Beaufort County, South Carolina, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort County saw an unusual snowfall, bringing joy and nostalgia to residents as many enjoyed winter activities. With businesses temporarily closed and travel advisories issued, the community came together to appreciate the rarity of snow in the area, with memories of the last major snowfall in 2018 still fresh in their minds.
Beaufort County, South Carolina Experiences Rare Snowfall
A thick layer of snow blanketed Beaufort County on Wednesday morning, marking a significant weather event as the first snowfall witnessed by many residents in years. The unexpected snow, which began early in the morning, brought back memories for some who had not seen snow since the last major snowfall in January 2018.
In response to the winter weather, local businesses across Hilton Head Island closed their doors, with the exception of Circle K, which provided hot coffee to customers. Residents, bundled in warm clothing, took advantage of the rare snow day, venturing outside to enjoy a range of winter activities.
Celebrating the Snow Day
Locals from Daufuskie Island to Beaufort engaged in traditional winter activities such as sledding and taking photos on the beaches. For three young men, Keder, Tejas, and Kuldeep, aged 23 to 25, Wednesday marked their first experience with snow since they relocated to the island two years ago. Meanwhile, others, like Amanda, Ty, and Rose, gathered for fun in the snow, including a mix of those who had seen snow before and first-timers.
In Beaufort, Emily Smith and her five-year-old son, Hamilton, tested out a newly purchased sled as the sun rose. Smith, who previously sledded in Tennessee, wanted her son to experience the joy of snow firsthand. Hamilton described his experience as “pretty great,” reflecting the excitement felt by many in the community.
Impact on the Community
City Java and News stood out as one of the few shops open in Beaufort, attracting regular customers seeking warm beverages. General manager Stephanie Fairbanks, who has lived in the area since 2009, noted this snowfall being only the third occurrence she’s observed. On St. Helena Island, children were seen playing in the snow, while residents on Hilton Head Island utilized the Oyster Reef golf course as an improvised sledding hill.
The duration of the snow’s presence remains uncertain, as temperatures are expected to rise above freezing later in the day. Previous snowfall on January 21, 2025, saw a similar pattern, resulting in two to four inches of snow across the county. In reaction to the icy conditions, schools, businesses, and government offices shut down operations, prioritizing public safety.
Public Safety and Community Response
Travel advisories were released due to hazardous road conditions caused by ice and snow. Local authorities encouraged residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, and minimal traffic accidents were reported, indicating that the community followed safety advisories diligently. Warming shelters including Sea Island Presbyterian Church and Christ Lutheran Church were opened to offer refuge for residents during the cold spell.
The last significant snowfall in Beaufort occurred on January 3, 2018, when around 5 to 6 inches of snow fell, severely impacting the region for several days. The weather event on Wednesday has been a much-needed break from the usual warm climate of the area and provided a day filled with joy and community spirit amidst the snowy backdrop.
Table of Key Features of the Snowfall Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Beaufort County, South Carolina |
| Date | Wednesday Morning |
| Last Significant Snowfall | January 3, 2018 |
| Businesses Open | Circle K, City Java and News |
| Warming Shelters | Sea Island Presbyterian Church, Christ Lutheran Church |
| Average Snowfall Amount | 2 to 4 inches |
| Hazardous Conditions | Travel advisories issued |
FAQs
What areas were affected by the snowfall?
Beaufort County, including Hilton Head Island and Daufuskie Island, experienced snowfall on Wednesday morning.
How long has it been since the last significant snowfall in Beaufort County?
The last significant snowfall occurred on January 3, 2018.
What activities did residents engage in during the snowfall?
Residents participated in sledding, playing in the snow, and taking photographs at local beaches.
Were there any travel advisories issued due to the snow?
Yes, local authorities released travel advisories urging residents to avoid driving due to icy conditions.
Where were warming shelters located for residents during this weather event?
Warming shelters included Sea Island Presbyterian Church and Christ Lutheran Church.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Winter Storm Coverage
- Google Search: Beaufort County Winter Weather
- Your Island News: Beaufort Prepares for Winter Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Snow
- Post and Courier: Beaufort Weather Update
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
