Weekend Flooding, Gusty Winds Forecast for Hilton Head Island
Published October 23, 2026 at 5:24 am|By Bristol Ainsley, Staff Reporter
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — Hilton Head Island and the rest of the Beaufort County coast are in for a blustery, high-water weekend, even though skies should stay sunny and dry.
The National Weather Service office in Charleston expects a persistent onshore wind to build Friday as Beaufort County sits between high pressure to the north and low pressure offshore. Gusts of 30 to 40 mph are expected along the coast, strongest on the beaches and on elevated bridges.
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Saltwater flooding is forecast at high tide on Saturday and Sunday, with up to 6 inches of water possible Saturday and moderate flooding of up to 1 foot on Sunday morning. Forecasters said the stubborn wind will keep water from draining fully at low tide, stretching out periods of standing water.
The timing lines up with the full moon on Oct. 26 and lunar perigee on Oct. 28, which bring the highest astronomical tides of 2026. Forecasters said tides at Fort Pulaski could near major flood stage Monday morning.
Rip current risk is elevated at all Beaufort County beaches, breaking waves could reach 5 feet or more, and significant beach erosion is possible around high tide. Drivers should steer clear of flooded roads. Highs should stay in the mid 70s with no rain in the forecast.
Bristol is a staff reporter for HERE Hilton Head covering local news, community stories, and developments across Beaufort County. Bristol is committed to accurate, community-first journalism.
