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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, 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.
With long lines forming at early voting polls, voters in Beaufort County may find that casting their ballot in the late afternoon will save them the most time.Early voting in the county is available from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, from Oct. 21 to Nov. 2., according to the county’s website. As of the third day of early voting in Beaufort County, 10% of registered voters — or about 12,600 residents — have already cast their ballots, said Marie Smalls, the director of the board of voter registratio...
With long lines forming at early voting polls, voters in Beaufort County may find that casting their ballot in the late afternoon will save them the most time.
Early voting in the county is available from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, from Oct. 21 to Nov. 2., according to the county’s website. As of the third day of early voting in Beaufort County, 10% of registered voters — or about 12,600 residents — have already cast their ballots, said Marie Smalls, the director of the board of voter registration and elections for Beaufort County.
In South Carolina, early voting saw a record-breaking turnout on opening day, according to the state’s election committee. However, for the county, Smalls said it is challenging to make direct comparisons to previous years since this is only the second time the state has offered early voting since 2022.
“We kind of expected a high turnout, and I think for Beaufort County, it’s probably a little bit higher than expected,” Smalls said. “But I’m so happy that it is what it is.”
Early morning hours — around 7 to 8 a.m. — typically see the longest lines, Smalls said. Midday tends to offer a break, with shorter wait times, though lines pick up again in the early afternoon. Residents who are looking to avoid crowds should go to poll locations around late afternoons, particularly from 5 to 6 p.m., she said.
Polling locations specifically in Bluffton and Hilton Head have seen a steady turnout, Smalls said, with average wait times on Monday reaching no longer than 1 to 1.5 hours but decreasing since then.
Beaufort County offers four early voting centers:
Smalls encourages voters to check their sample ballots and verify their Election Day polling locations through the MyscVOTES website. To vote, residents will need to bring a qualifying ID, which may include a South Carolina driver’s license, motor vehicles ID card, voter registration card with photo, federal military ID or U.S. passport, according to the state’s election commission website.
She also emphasized that strict measures are in place to prevent voter fraud, and local election officials are confident in the integrity of the system.
This story was originally published October 24, 2024, 10:56 AM.
This story has been updated to reflect the 6 p.m. Monday briefing from the National Weather Service’s Charleston office.Elevated to a Category 5 storm Monday with recorded winds of 180 mph, Hurricane Milton could bring residual effects to Beaufort County later this week, particularly flooding due to storm surge. But as the system marched northeast across the Gulf of Mexico, meteorologists conceded there was “much uncertainty” in the ...
This story has been updated to reflect the 6 p.m. Monday briefing from the National Weather Service’s Charleston office.
Elevated to a Category 5 storm Monday with recorded winds of 180 mph, Hurricane Milton could bring residual effects to Beaufort County later this week, particularly flooding due to storm surge. But as the system marched northeast across the Gulf of Mexico, meteorologists conceded there was “much uncertainty” in the current forecast.
As of 6 p.m. Monday, Beaufort County was under the following weather advisories:
Milton’s wind field is expected to “greatly increase” late Wednesday and Thursday, likely covering Beaufort County beginning Wednesday night, according to NWS meteorologist Ron Morales. Tropical storm-force winds of 39 mph or more are most likely Thursday morning in southeast South Carolina.
Storm surge inundation “has risen to the top of our biggest concerns” for coastal South Carolina and Georgia, Morales said Monday evening. Storm surge occurs when extreme weather and high winds raise seawater levels to abnormally high levels, causing dangerous flooding.
Beaufort County and surrounding coastal areas are most at risk of storm surge during high tide Thursday afternoon, Morales said. Water levels could also peak late Thursday night into Friday morning.
Rain from Hurricane Milton will likely be “manageable,” Morales said, with between 1.5 and 2 inches forecast between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday night in Beaufort. Sustained winds are expected to peak at 25 mph with 32 mph gusts — “nowhere near as high as we had for Helene,” he added.
Due to the angle of Milton’s approach, tornadoes pose a “negligible impact, if anything at all” to the Hilton Head Island area, Morales said. The rough winds of Helene generated three tornadoes across Beaufort County.
The storm is predicted to make landfall as a major hurricane in the Tampa Bay area Wednesday afternoon, according to the Monday evening briefing. Conditions are likely to worsen in coastal South Carolina beginning Wednesday evening as the storm crosses through Florida and toward the Atlantic Ocean.
