Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that modern Americans are much fatter than they were just a few decades ago. Take one look around a shopping center or strip mall and it seems that half the people present are struggling with obesity. Recent data from the CDC supports those observations - more than 39% of adults in the United States were considered obese from 2015-2016. That number is up from 33.7 percent in 2007-2008.
Perhaps more alarming is the fact that severe obesity is on the rise as well. The same report from the CDC tells us that nearly 8% of Americans were severely obese from 2015-2016, which is up from 5.7% in 2007-2008. When you read between the lines, those statistics mean that almost 4 in 10 adults are obese in the U.S., and almost 1 in 13 are severely obese.
Unfortunately, "fixing" obesity isn't something that can be done overnight. There is no quick fix that is also safe and non-surgical. The obesity problem in the U.S. is only getting worse as more adults and children choose the ease and convenience of fast food sugar-packed products over healthy eating, exercise, and positive lifestyle choices.
Besides the challenges of being overweight, like clothes that don't fit and hurtful comments, the health risks are much more serious. Obesity can endanger your life, and those who rely on you may lose you earlier than expected. Over time, the likelihood of developing severe and life-altering health problems grows.
The good news is that a new medication called semaglutide in Beaufort, SC, is available for people struggling with obesity. This game-changing treatment approaches obesity as a chronic metabolic disease rather than a problem that can be solved through willpower alone.
At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, we now ioffer semaglutide as part of our custom weight loss program. If you've been struggling with obesity and have tried other diets with little to no success, don't lose hope. With the help of our medical and nutritional providers, you can lose weight, keep it off, and take meaningful steps toward better health.
Our weight loss program with semaglutide starts with a comprehensive consultation and evaluation process. During this phase, we will determine the ideal semaglutide dosage for you and provide personalized nutrition and exercise guidelines. Once we have a better understanding of your body and your weight loss goals, you'll begin receiving regular injections of semaglutide in Beaufort, SC.
It's your responsibility to incorporate lifestyle changes, specifically in your diet and exercise, to reach your weight loss goals. However, we'll be there every step of the way and conduct regular check-ins to help you stay on course. We'll also closely monitor your progress and overall health to ensure that your weight loss is safe and sustainable. The purpose of our semaglutide weight loss program is to offer a comprehensive weight loss treatment that helps you achieve natural, long-lasting results. That's the VIP Cosmetic Surgery difference.
Patients who sign up for our semaglutide weight loss program benefit from the following:
For semaglutide to have the biggest impact on your weight, you've got to make changes to your diet. When you eat nutrient-dense, whole foods that support weight loss and healthy living, you're setting yourself up for long-term weight loss. Our nutrition plans are comprehensive and customized to your needs and lifestyle. That way, when you're ready to make real changes in your life, we'll be there with a nutrition plan you can follow to make the journey easier and more sustainable.
One of the biggest reasons why people fail to achieve their weight loss goals is because they try to do it all on their own. When you sign up for VIP Cosmetic Surgery's semaglutide program, you benefit from monthly check-ins with Dr. Farr to see how your progress is going. During this meeting, you can talk to the doctor about your progress and what hurdles you're still trying to overcome. The doctor will give you advice and guidance based on his experience and - perhaps most importantly - help keep you on track so that you can lose weight and keep it off for good.
Our practitioners will provide tests to ensure that your body is healthy, hydrated, and well-fed. By checking your hydration and nutrition levels, we can help ensure you're losing weight in a healthy manner and not starving yourself. By maintaining optimal health throughout your weight loss journey, you're giving yourself the best shot at long-term weight loss.
For individuals working to lose weight and stay healthy, sticking to a consistent diet and exercise routine can be tough. Between work obligations and important tasks like picking your kids up from school, there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to eat healthy foods. After all, McDonald's is on the way home, and your little ones are screaming for food.
Fortunately, many busy people find semaglutide to be a valuable tool in their weight loss journey. This FDA-approved injection, used for treating both diabetes and obesity, functions by activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain to aid in weight loss and promote long-term health.
