Beaufort County to open cooling shelters as residents brace for dangerous heat

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - The National Weather Service has issued multiple heat-related advisories for Beaufort County as dangerously high temperatures grip the region.

CURRENT ADVISORIES INCLUDE:

• Heat Advisory: In effect until 10 a.m. Sunday. Heat index values up to 110°F are expected.
• Extreme Heat Watch: In effect from Sunday morning through Monday evening, with heat index values potentially reaching 116°F or higher.

Starting this weekend and continuing through most of next week, a very hot and humid air mass will settle over the Lowcountry.

To help the community manage the dangerous conditions, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Emergency Management Division will open two Cooling Shelters:

Robert Smalls Leadership Academy

• 43 W K Alston Dr, Beaufort, SC 29906
• Open Sunday, July 27, and Monday, July 28, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

River Ridge Academy

• 3050, River Ridge Dr, Bluffton, SC 29910
• Open Sunday, July 27, and Monday, July 28, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

These locations are for cooling only. No meals will be provided. No weapons, alcohol, smoking, or pets allowed. Service animals are permitted.

STAY INFORMED

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Division says they will continue to monitor the situation closely. For updates, please ensure to download the Everbridge app onto your mobile device (Link to video instructions and details: https://youtu.be/D6wWaxC1TwA?si=I-10nr01cjpKU0YT ), as well as follow the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office on social media.