Under current forecasts, Hurricane Milton is expected to spare most of the southeast United States, whose communities were still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Helene. The storm’s death toll inched up to 227 over the weekend, including 41 in South Carolina — more than the state’s 35 causalities from Hurricane Hugo in 1989.
Milton formed Saturday in the southwest Gulf of Mexico, unlike most hurricanes’ starting points in the Caribbean or Atlantic. A hurricane with Milton’s projected path is incredibly rare — the last time it was recorded happening was in 1867, according to NBC News.
As Hurricane Kirk continues its path toward Europe, the distant storm could generate rip currents on Hilton Head beaches this week, the NWS says. Beaufort and Jasper counties were under a high risk for rip currents Monday until 8 p.m., according to the latest advisories.
Mike Wagner, director of Shore Beach Service, said Hilton Head lifeguards were flying yellow flags Monday.
This story was originally published October 7, 2024, 12:16 PM.
Eat your way across this South Carolina coastal town.Most people come to Hilton Head for pristine beaches, championship golf courses, and family time, but this beach town also has a thriving culinary scene. Naturally there’s fresh seafood aplenty, but you’ll also find Southern-inspired bites, farm-to-table dining, and homem...
Eat your way across this South Carolina coastal town.
Most people come to Hilton Head for pristine beaches, championship golf courses, and family time, but this beach town also has a thriving culinary scene. Naturally there’s fresh seafood aplenty, but you’ll also find Southern-inspired bites, farm-to-table dining, and homemade Italian cuisine. Best of all, many places offer oceanfront dining, so you can enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the Atlantic while you eat (and maybe even drink a frozen cocktail or two).
The Best Islands In South Carolina, According To Our Readers
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Get your French pastry fix at Hilton Head Social, which is owned and operated by award-winning French chef Philippe Feret. There are two locations (the original is at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina, and the newest one is near the Sea Pines Circle), both of which serve beautiful, photo-perfect pastries, decadent desserts, and buttery croissants galore. You’ll feel as if you’ve been magically transported to the streets of Paris.
hiltonheadsocialbakery.com; Harbourside Ln Building 1, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 and 1018 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-715-3349 and 843) 715-2598
02 of 15
The menu at Lulu is wide-ranging and delicious, offering American favorites with a Southern twist. Think butter-poached lobster, short rib grilled cheese, and house fried chicken. Come for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch and bask in the cheery, laid-back setting.
lulukitchen-hhi.com; 890 William Hilton Pkwy, Suite 1, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-648-5858
03 of 15
This no-frills, counter-serve restaurant is a gem. Check out the daily “blackboard” special, or take your pick from grilled, fried, or blackened seafood that’s fresh from the sea. Expect to wait in line during peak summer months—The Sea Shack is popular with locals and tourists alike.
seashackseafood.com; 6 Executive Park Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-785-2464
04 of 15
Enjoy tasty French bistro staples like escargots de bourgogne (snails served with garlic herb butter sauce and crispy leeks), perfectly cooked cassoulet, and two kinds of moules-frites at Chez Georges. The wine list is impeccable, as well. Catch the aperitif hour from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Friday, when adult beverages are two dollars off and there’s a small plates menu offered. The restaurant also uses this time to host ticketed wine tastings complete with paired cheese plates.
chezgeorgeshhi.com; 37 New Orleans Rd, Ste J, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-785-3200
05 of 15
For a fresh-off-the-farm feast, head to Nectar Farm Kitchen, where every dish is lovingly prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The breakfast and lunch menu features Southern classics like sausage biscuits and gravy, country fried steak, and creative Benedicts. Hearty “supper plates and bowls” include Lowcountry cioppino, root beer-braised short ribs, and filet mignon, alongside lighter fare like salads and soups.
nectarfarmkitchen.com; 35 Office Park Road, Hilton Head, SC 29928; 843-682-2337
06 of 15
With incredible waterfront views and a spacious, twinkly-lit outdoor patio, Coast is a picture-perfect date night spot. Located at the Sea Pines Resort, this restaurant serves all manner of seafood, sandwiches, tacos, and more; they also have a great raw bar. Wash it all down with a frozen specialty cocktail. During the summertime, there’s often live entertainment.
seapines.com; 87 N Sea Pines Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-842-1888
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You’ll likely want to linger for some time after you finish eating at Skull Creek Boathouse. The restaurant is known for its scenic location (on the banks of Skull Creek) and fun, relaxed ambiance. Apart from multiple dining areas, there’s an indoor sushi bar with raw oysters, ceviche, and sashimi, and an outdoor bar with Adirondack chairs and fantastic sunset views. Don’t leave without trying the famed salt and vinegar crab cakes.