In more simple terms, semaglutide imitates glucagon in the body, signaling to the brain that you're full and don't need to eat more. When you take semaglutide and try to overeat, your body sends a message that says, "That's enough." In essence, it makes you feel full, so you're less likely to binge eat, especially at night when food tends to sit in your stomach.
Semaglutide also slows down digestion, reducing unnecessary snacking throughout the day. By minimizing glucose spikes after meals, it lowers inflammation, which is a crucial step in optimizing your overall health. Moreover, Semaglutide assists in insulin secretion by the pancreas regulates glucose levels in the body and even possesses anti-aging and longevity properties. If you're struggling with weight loss, treatments such as semaglutide can make a substantial difference for you.
In summary, semaglutide helps you lose weight in a few different ways, including:
At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, one of the most frequently asked questions our providers receive from curious weight loss patients is whether or not semaglutide is supported by clinical trials. As it turns out, many trials have been conducted measuring the efficacy of semaglutide for weight loss, and the results are very promising.
Semaglutide is designed for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher who are attempting to shed at least 10% of their total body weight without success with other methods. Clinical trials involving over 1,900 obese adults who were unable to lose five percent of their body weight after a year of treatment with other medications demonstrated that semaglutide increased average weight loss from 2% to 20% over a treatment period of just over one year compared to a placebo.
In a different trial involving 1,387 patients with obesity (but not type 2 diabetes), participants were randomly assigned to different doses of semaglutide: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or placebo for 104 weeks. The group that took the higher dose of semaglutide lost an average of 31 pounds, while those on the lower dose lost an average of 11 pounds.
According to the NCBI, the Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People With Obesity (STEP) trials have shown the efficacy of semaglutide, as well. In large randomized controlled trials, patients who received 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide lost a mean of 6% of their weight after 12 weeks and 12% of their weight after 28 weeks.
So, what do all these statistics mean for you? If you're looking to shed some pounds, it's worth giving semaglutide injections a shot. This type of treatment isn't a miracle drug, but it can significantly boost your chances of weight loss success. That's why, at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, we have incorporated semaglutide as a fresh treatment option for individuals grappling with obesity, especially those who have exhausted other remedies and are seeking something new.
As is the case with promising therapies like semaglutide, people considering the drug have a lot of questions about whether it's right for them. Keep reading to get answers to some of the most common questions relating to semaglutide.
If you're an adult dealing with obesity, excessive weight, or weight-related medical conditions such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, semaglutide injections could be a suitable option for you. To qualify for semaglutide weight loss services at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you must meet the BMI range criteria established by the FDA. If you're unsure whether semaglutide injections are the right choice for you, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our weight loss practitioners today.
Our doctors and practitioners often hear from patients asking whether semaglutide is safe for long-term use. It's natural to have concerns about a medication that impacts your body. Simply put, as long as you meet the criteria, it is safe to take this weight-loss medication. Even patients with endocrine, kidney, heart, and liver conditions can safely use semaglutide. As of June 4, 2021, the Food & Drug Administration has given the green light for semaglutide injections (2.4mg once weekly) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity and at least one weight-related condition.
Weight loss medications such as semaglutide may cause people to regain weight once the treatment is stopped. According to a clinical trial featured in Practice Update, participants regained 11.6% of their lost body weight within a year of discontinuing semaglutide medication and lifestyle intervention. Researchers suggest that this weight gain could be linked to the reversal of the cardiovascular benefits associated with semaglutide treatment, including stable blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
This data underscores the importance of continued medication and ongoing treatment for obesity as a chronic health condition to effectively manage its impact on quality of life and heart health. The key takeaway here is that due to its nature as a weight loss treatment, it's best to take regularly over time for the best results.
That length of time will vary depending on factors such as:
There's no question about it - semaglutide is making waves in the medical community. Thousands of obese men and women in the U.S. are using the treatment to get a handle on their weight and live healthy lives. With its ability to reduce blood sugar levels and facilitate weight loss, it makes sense that patients are looking for ways to get the most out of their regimen.
