Beaufort Co. sheriff urges caution ahead of expected snow
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to be cautious ahead of snow forecast for this weekend.
Several winter weather advisories are in effect for Saturday and Sunday. A winter storm warning is in place from 7 a.m. Saturday to 1 p.m. Sunday, an extreme cold warning has been issued for 7 p.m. Saturday until noon Sunday and a gale warning is in place for 24 hours starting at 1 p.m. Saturday.
As of 2 p.m. Friday, the National Weather Service predicted 1 inch of snow in the Beaufort County area, but residents should prepare for up to 3. Snow could start as early as 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., but it will most likely start between 1 and 4 p.m. It is expected to end between 3 and 7 a.m. Sunday.
Snow accumulation during the day on Hilton Head is expected be less than half an inch, but 1 to 2 inches could accumulate Saturday night into Sunday.
Here’s what the sheriff’s office says about staying safe during the expected snow.
Avoid travel if possible
In a Friday afternoon social media post, the sheriff’s office said residents and visitors should stay home and avoid traveling.
“If travel is unavoidable, slow down, avoid sudden braking and watch for ice, especially on bridges, overpasses, shaded areas and lightly traveled roads,” the sheriff’s office said. “Anyone with travel plans outside of Beaufort County should closely monitor conditions ahead of time and be prepared to delay or adjust plans as necessary.”
For the most up-to-date information on road conditions and travel advisories, the sheriff’s office said the public should monitor the South Carolina Department of Transportation, SCDOT’s 511 for real-time traffic, the Beaufort County Traffic Cameras and the Georgia Department of Transportation’s 511.
Mind the ‘four Ps’
When preparing for snow, residents should take care to protect the “four Ps”: people, pets, pipes and plants.
People should limit outdoor exposure, prepare for potential power outages and check on those who are vulnerable.
Pets should stay indoors and limit time outside. Exposed pipes should be insulated and plants should be covered when possible.
Home warming safety tips
Residents should keep their homes warm, but they should do it safely, the sheriff’s office said.
Flammable items should be at least three feet away from heat sources, space heaters should be plugged into wall outlets and not left unattended, carbon monoxide detectors should be working properly and ovens, grills and outdoor heaters should never be used indoors.
If the power goes out, residents should layer clothing, use rolled towels to block drafts under doors, open the blinds during the day and close them at night and run any generators outdoors far from windows, doors and vents.
Residents should also report any power outages to their utility company, the sheriff’s office said.
Cold weather shelters available
Anyone who needs shelter from the cold during the weather advisories can use one of two local cold weather shelters. They are:
Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort
- Open: Friday, Jan. 30 to Sunday, Feb. 1
- Opens at 5:30 p.m., closes at 8 a.m. the next morning.
- Dinner and breakfast provide; showers available.
- Weapons, alcohol, smoking and pets are not allowed. Service animals are permitted.
- More information is available here or at 843-525-0696.
Christ Lutheran Church: 829 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island
- Open: Saturday, Jan. 31 to Monday, Feb. 2
- Opens at 5:30 p.m., closes at 7:30 a.m. the next morning.
- Dinner and a morning to-go meal are provided
- Weapons, alcohol, smoking and pets are not permitted. Service animals are permitted.
- For additional information and transportation assistance, click here or call 843-422-7640.
This story was originally published January 30, 2026 at 7:06 PM.