skullcreekboathouse.com; 397 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head, SC 29926; 843-681-3663
08 of 15
Billed as an “American bistro with Southern soul,” Lucky Rooster has an exceptional menu that changes often based on seasonality and what chefs can find fresh. Expect refined comfort food like deviled eggs topped with smoked salmon, bacon, tomato, and parsley or scallops and shrimp finished in a cognac cream sauce and served with Charleston red risotto.
luckyroosterhhi.com; 841 William Hilton Pkwy Unit A, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-681-3663
09 of 15
Whatever you do, you must try a cup of the Bayside Chowder at Black Marlin Bayside Grill; it’s what they’re known for. The fish tacos are a great choice, too, although you may have a hard time picking just a couple items off their broad menu that also includes seafood entrees, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and various pastas. There’s ample indoor and outdoor seating.
blackmarlinhhi.com; 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-785-4950
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Pair a charcuterie board or brick-oven pizza with creative cocktails made from authentic Lowcountry spirits. In addition to great food and drinks, Burnt Church also offers a 7,000 square-foot tasting room, gift shop, humidor, history room, and on-site manufacturing facility—it’s a whole experience unto itself. P.S. Burnt Church is technically located in Bluffton, but the 10-minute drive down the road is a must for any visitors of the island.
burntchurchdistillery.com; 120 Bluffton Road, Bluffton, SC 29910; 843-872-0158
11 of 15
Get your fill of homemade Italian fare at Nunzio. Traditional dishes run the gamut from Pugliese-style meatballs to homemade ravioli to tagliatelle alla bolognese. Round out your meal with a mouthwatering dessert like lemon sorbet or hot chocolate soufflé cake served with vanilla gelato.
nunziohhi.com; 18 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-715-2172
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Boasting beautiful views of Port Royal Sound, this iconic seafood joint has been around for more than 50 years. Seafood doesn’t come fresher than this—Hudson’s sources its fish and shrimp directly from one of only two remaining local fishing fleets on Hilton Head. Always order the specials, which can change multiple times a day depending on what’s being unloaded from the boats.
hudsonsonthedocks.com; 1 Hudson Road Hilton Head Island, SC 29926; 843-681-2772
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Food Network Star and barbecue pitmistress Orchid Paulmeier blesses the community with her award-winning baby-back ribs and chicken wings at One Hot Mama's. Part of the official South Carolina Barbecue Trail, you won't want to miss an opportunity to try some of South Carolina's best pit-smoked meats and specials straight from Paulmeier's creative mind. Dishes like the Stack A Mac (fried mac and cheese bites topped with queso, chopped brisket, Perfect 10 barbecue sauce, coleslaw, and scallions) are sure to stick in your mind for years to come.
onehotmamas.com; 7A-1 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-682-6262
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This waterfront restaurant pays homage to the fish camp that was erected on its grounds in 1955. Housed in the camp's original building, you'll find fried shrimp and blue crab cakes served with a side of history and nostalgia at Fishcamp. Lunch and dinner are served daily, but brunch comes only on Sundays. Come by on a Friday evening for live music and relax with a view of the Broad Creek River and some of the best seafood dishes you'll find anywhere.
fishcamphhi.com; 11 Simmons Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926; 843-842-2267
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This casual, walk-up or dine-in eatery is a popular spot for Hilton Head Island lunches. Handhelds are the focus at Marleys, with lunch specials like shrimp tacos and double cheeseburgers served with hand-cut fries and a soda offered for around $15. Other popular options include fried seafood po'boys, shrimp burgers, and flounder sandwiches. For best results, finish your meal with a milkshake or frozen drink.
hiltonheadshack.com; 35 Office Park Road Suite B, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-686-5800
READ MOREExpected to reach Florida’s Big Bend region late Thursday, the predicted incoming impacts for Hurricane Helene triggered a tropical storm watch for the Lowcountry.Expand AllAfter a night of heavy, whistling winds and widespread power outages across the county, Hilton Head Island emerged from the storm largely unscathed. In fact, the island was as lively as ever.Residents and visitors were ...
Expected to reach Florida’s Big Bend region late Thursday, the predicted incoming impacts for Hurricane Helene triggered a tropical storm watch for the Lowcountry.
After a night of heavy, whistling winds and widespread power outages across the county, Hilton Head Island emerged from the storm largely unscathed. In fact, the island was as lively as ever.