Keep reading to learn a few of the best tips to maximize your journey with semaglutide.
Before you start taking semaglutide or make any changes to your treatment plan, make sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider who prescribes semaglutide. They will evaluate your specific needs, determine the right dosage for you, and give you important instructions on how to use the medication properly. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, our weight loss practitioners work one-on-one with every patient who takes semaglutide to ensure they're staying healthy, hydrated, and committed to our semaglutide program.
Make sure to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels as recommended by your semaglutide provider. While semaglutide can assist in reducing blood sugar levels, it's important to regularly monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments. When you begin a weight loss program at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you can rest easy knowing we check your blood sugar levels periodically.
Regular physical activity can boost the effects of semaglutide. It's best to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3-4 times a week to support weight loss and overall health improvements.
It's important to understand that results may not happen right away and could take some time to become noticeable. Try to be patient as you follow your treatment plan, maintain consistency with lifestyle changes, and have confidence that positive results will come gradually.
To maximize the effectiveness of semaglutide, it's very beneficial to eat a well-rounded diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Always try to choose nutrient-rich options over high-calorie, high-fat foods. That way, you can achieve your weight loss objectives quicker. When you work with weight loss experts like the doctors at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you'll have access to customized nutrition plans that will help expedite your weight loss and keep off the pounds once you reach your goals.
Make sure to set up regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to track your progress, make any necessary changes to your treatment plan, and talk about any concerns or questions you might have. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, follow-ups and check-ins are built into our semaglutide program, giving you one less thing to worry about as you lose weight.
Are you striving to reach a healthy weight and live a more fulfilling life? Are you eager to have a positive impact on yourself and your loved ones? Take the first step toward better health by contacting VIP Cosmetic Surgery. Our experienced, compassionate practitioners will collaborate with you to identify your weight-loss goals. Once we know more about you and your body, we'll create a custom plan and provide the cutting-edge strategies and treatments you need to see real results. If you're ready to make a meaningful change, we're ready to guide you on the path to success.
READ MORETropical Storm Debby made landfall 7 a.m. Monday, August 5, 2024 as Category 1 storm in Florida’s Big Bend region and, as it moves up the Southeast Coast, the system could dump historic rainfall in Beaufort County.Expand AllThroughout Monday and Tuesday, heavy rains showered Beaufort County, in some places amounting to 11 inches, and local meteorologists predicted the deluge would continue through Friday morning.As of Tuesday morning, Tropical Storm Debby had dumped between 10 and 20 inches thro...
Tropical Storm Debby made landfall 7 a.m. Monday, August 5, 2024 as Category 1 storm in Florida’s Big Bend region and, as it moves up the Southeast Coast, the system could dump historic rainfall in Beaufort County.
Throughout Monday and Tuesday, heavy rains showered Beaufort County, in some places amounting to 11 inches, and local meteorologists predicted the deluge would continue through Friday morning.
As of Tuesday morning, Tropical Storm Debby had dumped between 10 and 20 inches throughout the state, according to the National Weather Service’s Charleston Office. Through 8 a.m. Friday, local forecasters said Beaufort County could get an additional 6 to 12 inches of rain on top of what had already fallen by early Tuesday.
In the county, the highest rainfall totaled 11.16 inches in Beaufort by 10 a.m. Tuesday, and the lowest amounted to 3.91 inches on Hilton Head Island.
Once the sun rose Tuesday morning, tree damage and localized flooding became clear across the area. A tree in Port Royal uprooted and fell onto a resident’s golf cart. Another large tree pulled from its root system and toppled onto the front yard of a Moss Point home on Hilton Head Island.
Several roads were closed and planes delayed or canceled due to impacts from Debby. Administrative offices for Beaufort County, the towns of Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, and the city of Beaufort were closed Tuesday.
The Alljoy neighborhood in Bluffton had considerable flooding along streets and in residents’ yard. And, along Paris Avenue, the street that runs through the heart of Port Royal’s downtown, water had pooled significantly Tuesday morning.
