Personal Injury Attorney in Hilton Head Island, SC

As the one-year anniversary of the January 2025 snowstorm approaches, many Hilton Head and Beaufort residents are watching the forecast closely — wondering if the winter weather could make a return this weekend.

While very cold air is moving into the Lowcountry, the National Weather Service says confidence remains low that Hilton Head or Beaufort will see any snow.

Here’s the latest forecast and what residents can expect:

Cold weather for Friday morning

A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from 8 p.m. Thursday to 9 a.m. Friday as temperatures drop well below freezing overnight.

Lows will dip into the upper teens and lower 20s, with freezing conditions expected to last for 8 to 12 hours.

With these conditions, residents should protect pets, plants and pipes. Sea Island Presbyterian in Beaufort and Christ Lutheran Church on Hilton Head are opening warming shelters at 5:30 p.m. Thursday evening until 7:30 a.m. Friday morning for those in need.

Weekend forecast: Is snow in the mix?

A developing coastal system will bring colder air into the Lowcountry this weekend, with rain expected late Saturday night into Sunday.

While temperatures will be chilly, the NWS says confidence remains low that Hilton Head or Beaufort will see snow, with the area only holding a 30-50% chance of precipitation.

Forecasters note that rain could briefly mix with snow late Saturday night or early Sunday, but coastal areas are expected to remain mostly rain. The better chance for snow — including minor accumulations — will be well west of the I-95 corridor.

The NWS notes that while precipitation chances have increased for Sunday morning, the likelihood of impactful winter weather along the coast is less than 10%.

Here’s the day-by-day forecast breakdown:

Saturday

Saturday night

Sunday

Sunday night

Looking ahead

Behind the system, temperatures turn colder again, with Monday morning lows reaching the mid-20s across the region.

While this weekend will feel colder — and memories of last year’s snowstorm are still fresh — Hilton Head and Beaufort are more likely to see cold rain than snow, with only a low chance of minor winter impacts like low visibility and slick sidewalks or walkways.

For the latest forecast and updates, visit the National Weather Service.

Another prehistoric visitor has washed ashore in Beaufort County, marking at least the third Atlantic sturgeon sighting in the area in recent months.

On Sunday, Jan. 11, Fripp Island resident Pete Sload was taking an afternoon walk along the beach when he discovered the rare fish washed up on the shoreline. Sload reported the find to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and a staff member arrived the following day to retrieve the sturgeon.

Ellen Waldrop, a biologist with SCDNR’s Diadromous Fishes Program, previously told The Island Packet that once the fish is collected, it will be measured, photographed and sampled before the agency submits a record to the National Marine Fisheries Service.

The Atlantic sturgeon is one of two species found in South Carolina waters, alongside the smaller shortnose sturgeon. Both species are federally protected, making it illegal to harm or keep them. Even a dead or stranded sturgeon must be reported.

Even though sturgeon sightings are few and far between, this is not the first time Beaufort County residents have recently encountered an Atlantic sturgeon.

Back in November, a juvenile one was found on Islanders Beach on Hilton Head Island, and another was spotted by residents on Melrose Beach on Daufuskie Island.

What to know about the modern dinosaur

Atlantic sturgeon are known for their impressive lifespan and size.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says that sturgeons have a long fossil record, dating back 120 million years. Some even roamed the earth with dinosaurs 245 million years ago.

Adults can reach up to 14 feet and weigh up to 800 pounds, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries.

South Carolina’s populations tend to live anywhere from 25 to 30 years long and take five to 19 years to mature. These fish hatch in freshwater rivers, then spend much of their lives in coastal waters and return to their birthplace to spawn.

NOAA states that tagging data indicate that young Atlantic sturgeon travel widely up and down the East Coast.

The two types of sturgeons can appear similar, but Atlantic sturgeons can be distinguished by their larger size, smaller mouth, different snout shape and tail scute pattern.

About sturgeon populations

Sturgeon populations were once abundant, but their numbers have plummeted due to overfishing and habitat loss. During the late 1800s, in what’s sometimes known as the “Black Gold Rush,” sturgeon eggs were a prized find and fueled a booming caviar trade.

Today, all U.S. Atlantic sturgeon population segments are protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Sturgeons are bottom feeders, sifting through riverbeds and coastal shallows for crustaceans, worms, mollusks and bottom-dwelling fish.

Officials urge anyone who finds a dead or stranded sturgeon — or catches one accidentally — to report it to NOAA or the SCDNR.

Have you spotted any rare beach finds in South Carolina this winter? Share your photos and beach location to amiller@islandpacket.com.

Several great white sharks have recently pinged off the South Carolina coast, according to the latest tracking data from OCEARCH, an ocean research nonprofit that tracks hundreds of marine animals.

Many great white sharks in the west Atlantic make their way south to spend the winter months off the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida waters.

Of all the sharks tracked by OCEARCH in the last few days, three have recently pinged off the South Carolina coast, stretching from the Grand Strand all the way down to the Lowcountry.

