Could Beaufort County avoid the worst of the winter storm? What the forecast says
It is likely that Beaufort County and the South Carolina coastline will avoid the worst of Fern, the winter storm that is barreling a path toward the eastern half of the United States, according to a Thursday afternoon briefing from the National Weather Service’s Charleston office.
While the latest forecasts suggest the Upstate could see snow, sleet and ice, freezing rain remains the primary threat to the Lowcountry. But for the immediate coastline, including Beaufort County, freezing rain is now being described as forecasters as unlikely.
As of Thursday afternoon, forecasts suggest Hilton Head, Bluffton and Beaufort are in a zone with a less than 5% likelihood of even minor impacts.
Still, coastal areas south of I-16 are predicted to see rain throughout the weekend, with a dangerous cold snap still expected into early next week. Lows could possibly drop into the mid to upper 20s on Monday night and into Tuesday morning.
On Wednesday, Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency in South Carolina. The declaration activates the state Emergency Operations Plan and gives the National Guard the green light to call up troops and prepare equipment, according to the South Carolina Daily Gazette.
McMaster is encouraging residents to monitor local forecasts, keep an emergency supply kit, follow safety tips if using alternative heating appliances, check on any neighbors who might need extra assistance, bring pets inside and stay off the road during periods of freezing temperatures.
The storm comes nearly 12 years after the major ice storm that crippled parts of South Carolina east of I-95 all the way down to the coast. Monetary damage to forests alone following that storm was estimated at $360 million, according to the National Weather Service. More than 350,000 South Carolinians were without power at the storm’s peak.
This story was originally published January 22, 2026 at 8:57 AM.