At noon Tuesday, Tropical Storm Debby was 20 miles south of Savannah and moving at 6 mph. Debby had sustained wind speeds of 40 mph. Once sustained wind speeds drop to 38 mph or less, a named storm becomes a tropical depression.
Local meteorologists said the system would move off the Georgia coast Tuesday afternoon. During an 11:30 a.m. briefing, NWS Charleston Meteorologist Ron Morales said computer models project Debby would slowly move east and then northward, then shift back toward the Charleston County coast Thursday.
If the storm’s center gets far enough out, Morales said it would be problematic, with the potential for the system to restrengthen into a “minimal” hurricane. However, there is still “some uncertainty” in the storm’s path, Morales said.
Beaufort County remained under a flood watch, tropical storm warning and storm surge throughout Tuesday.
The greatest threat for storm surge inundation, between 2 and 4 feet, began Tuesday and will last through Thursday, which could cause flooding of coastal streets and roadways, and minor-to-moderate beach erosion. High tides coinciding with storm surge inundation could cause additional flooding, Morales said.
On Wednesday at 11:37 a.m. in Beaufort, high tide was expected to reach 7.1 feet and 7.5 feet at 11:57 p.m., according to USHarbors. Hilton Head’s 11:24 a.m. high tide was predicted to be 7 feet and its 11:31 p.m. high tide was expected to reach 7.6 feet.
If tropical storm-force winds blow through Beaufort County, they’d be likely to start Wednesday and continue into the evening. Tropical storm wind gusts, between 39 and 57 mph, are possible for the area through Wednesday, the NWS said.
The Lowcountry isn’t “out of the woods yet until this storm passes our latitude,” Morales said at the Tuesday briefing.
This story was originally published August 6, 2024, 1:09 PM.
LOWCOUNTRY, S.C. (WCIV) — As tropical storm Debby makes its way to South Carolina, there will be statewide closures occurring.There are closures at the following locations:Charleston County:St. Andrews park administrative office will closed at 5:30 p.m. and campsite will close at 6 p.m. Aug. 5Palmetto Christian Academy will be closed Aug. 6 and 7Charleston Southern University will move all in-person classes to virtual learning beginning at 2 p.m. Aug 5 through Thursday, August 8...
LOWCOUNTRY, S.C. (WCIV) — As tropical storm Debby makes its way to South Carolina, there will be statewide closures occurring.
There are closures at the following locations:
St. Andrews park administrative office will closed at 5:30 p.m. and campsite will close at 6 p.m. Aug. 5
Palmetto Christian Academy will be closed Aug. 6 and 7
Charleston Southern University will move all in-person classes to virtual learning beginning at 2 p.m. Aug 5 through Thursday, August 8
Charleston Riverdogs games on Aug. 6 and 7 have been postponed
The South Carolina Aquarium will be closed from 3 p.m. Aug. 5 through Aug. 7
MUSC's campus including the library, Wellness Center and all university-run ambulatory clinics will be closed from 3 p.m. Aug. 5 through Aug. 7
Mount Pleasant Town Hall closed Aug. 6 and 7
Charleston County Public Library branches and offices will be closed on Monday, Aug. 5
Fort Sumter closed Aug. 5
Fort Moultrie National Historical Park closed Aug. 5
Charles Pinckney National Historic Site closed Aug. 5
All Charleston Park & Recreation Commission parks and facilities will close at 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5 and remain closed Tuesday and Wednesday. All Charleston County Parks programs and camps have been canceled through Thursday, August 8.
Mount Pleasant Waterworks will close Tuesday, Aug. 6 and Wednesday, Aug. 7. The operations center will reopen on Thursday, August 8, at 9:00 a.m. depending on weather conditions at that time.
All North Charleston offices, Municipal Court, and all city recreational and cultural arts programs and activities will be closed from Tuesday, Aug. 6 through Thursday, Aug. 8. Bond hearings will take place daily still.
