News Release

Town of Hilton Head Island Weather Update

September 26, 2024

The Town of Hilton Head Island’s Emergency Management Division is closely monitoring Hurricane Helene's development and track and is staying in contact with Beaufort County and state emergency management officials. While we continue to monitor forecasts from the National Weather Service, Town offices will maintain normal operations today and on Friday, September 27.

For our latest update on Hurricane Helene, watch a briefing from Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry and Town Emergency Manager Tom Dunn. According to the NWS, Hurricane Helene is strengthening and is expected to bring high winds and storm surges to Florida and inland across the southeast. Rainbands associated with the storm are expected to impact our area throughout the evening and overnight.

Beach Operations

• Due to anticipated winds, we have proactively removed beach matting from public access areas and trashcans from the beach.
• In response to Hurricane Helene's effects, the NWS issued advisories indicating risks for rip currents and high surf.
• Surf conditions at Hilton Head Island beaches are rougher than usual and are expected to worsen throughout the day, making swimming extremely dangerous.
• All beaches will be flying red flags today, restricting swimmers to wading only.
• Beach patrol will remain on duty until 5 pm.

Storm Information

Beaufort County is under a tornado watch until 9 pm tonight. A tornado watch is issued when a tornado is possible. A tornado warning is issued when a tornado is about to happen. Residents and visitors are advised to:

• Be prepared to act quickly if a warning is issued.
• Have a safe room where you can retreat to away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
• Stay off the roads unless it's necessary to travel.

View our YouTube Channel for Emergency Manager Tom Dunn’s tips on what to do if a tornado warning is issued.

Reporting Outages and Downed Trees

Hurricane Helene's impacts on our area could cause power outages and downed trees. Here's how to report that information:

• Report power outages to Palmetto Electric: 866-445-5551
• Report downed trees on Hilton Head Island by calling our Fire Rescue’s non-emergency number at 843-682-5125.
• For emergencies, call 911.

Stay Informed and Connected

• Download our Guide to Emergency Preparedness.
• Download the MyHHI Mobile App, which you can use to check for updates and report non-emergency issues.
• Sign up for emergency alerts from the Town of Hilton Head Island

Update from the Beaufort County School District

The Beaufort County School District will operate on an e-learning schedule on Friday, September 27, 2024.

Updates from Beaufort County

Hilton Head Island Airport
Hilton Head Island Airport is operating normally at this time. However, as Hurricane Helene approaches, travelers need to check with their carriers for any possible flight delays and cancellations.

• Air travelers are encouraged to download their respective airline apps on their mobile devices and enable notifications, so they are sure to receive the latest official word from their airline.
• Travelers are encouraged to check their airlines for waivers, as well. Inquiries regarding flight information should be directed to the individual carriers.
• Operating schedules at the airport is subject to weather conditions.

Beaufort County Animal Services (BCAS)
Pets should be brought inside to shelter from the weather. It is against the law to leave them tethered outside during a named tropical storm. Please check the BCAS Facebook page for updates and requests. Once flooding begins, Animal Services and Law Enforcement are limited in where they can go to rescue animals in need.

Update from Palmetto Breeze

With the most impactful effects Hurricane Helene approaching the Lowcountry overnight, Palmetto Breeze will be delaying all morning commuter services by three hours on Friday, September 27, 2024. All other services will operate as scheduled, including all Thursday evening commuter service, The Bluffton Breeze, services in Beaufort and Port Royal, and all coordinated trips in Beaufort County.