News Release

Hurricane Ian Update - September 29, 2022

September 29, 2022

The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane warning for the coast of South Carolina, including Hilton Head Island. The storm is moving into the Atlantic Ocean with sustained winds at around 70 miles per hour. It’s traveling north-northeast at 9 miles per hour.  

A Hurricane Warning is issued when sustained winds of 74 mph or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding.

As weather conditions continue to deteriorate today into tonight, we strongly recommend Hilton Head Island residents and guests stay indoors and off the roads. 

We also recommend residents and guests stay out of the water and off the beaches. The beaches are expected to continue to be inundated with water. Beach and general flooding increases with high tides.

Be Prepared; Have a Plan
For more information on preparedness and resources for hurricanes/tropical storms, please visit the Hilton Head Island Hurricane Center https://hiltonheadislandsc.gov/hurricane/

Friday Closures/Service Suspensions

• Town of Hilton Head Island Administrative Offices and Facilities.
• Beaufort County Government offices and convenience centers. The convenience centers may reopen on Saturday, pending weather conditions.
• Beaufort County public schools, but there will be remote learning.
• All Palmetto Breeze services are suspended for Friday, September 30.
• Some area businesses may be closed as well.

Hilton Head Island Bridges
The bridges to and from Hilton Head Island will remain open, but we strongly advise motorists not to drive onto or over the bridges if sustained winds approach 35 miles per hour. With tropical storm winds (greater than 37 miles per hour) and heavy rain in the forecast, the safest place to be is at home, indoors and off the roads. Ultimately, the bridges are the responsibility of the South Carolina Department of Transportation.

Low-Lying and Flood-Prone Areas on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island residents and guests can expect to see flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas, Thursday night through tomorrow, Friday, especially during times of high tides. Visit our website at https://hiltonheadislandsc.gov/hurricane/updates/lowlyingareas.cfm for a map of Hilton Head Island’s Special Flood Hazard Area, which is based on FEMA flood insurance rate maps. Flood hazard areas are in shades of red. As storm impacts reach Hilton Head Island, those residing or traveling through those areas are urged to exercise caution.

Jasper County Shelter
For those needing shelter during Hurricane Ian, a shelter operated by Jasper County Emergency Services is opening at 5 pm today, September 29. It is located at:

Ridgeland-Hardeeville High School
250 Jaguar Trial
Ridgeland, South Carolina 29936.

For more information, including what to bring to the shelter and considerations for pets, view the Jasper County Emergency Services advisory at https://local.nixle.com/alert/9679160/.

Emergency & Non-Emergency Contact Information
Please call 9-1-1 immediately if you are experiencing a medical, fire or police emergency. 

For minor storm-related issues, please download the MyHHI mobile app https://hiltonheadislandsc.gov/myhhi/ or email Town of Hilton Head Island officials at hurricane@hiltonheadislandsc.gov

Reporting Electric Outages
Report power outages or downed lines to Palmetto Electric. Call 1-866-445-5551 or use MyEnergy Online or the MyEnergy mobile app.

Stay With Us for Updates
In coordination with state and county officials, Hilton Head Island Emergency Management will continue to monitor Hurricane Ian and keep you advised of potential impacts to our area.

We will continue to provide periodic updates throughout today and Friday, September 30, 2022, on the following:

• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/townofhhi/
• Twitter https://twitter.com/TownofHHI
• Town’s website https://hiltonheadislandsc.gov.

For information on Hurricane Ian, visit the National Hurricane Center www.nhc.noaa.gov/.

Thank you for connecting with official government sources for information on the storm. Please stay safe.