Where are these sharks swimming?

Among the most notable is Webster, one of the largest of the group. The adult male white shark, weighing 1,008 pounds and measuring 12 feet, 2 inches, pinged near Charleston at 8:25 a.m. on Jan. 6.

Webster was first tagged on Sept. 29 in Nova Scotia and has spent much of the fall swimming off South Carolina waters. His previous ping was just north of the state line on Dec. 2.

Also drawing attention is Cayo, a 10-foot-3-inch juvenile female white shark weighing 689 pounds, who last pinged around 1 a.m. on Jan. 7 outside Myrtle Beach.

Cayo was first tagged on July 29, and her previous ping off South Carolina was on Dec. 15 near Georgetown.

Lastly, Bella, had her most recent ping on Dec. 29 near Georgetown. Bella is a juvenile female, measuring 10 feet, 2 inches and weighing 729 pounds. She was tagged on July 18, also near Nova Scotia.

Have there been other shark sightings in SC this winter?

Back in December, a few more of these sharp-toothed friends were pinged swimming out in the Palmetto State’s waters, bringing the state’s total number of visitors this winter to seven. Recent updates included:

Cross, a 9-foot-1-inch, 377-pound juvenile male, last pinged near Myrtle Beach on Dec. 28. Swimming nearby, Brookes, an 8-foot-10-inch, 456-pound juvenile female, had her last ping near Georgetown on Dec. 28, too.

Nori, an 8-foot-1-inch juvenile female weighing 423 pounds, last pinged near Edisto Island on Dec. 22 after previously pinging off near Georgetown on Nov. 30. Nori began her southbound journey in early October.

The biggest of the bunch, Baker, a 12-foot-10-inch white shark weighing 1,429 pounds, had his last ping near Charleston on Dec. 11.

Seasonal migration continues

White sharks commonly migrate south during the colder months, following food sources and warmer waters along the Atlantic coast. South Carolina’s coastline often sees increased great white shark activity from winter through March.

Some areas of the Palmetto State got an early sighting of the great whites this year, too, when one was spotted on Nov. 30 off of Hilton Head Island.

Shark populations have also increased this year, meaning that more sightings and pings may be on the way.

Folks can continue to keep an eye on Webster, Bella, Cayo and all the other South Carolina-bound sharks on OCEARCH’s online tracker.

Anyone who drives a car understands the sting of having to fill up their tank and pulling into the gas station, only to discover that gas prices have skyrocketed. Paying extra for gas means you have less to spend on other things, which, over time, can really put a crimp in your budget.

Cheap Insurance explored some of the reasons behind major changes in gas prices, and compiled a list of the cheapest gas stations in Hilton Head Island using data from Gas Buddy.

Gas prices fluctuate based on several factors, including the cost of the key ingredient, crude oil, as well as the available supply and demand for gasoline. If the price of oil rises, a major refinery goes offline, or more drivers are hitting the road, for example, then the cost will increase.

In the first half of 2022, a unique confluence of events led to a surge in gas prices. The increased demand stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and a slowdown in oil production all contributed to a national all-time high of $4.93 per gallon on average in June 2022.

Seasons also affect gas prices. Demand tends to drop in winter, but the cost also falls because gas stations switch to a different blend of gasoline that's optimal for lower temperatures—and has cheaper ingredients.

Location also matters. The South and Midwest tend to have the lowest gas prices, while the West, including Hawai'i, has the highest. Californians, in particular, pay more for gas on average than any other state. That's because of its high state excise taxes; its isolation from the country's major pipelines, which causes supply issues; and its requirements that mandate a more environmentally friendly blend of gas that costs more to produce and adds to the price per gallon.

No matter where you live, read on to see if you can get a deal on gas near you.

#1. Parker's- Address: 469 Buckwalter Pkwy, Bluffton, SC- Price: $2.14

#2. Parker's Kitchen- Address: 5 Oliver Ct, Bluffton, SC- Price: $2.24

#3. Enmarket- Address: 4372 Bluffton Pkwy, Bluffton, SC- Price: $2.29

#4. Parker's- Address: 307 US-17, Hardeeville, SC- Price: $2.35

#5. Circle K- Address: 1565 Fording Island Rd, Bluffton, SC- Price: $2.39

#5. Circle K (tie)- Address: 1380 Fording Island Rd, Bluffton, SC- Price: $2.39

#5. Parker's (tie)- Address: 9227 Evan Way, Bluffton, SC- Price: $2.39

#5. Kroger (tie)- Address: 115 Innovation Dr, Bluffton, SC- Price: $2.39

#5. Enmarket (tie)- Address: 501 Island West Park, Bluffton, SC- Price: $2.39

#5. Shop N Go 2 (tie)- Address: 57 Sams Point Rd, Lady's Island, SC- Price: $2.39

Hilton Head Restaurant Week, an annual event that gives local eateries a boost during the post-holiday lull, is back this month.

