01/21/2025
Our IMC offices will be open today (January 21) until 3:00 PM but we will remain closed until around 11:00 AM tomorrow (January 22) or whenever it is safe for our staff to travel to work. We will continue to monitor the outlook and may send another update to our owners tomorrow afternoon. Please stay safe!
Winter Weather Alert ❄️
The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) continues to track a winter weather event that will impact Beaufort County and the Town of Hilton Head Island during the next 24 hours. The safety of our residents, visitors, and employees remains our priority.
What we know:
A winter storm warning is in effect for Beaufort County through early tomorrow morning. There’s a high probability that we will see a heavy mix of sleet and snow on surfaces, pathways and roads.
The Town of Hilton Head Island administrative offices closed at noon today, and will remain closed tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 22. We anticipate reopening for normal business hours on Thursday at 8 a.m. and will provide updates as needed.
The Town's emergency services will remain operational during this weather event.
We will see below freezing temperatures, snow and sleet during the next 24 hours which will result in hazardous travel conditions, especially on bridges and overpasses. If you do not need to leave home during this time, please stay there.
• To stay on top of the weather forecast, please monitor the NWS website, or download local news source apps available for free in the Apple and Google Play stores.
• The South Carolina Emergency Management Division also has a variety of resources available on their website.
Town safety precautions and preparations:
• Palmetto Breeze will suspend services on Wednesday, Jan. 22. Regular operations are expected to resume on Thursday.
• Beaufort County schools have shifted to an e-learning day for Wednesday, Jan. 22. A decision about Thursday will be forthcoming tomorrow afternoon.
• Water has been shut off at all park facilities to prevent and/or mitigate any damage caused by freezing temperatures. Water service will be restored and restrooms reopened as soon as possible. We appreciate your understanding.
• A warming shelter is available at Christ Lutheran Church, 829 William Hilton Parkway, and will serve community members from 5:30 pm until 7:30 am Wednesday morning.
- The shelter will open during those same time frames tomorrow and Thursday evenings, with the shelter closing on Friday morning at 7:30 am.
- Dinner and a to-go breakfast will be provided.
- No weapons, alcohol, smoking or pets are permitted. Service animals will be allowed.
• You can report any problems or concerns you see through the Town of Hilton Head Island App – MyHHI.
Ice and electricity:
Palmetto Electric has advised its customers that due to potential ice accumulation, associated power outages are possible. While they do not anticipate historic or catastrophic damages, they remain prepared. Please be advised that normal operations will be suspended for any necessary restoration activities. Once a crew is assigned, most outages are restored within a few hours.
ALWAYS report outages and/or downed power lines. This can be done in one of the following ways:
1. Call PowerTouch: 1-866-445-5551
2. Login to MyEnergy Online
3. Use the MyEnergy Mobile App
Additionally, Palmetto Electric’s social media sites will be posting up-to-date power outage information and any restoration efforts throughout the duration of this winter weather event. Please note, social media sites should not be used to report outages.
1. Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/PalmettoCoop
2. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PalmettoElectricCoop/
Freezing temps and your water service:
Residents are encouraged to do the following during the next 24-48 hours:
• Locate the main water shut-off valve for your home so that it can be shut off quickly in the event of a water pipe leak.
• Disconnect garden hoses from the spigot. Turn off irrigation systems.
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets to help prevent the water in pipes from freezing.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
• If pipes do freeze:
o Shut off the water immediately. Do not attempt to thaw pipes without first turning off the main shut-off valve.
o Thaw pipes with warm air – not direct heat. Never use any type of open flame to attempt to thaw pipes.
o Be careful turning water back on. Once pipes are thawed, slowly turn the water back on and check pipes and joints for cracks or leaks.
General safety precautions and preparations:
• Stay Home: If you don’t need to leave home, please stay there. Road conditions could deteriorate quickly when the weather arrives, increasing the chance for car crashes or other personal injury.
• Wear Warm Clothing: Dress in layers, wear a hat, and use items such as gloves and scarves to protect exposed skin.
• Protect Pets: Bring pets indoors and provide warm clothing for your pet if going for a walk. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.
• Prepare Home: Insulate outdoor pipes, and let indoor faucets drip to prevent freezing. Seal Draft windows and doors to keep heat in. Check your heating system and replace filters if needed.
• Protect Plants: Move potted plants inside or cover them to protect them from the cold.
https://hiltonheadislandsc.gov/weather/
Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue
