, Skillman wrote.
For the bridge connecting Hilton Head Island to Bluffton, “high profile bridges such as the Cross Island Parkway are typically restricted to high profile vehicle traffic when sustained wind speeds reach 30 miles per hour and to all vehicle traffic when sustained winds reach 40 miles per hour,” said Kelly Moore, the director of public engagement for SCDOT, in response to inquiry as to the necessary wind speeds required to close the connecting bridges.
“We work together with local law enforcement and emergency management officials to monitor the weather and potential impacts as we make those decisions,” Moore added.
As for driving and commuting in the upcoming, predicted weather conditions, “we urge motorists to use caution when traveling during any weather event that may produce strong winds and heavy rains,” Major Angela Viens, public information officer for Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, wrote in an email.
Beaufort County Bridge Closures
There are no reported bridge closures at this time.