City of Goose Creek offices will be closed Wednesday, Aug. 7 and Thursday, Aug. 8.
The International African American Museum will be closed Tuesday, Aug. 6 and Wednesday, Aug. 7.
Dorchester County Administrative Offices and Dorchester County Courts will be closed Aug. 6 through 8
Dorchester County Convenience Sites will close at 5 p.m. Aug. 5 and will stay closed through Aug. 8
Dorchester County Parks will close at 5 p.m. Aug. 5 and will stay closed through Aug. 8
Dorchester County Public Libraries will close at 5 p.m. Aug. 5 and will stay closed through Aug. 8
Georgetown County School District will have eLearning days Aug. 6 and 7
Reconstruction Era National Historical Park will be closed beginning Monday, August 5 at each of their three visitor contact stations:
Berkeley County Board of Education meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, August 12.
South Carolina State University will be closed Aug. 6 and 7
Orangeburg County School District will have eLearning days Aug. 6 and 7
Roper St. Francis Healthcare will be closing multiple locations for some locations and holding abbreviated hours for others.
The Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System will be closed or operating under new hours because of the incoming storm. Locations and hours are listed by day below:
Published 3:14 pm Monday, August 5, 2024From Beaufort County Emergency Services:Recent weather updates continue to include minor track and timeline adjustments to Debby’s path along the eastern US, as well as an increase in forecasted rain fall and expected winds for our area. Forecast models continue to vary on the track Debby will take after re-entering the Atlantic. However, these variations continue to have little impact to the forecasted conditions for our area as of now. Below is a summary of what w...
Published 3:14 pm Monday, August 5, 2024
From Beaufort County Emergency Services:
Recent weather updates continue to include minor track and timeline adjustments to Debby’s path along the eastern US, as well as an increase in forecasted rain fall and expected winds for our area. Forecast models continue to vary on the track Debby will take after re-entering the Atlantic. However, these variations continue to have little impact to the forecasted conditions for our area as of now. Below is a summary of what we know and what we are still watching.
What We Know
Debby is expected to cross the northern part of Florida / southern Georgia over the next 24 hrs before re-entering the Atlantic near Savannah around noon tomorrow. Debby is expected to remain somewhat stationary just offshore, between the Georgia / Florida line and Charleston SC through early to mid-day Wednesday, where it is expected to grow in size and strength.
What We are Still Watching
Debby’s movement after re-entering the Atlantic is where we continue to see differences between the various forecast models. The official track from the National Hurricane Center (which closely mirrors the Euro) continues to show a more coastal path, with Debby re-entering the Atlantic near Savannah Tuesday afternoon and slowly travelling northeast along the SC coast Wednesday before making landfall near Myrtle Beach mid-morning on Thursday. Debby is expected to travel northwest toward Lumberton through 8am Friday, before turning Northeast, travelling along the I-95 corridor through the day Friday.
Other models, to include the GFS continue to suggest that Debbie will begin a westward track early Thursday morning traveling across the interior portions of Georgia and possibly into Alabama by sunrise Friday.
Forecasted Impacts For Beaufort County
Again, regardless of the disparities between these models, the impacts from Debby will be felt well beyond its centerline track. Debby is still forecasted to bring several days of impacts to our area as summarized below.
Links to various forecast graphics and key messages from the National Hurricane Center can be found using the following link.
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at4+shtml/094934.shtml?cone#contents
Please see the below and attached briefing from the National Weather Service for more information.
From the National Weather Service, Morehead City:
Please see the latest briefing on Hurricane Debby. There is little change in the threat assessment for Eastern NC at this time. Debby is forecast to move slowly across northern Florida and into southern Georgia today into tonight, and then move very slowly across or just offshore of the Southeastern U.S. through the rest of this week.
There remains considerable uncertainty in the track and impacts beyond today due to weak steering currents in the upper atmosphere. The greatest impact across Eastern NC at this time remains heavy rainfall bringing the threat of flash flooding. Dangerous rip currents will also be a threat throughout the week into this weekend due to onshore winds and increasing swell energy. River flooding may become a threat late in the week and into next week after several days of rainfall.
