Sunny Skies and Light Winds Grace South Carolina After Hurricane Milton’s Pass
Beaufort, SC – As the clock struck mid-morning on October 10, 2024, the skies above South Carolina were an inviting shade of blue, casting warm sunshine over the Lowcountry. This pleasant autumn day arrived after the anticipated impact from Hurricane Milton turned out to be less dramatic than initially expected. As folks across the region approached this day with anxiety fueled by the previous hurricanes like Debby and Helene, the weather offered a delightful surprise instead of the forecasted stormy disposition.
Hurricane Milton: A Gentle Giant for South Carolina
With Hurricane Milton swirling off the coast, residents braced themselves for strong winds and heavy rain. However, much to everyone’s relief, the storm brought clear skies, with highs reaching around 73°F and gentle winds blowing from the north-northeast at about 5 to 10 mph. As the day unfolded, many locals took advantage of the unexpectedly sunny, pleasant weather.
On Folly Beach, surfers flocked to the waves, riding the gentle swells stirred up by Milton’s presence. Jordy Martin from James Island caught a few waves at the washout, showcasing his skills as his laughter blended into the air filled with the sound of crashing surf. The beach was a buzz of activity—families enjoying picnics, friends playing volleyball, and the unmistakable aroma of sunscreen filled the coastal breeze.
Beaufort: A Community Rebounding from Storms
In Beaufort, the mood was similarly upbeat. Rob Wolfe, a resident who had docked his boat just a day before Milton’s arrival, expressed relief that the feared impacts never materialized. Wolfe, accompanied by his dog Mojo, has seen his fair share of storms and was determined to enjoy the calm that followed Milton’s jaunt. “The weather’s turning out beautiful,” he said, basking in the sun, “I was ready for chaos, but it’s just another lovely day in Beaufort.”
Just down the marina, echoes of recent storms remained visible. The scars left by the earlier Hurricane Helene were evident, with one of the eight boats that were unmoored still visibly beached. The remains of the Sail Naked were entwined in palm trees, a stark reminder of the forces of nature. Yet, the community was taking it all in stride, choosing to focus on recovery and resilience rather than lingering on the damages.
Nature’s Bargain: A Day of Sunshine
While the forecast originally suggested the potential for flooding tides and rough weather, reality painted a different picture. Predicted high waters were anticipated to reach dangerous levels. However, during the high tide that occurred, the waters only crested at 6.9 feet, avoiding the minor-flood threshold significantly. Community members watched the tides with monitored curiosity, relieved that the worst was avoided. There is always hope when it comes to weather in South Carolina, and today was a testament to just that!
Enjoying the Little Things
As talks of Milton’s impacts faded, locals made the most of their day, embracing the onset of fall. A cheerful woman walked her two labs near the Safe Harbor Beaufort Marina, chuckling at the thought of preparing for yet another hurricane. “Just look at this sunshine!” she exclaimed, “You just can’t beat days like this.” Nearby, an employee from Lowcountry Cider Company shared that while preparations had been made for Helene, they felt confident that Milton was just going to drift away quietly.
The breeze that blew through the marina swung palm trees gently, while the sweet sounds of laughter resonated from families gathered by the water. All around Beaufort and beyond, it served as a gentle reminder that the spirit of the community remains strong, bouncing back with every storm that rolls through.
As residents continue to recover from the effects of Hurricane Helene, today’s beautiful weather offers a much-deserved respite. Life goes on in the Lowcountry, and with every sun-drenched day, the bounce back begins anew.