Residents and visitors were out and about in large numbers in the Coligny Beach area, chatting over the noise of workers’ leaf blowers and trees rustling in the still-strong wind. Bicyclists navigated through paths and parking lots strewn with leaves and tree branches. Business owners launched cleanup efforts, preparing for the surge of customers that would come with the warm weekend.
Hilton Head dodged the brunt of overnight damage from Helene, which was downgraded to a tropical storm early Friday morning as it launched a deadly onslaught in Florida and Georgia. With most of its electric lines located underground, the island was safe from the on-and-off power outages that still plagued surrounding areas well into Friday morning.
And while the storm system already promised pricey rehabilitation efforts in northern Beaufort County — washing boats into backyards, damaging docks and flooding Beaufort’s waterfront park — damage appeared minimal on Hilton Head. With a broom and some determination, most evidence of the previous night’s conditions could be swept away by the morning’s end.
Crews from Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue responded to about 40 storm-related incidents between midnight and 9 a.m. Friday. The agency reported 35 downed trees, two of which damaged buildings, according to spokesperson Joheida Fister.
Dozens of walkers and bicyclists on Coligny Beach braved the continuing strong winds Friday morning, even with small children and dachshunds in tow. At times, gusts reached above 30 mph on the low-tide sands, which were littered with seaweed and other small pieces of debris.
Pittsburgh natives Ted and Andrea Swoger had vacationed in Hilton Head for about 20 years, but Helene was the first real storm they experienced on the island. They began their stay at the Seaside Villas at the beginning of the week and didn’t think once about cutting it short due to the weather.
“We walked the beach this morning like we always do, just to see what was happening,” Andrea Swoger said. “We didn’t have any bad experience.”
After their walk, the Swogers sat down for breakfast at Sweet Al’s Cafe, watching Hilton Head wake up around them.
“Looks like the island’s up early, cleaning up,” Andrea Swoger said with a smile.
This story was originally published September 27, 2024, 11:47 AM.
READ MOREExpected to reach Florida’s Big Bend region late Thursday, the predicted incoming impacts for Hurricane Helene triggered a tropical storm watch for the Lowcountry.Expand AllAlthough a beach trip isn’t recommended, Hilton Head Island’s public parks and beaches remained open Thursday as the aggressive Hurricane Helene marched its way toward Florida, bringing a ...
Expected to reach Florida’s Big Bend region late Thursday, the predicted incoming impacts for Hurricane Helene triggered a tropical storm watch for the Lowcountry.
Although a beach trip isn’t recommended, Hilton Head Island’s public parks and beaches remained open Thursday as the aggressive Hurricane Helene marched its way toward Florida, bringing a tornado watch to Beaufort County and a “likely” twister touchdown in the Bluffton area.
The Town of Hilton Head Island cannot technically shut down its beaches, but it can close down access points at its seven “beach parks” at Fish Haul Beach, Islander’s Beach, Folly Field Beach, Driessen Beach, Burke’s Beach, Coligny Beach and Alder Lane Beach. During Tropical Storm Debby last month, officials shuttered these access points and all other public facilities on the island for a two-and-a-half day period.
As of Thursday morning, Hilton Head emergency manager Thomas Dunn said there were “no plans” to close the town’s beach parks and other public parks.
“Obviously, if there’s a mandatory evacuation by the governor, we’ll definitely close everything down,” Dunn said. “We just take each storm individually.”
Any hurricane-related road closures, including that of the Hilton Head bridges, are decided by the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
As Helene’s high winds made their way to the Lowcountry, Dunn said the town was taking “extra precautions” in public areas, such as rolling up mats at beach access points and relocating trash bins that weren’t secured to the ground. In the Beaufort County area, wind speeds are expected to reach between 30 and 40 mph Thursday night with possible gusts up to 60 mph, according to the latest forecasts from the National Weather Service’s Charleston office.
Lifeguards at all Hilton Head beaches were flying red flags Thursday due to a high risk of rip currents making swimming “extremely dangerous,” according to Shore Beach Service. Beach patrol anticipates “rapidly deteriorating surf conditions” throughout the day and will limit swimmers to wading only.
Despite the dark-gray skies and choppy surf, live webcams near Singleton Beach captured errant visitors walking the coastline and groups of bicyclists around noon Thursday. As conditions worsen, officials are urging islanders to stay home if possible.
“The biggest thing is once this storm starts to ramp up later (Thursday), is just stay put; let it pass,” Dunn said. “It’s a pretty fast-moving storm. Later on Friday, everything should move on out — then we can have a great weekend.”
This story was originally published September 26, 2024, 12:42 PM.
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