Remember you can get the latest information from our local tropical page: https://www.weather.gov/mhx/tropical or the National Hurricane Center.
NWS Morehead City Hurricane Debby August 5th 2024 8 AM Update
BEAUFORT COUNTY — Rain is falling in Beaufort County, the beginning of what's expected to be an extended period of heavy downpours that could last until the end of the week.The culprit is, of course, Tropical Storm Debby."We're in it now. The rainfall has started and we expect that to continue," said Ron Morales with the Charleston-based...
BEAUFORT COUNTY — Rain is falling in Beaufort County, the beginning of what's expected to be an extended period of heavy downpours that could last until the end of the week.
The culprit is, of course, Tropical Storm Debby.
"We're in it now. The rainfall has started and we expect that to continue," said Ron Morales with the Charleston-based office of the National Weather Service.
About eight hours after morphing from a tropical storm into a hurricane, Debby came ashore around 7 a.m. in the Big Bend region of northwest Florida on Aug. 5.
Packing maximum sustained winds of 80 mph, it landed as a Category 1 hurricane near Steinhatchee, Fla., less than 20 miles southeast of Keaton Beach, where Hurricane Idalia made landfall Aug. 30, 2023.
Debby is expected to weaken to a tropical storm as it moves overland across Florida and into Georgia and South Carolina, but the National Weather Service warns that residents shouldn't underestimate the potential dangers Debby will bring with it as it slowly makes its way northeast.
"Don't focus on this being 'just a tropical storm,' it can produce life-threatening flash flooding, and that's exactly what we're forecasting here," said Brian Haines, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service based in Charleston. "Make sure to have a plan."
The storm could cross into South Carolina during the afternoon of Aug. 6, then proceed at a plodding pace up the coast over the next few days. It's the slow pace of the storm that is driving concerns over its impact on the region.
The first day of storms was marked by a near steady stream of status updates from local governments, schools and businesses, many of whom have announced the cancellation of office hours for both Tuesday and Wednesday. A number have suggested that the closures could extend into Thursday as well.
The latest notice was from the Town of Hilton Head Island, which declared a state of emergency around 8 p.m., Aug. 5. Joining other local municipalities, the town's administrative offices will be closed Aug. 6-7. Parking and restroom facilities at the town beach, community, and sports parks are also closed. Emergency personnel will remain on duty and actively engaged in storm mitigation efforts.
Beaufort County took a similar action and declared a state of emergency at 2 p.m. Beaufort County Sheriff PJ Tanner made that announcement in a 10-minute video clip posted on the agency's YouTube channel Monday evening.
"Tomorrow and Wednesday, county offices are closed, with a possibility of Thursday. We'll know more come Wednesday, or before," Tanner said.
Tropical storm and storm surge warnings are already posted in Beaufort County. Beaufort and Jasper Counties are under a tornado watch until 1 a.m., Aug. 6.
Debby is predicted to bring a broad range of potential hazards to the region, including historic amounts of rain, dangerous storm surge, high winds and isolated tornadoes. The slow motion of Tropical Storm Debby will exacerbate many of those hazards.
Rain in the region is expected to continue at least into Thursday, Aug. 8, possibly longer. Accumulations over the full length of the weather event are forecast at 18 to 24 inches in Beaufort County, with locally higher amounts possible.
"This is a very rare event. It's off the charts," Morales said.
With the rain, a dangerous storm surge is also predicted, peaking at 2 to 4 feet above ground level from the South Santee River to the Florida-Georgia border.
The storm surge advisory warns that sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads may be weakened or washed out, especially in normally vulnerable low spots. Moderate to major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes is expected along with strong and numerous rip currents. Minor to moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks and piers is also possible.
While winds weren't initially expected to be a serious problem, that threat has grown. Significant impacts from wind, including possible power outages, are expected.
Isolated tornadoes are possible, mostly in the area east of Interstate 95.
