Tropical Storm Debby is expected to bring “historic” rainfall to Beaufort County this week, with some forecasts predicting up to 30 inches of rain.
As the rainfall begins, here is a list of the areas most at risk for flooding in the Beaufort and Bluffton regions. Alternate routes are suggested where possible.
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US 278/SC 170 interchange: The intersection of the two highways is a frequent site of flooding. Construction is taking place there at night to widen the ramp from Okatie Highway to Fording Island Road. In the event of a closure, drivers can use the Bluffton Parkway and southern sections of SC 170 as alternate routes.
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Bluffton Parkway: The intersection of the Parkway and Simmonsville Road is often affected by heavy rainfall. May River Road or US 278 can be used as a detour.
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Alljoy Neighborhood: The low-lying community on the May River is often flooded after just a few centimetres of rainfall. The cause is partly clogged drainage ditches, which some residents say are not properly maintained.
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Downtown Beaufort: Inefficient and outdated stormwater systems frequently cause flooding in the Old Point neighborhood when sea levels rise near the historic coastal community.
Low-lying areas on Hilton Head
Hilton Head Island is surrounded by water on all sides and is particularly prone to flooding during above-average rainfall. According to the town, the low-lying areas marked in red on the map below – including most of the Sea Pines Resort, the east shore and central island neighborhoods such as Shelter Cove and Long Cove – are most at risk for flooding.
Authorities advise against unnecessary travel when the risk of flooding is high. Just 30 centimeters of water can roll over a small car, while 45 to 60 centimeters of water can overwhelm larger vehicles, warns the National Weather Service. Power lines, debris or other dangerous objects can also be hidden in the floodwater.
A flood and storm surge warning was in effect for Beaufort County at 11 a.m. Monday morning. Storm surges occur when extreme weather causes sea levels to rise above normal levels, which can lead to extreme flooding, especially when it coincides with a high tide. They are often “the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane,” according to the NWS.