The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office is the lead agency for emergency management in the county. A spokesperson for the agency said a partial opening of the county's Emergency Operations Center is expected to take place Aug. 6.
Virginia Marshall from Beaufort County Emergency Medical Services, which provides ambulance services for the county, said that agency is monitoring the storm. Downed trees, power lines and flood waters can force ambulances to take alternate routes, but call volume during storms does not necessarily increase.
Beaufort County School District offices will be closed Aug. 5-7. The first day of school, initially scheduled for Aug. 7, will be postponed, according to an email from spokesperson Candace Bruder.
"We don’t take the possibility of further postponing the start of the school year lightly as to avoid students having to utilize make-up days during the winter break, especially since e-learning is not an option this week as device distribution is still taking place," she said. Another update will come Aug. 7.
Technical College of the Lowcountry will also be closed through Wednesday.
Beaufort County government offices will be closed Aug. 6-7. The county declared a state of emergency at 2 p.m.
Bluffton Mayor Larry Toomer declared a state of emergency effective 2 p.m. Aug. 5 and lasting through Aug. 8. This allows the mayor to implement a range of restrictions, like curfews and certain street usage. The status also expands the town manager's power to put emergency certain measures in place, some requiring town council approval. Town offices will be closed to the public Aug. 6-7.
The City of Beaufort has declared a state of emergency until 11:59 p.m., Aug. 8. City offices will be closed Aug. 6-7.
The Town of Hilton Head Island declared a state of emergency Monday night. It's administrative offices are going to be closed Aug. 6-7.
The heavy rainfall will test the island's stormwater infrastructure in ways that it hasn't been tested in a long time, said Mayor Alan Perry.
"We want people to know is that if you have had some flooding in the past, you most likely will see flooding again. Be prepared for that," Perry said.
Perry and Hilton Head Emergency Manager Tom Dunn urge residents and visitors to stay off the roads, especially as rainfall amounts increase on Aug. 6 and 7. A rescue team is on the island and ready to deploy boats if water rescues are necessary, Dunn said.
Bluffton's municipal court will be closed Aug. 6. Trash and recycling service is canceled Aug. 5-6.
"As a resident, your part is to stay at home and off the roads as much as possible," Mayor Larry Toomer said in a statement.
Beaufort Memorial Hospital announced that many of its services will be closed Aug. 6, including physician practices, outpatient departments, and financial services. The hospital and its emergency room will remain open
In a statement released this afternoon, the Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority said its offices will be closed Aug. 6-7. However, officials there do not expect that water service will be disrupted during the course of the storm.
Hilton Head Island Airport and Beaufort Executive Airport are operating normally at this time, however as Tropical Storm Debby approaches, travelers need to check with their carriers for any possible flight delays and cancellations.
The Daufuskie Island ferry will not be in service Aug. 6-7. Service on Aug. 8 is tentatively canceled as well, but changes in conditions could change that decision. Service is expected to resume Friday, Aug. 9.
Jasper County has activated a shelter for county residents without a safe place to weather the storm. Ridgeland School, located at 250 Jaguar Trail in Ridgeland is expected to open Aug. 5 at 4 p.m.
READ MORETropical Storm Debby made landfall 7 a.m. Monday, August 5, 2024 as Category 1 storm in Florida’s Big Bend region and, as it moves up the Southeast Coast, the system could dump historic rainfall in Beaufort County.Expand AllMaking landfall over Florida’s Big Bend region at 7 a.m. Monday as a Category 1 storm, forecasters expected Hurricane Debby to dump historic rainfall to the Lowcountry as it moved slowly up the Southeast coast.At 11 a.m., Debby was downgraded to a tropical storm, accord...
Tropical Storm Debby made landfall 7 a.m. Monday, August 5, 2024 as Category 1 storm in Florida’s Big Bend region and, as it moves up the Southeast Coast, the system could dump historic rainfall in Beaufort County.
Making landfall over Florida’s Big Bend region at 7 a.m. Monday as a Category 1 storm, forecasters expected Hurricane Debby to dump historic rainfall to the Lowcountry as it moved slowly up the Southeast coast.
At 11 a.m., Debby was downgraded to a tropical storm, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm was 35 miles west of Lake City, Florida. Tropical Storm Debby had sustained winds of 70 mph and was moving at 8 mph. As the storm moves inland, it will weaken Monday and Tuesday, according to the center.
Early Monday morning, the National Weather Service issued a tropical storm warning for Hilton Head, Beaufort and Bluffton, meaning sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. Tuesday morning is the earliest Beaufort County could see tropical storm-force winds. The warning was set to expire at 7:15 p.m.
At 11:15 a.m., thw NWS issued a tornado watch, which is set to expire at 4 p.m. A watch indicates that tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area.
If high winds come to the area, the earliest they’d arrive is Monday and could bring winds up to 57 mph. The service also reported that tornadoes are possible for areas mainly near the state’s coast and dangerous marine conditions are expected.
NWS’ Charleston office said the slow-moving storm “will bring a prolonged period of impacts through mid-to-late week,” which could be catastrophic.
Hilton Head, Bluffton and Beaufort are expected to get about 20 inches of rain, with the possibility of local amounts up to 30 inches, from the tropical system through Thursday, according to updated maps from the NWS at 6 a.m. Monday. Widespread severe flash flooding is likely for much of the area, the service said.
“For an event of this duration, these amounts have a 0.2% to 0.1% chance of happening in any given year,” the NWS wrote in an 11:30 a.m. briefing.
The county was also under a storm surge warning, which is triggered 36 hours before the potential for hazardous flooding conditions. Between 2 and 4 feet of storm surge inundation over normally dry tidal/near tidal regions is possible, according to local meteorologists. Coastal flooding from storm surge and above-average astronomical tides will likely affect some or all of South Carolina’s coast Tuesday through Thursday, said Frank Strait, the state’s severe weather liaison.
With large amounts of rainfall possible as early as Monday, it could cause flash flooding or ponding on roadways, South Carolina’s Department of Transportation said. The agency urged the public never to drive through standing water.
On Sunday afternoon, Gov. Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency in preparation for the potential effects of the storm.
In preparation for predicted “historic” rainfall, Beaufort County continued to offer free sandbag-filling stations. The stations will be open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday while supplies last. The public is encouraged to bring their own bags and shovels, a news release from the county said. Bags and sand are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Sandbag-filling stations are located at:
On Sunday night, the Town of Hilton Head Island said it had prepared for potential impacts from Debby, including clearing storm drains, securing equipment to prepare for closures, and removing trash and debris.
“Our Town is ready to respond to the storm and began as soon as last week making plans to deal with potential flooding and heavy rain,” Mayor Alan Perry said in a Sunday news release. “I have confidence in our town’s ability to face and overcome the challenges posed by this tropical storm.”
In response to the impending storm, the town will hold a press conference at 11 a.m. Monday with Perry and Emergency Manager Tom Dunn.
Sunday afternoon, the City of Beaufort said Capital Waste will conduct Monday’s route as normal, according to a news release. Starting Tuesday and through Friday, routes may be affected due to the wind and flooding.
The Greenery removed tables, chairs and trash cans from the Waterfront Park Monday morning. Trash cans were also removed from Bay Street to Craven Street. Public restrooms will remain open until 5 p.m. Monday, the city said.
As of 8 a.m. Monday, South Carolina’s Emergency Management Division didn’t report any closings in Beaufort County. According to PowerOutage.us, there weren’t any customers in the county without power.
Wind
Storm surge
Flooding rain
Tornado
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department shared the following tips to prepare for the incoming weather system.
This story was originally published August 5, 2024, 8:19 AM.
The Island Packet
Sarah Haselhorst, a St. Louis native, writes about climate issues along South Carolina’s coast. Her work is produced with financial support from Journalism Funding Partners. Previously, Sarah spent time reporting in Jackson, Mississippi; Cincinnati, Ohio; and mid-Missouri.
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