More than 80 restaurants in Bluffton and Hilton Head are expected to participate in this year’s event, scheduled for Jan. 31 to Feb. 7, according to the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. Restaurants traditionally offer prix-fixe menus, so patrons can enjoy a taste of what the area has to offer for a less-than-usual price.

With so many options, it can be a little confusing to know where to start. In no particular order, here are the 10 best Restaurant Week deals at eateries in and around Hilton Head as of Jan. 5.

Crab galore for $38 at Carolina Crab Company

Carolina Crab Company in Palmetto Bay Marina is offering a prix-fixe menu for $38 — and, to no one’s surprise, crab is prominently featured.

Crab cakes and crab-stuffed tiger shrimp are featured entrées, and poblano crab queso, crab salad crostini and crab and chorizo chowder are possible appetizers. But non-crab lovers also have some options, like red wine pear salad to start and short ribs or blackened shrimp and scallops for an entrée.

Dessert offerings include brownie sundaes, key lime pie and blueberry bread pudding.

All-you-can-eat meats at Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse for $42.50

Sixteen “prime” meats. Thirty fresh salads. Six hot dishes. Endless portions. Kids under five eat free, kids ages six-12 pay their age and adults pay $42.50 per person.

That’s how Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse at 1000 William Hilton Parkway in the Village at Wexford is advertising its Restaurant Week deal. Who can argue with that?

Three courses for $25 at Fish Casual Coastal Seafood

An entrée at this Coligny Plaza restaurant can cost up to $36. But during Restaurant Week, patrons can get an appetizer, dinner and dessert for $11 less.

Customers can choose a house salad, a Caesar salad or crab and shrimp bisque to start, followed by either Lowcountry boil, fish and chips or pesto shrimp pasta for dinner. Dessert options include key lime crumble, Snickers brownies or banana pudding. Not bad for $25.

Luxe three-course meal at Driftwood Rum Bar

You won’t find rum on the prix-fixe menu at this restaurant inside the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island, but you can still get a three-course meal for $36.

Diners can start with whipped ricotta, drunken mussels or she-crab soup, choose from entrées like wild mushroom risotto, braised chicken leg, ahi tuna steak or beef ragu and end with either mango crème brûlée or flourless chocolate torte for dessert.

For that price, adding on a $13 mai tai or painkiller doesn’t seem so bad.

$20.99 pizza and wings at Local Pie

Pizza and wings for under $25? In this economy? Unheard of. But customers at Local Pie in Hilton Head and Bluffton can get any large, one-to-two topping pizza and an order of wings for $20.99 during restaurant week.

If wings aren’t your thing, that’s OK too. Local Pie is offering any two medium pies for $15.99, any two large pizzas for $29.99, any two large one-topping pizzas for $21.99 and any 10-inch pie and a salad for $17.99. The deals are available for both dine-in and takeout customers.

Lots of options for $43 at Nunzio Restaurant + Bar — plus $30 wine flight

Nunzio Restaurant + Bar at 18 New Orleans Road might win the prize for most options on its $43 per person Restaurant Week menu.

The menu includes six appetizers like beef carpaccio and mozzarella caprese salad, seven dinners like tagliatelle alla bolognese and branzino puttanesca and five desserts like tiramisu, affogato borghetti and Sicilian cannoli.

Diners can add a “tour of Italy” wine flight for an additional $29.99. The deal starts Jan. 11, a full 20 days before Restaurant Week officially begins.

$14 meal at Slow Country BBQ & Grill

Sometimes you just need a sandwich, fries and a Coke, and at Slow Country BBQ & Grill, that’s what you’ll get during Restaurant Week.

The Coligny Plaza eatery will offer diners a sandwich, side and a drink for $14. Customers can choose from “any” sandwich on the menu, whether that’s a burger or a fried chicken, brisket or pulled pork sandwich, and sides like potato salad, coleslaw, fries and mac and cheese. Simple, yet effective.

Three courses for $22 at Street Meet

Street Meet’s prix-fixe menu is one of the lowest priced at $22, and its offerings are simple but just flashy enough to give them the extra Restaurant Week pizzazz.

Diners at the Port Royal Plaza restaurant can choose a Caesar salad, garden salad or Italian wedding soup to start, followed by prime rib cheesesteak, a gyro or a Cuban sandwich. Everyone gets a mini brownie sundae for dessert, drizzled with hot fudge.

Cool weather drinks at Origin Coffee Bar

Origin Coffee Bar at 35 Main St. on the island says it is participating in Restaurant Week and offers a list of seasonal drinks for its menu. It’s unclear if this is just the regular winter menu or exclusive to the chamber event.

Drinks include the 12-ounce nitro brown butter mocha for $6, the peppermint mocha for $6, the “crosby” which is pistachio, white chocolate, espresso and milk for $5.75 and the filthy animal with cranberry, rosemary, sage, espresso and tonic for $6.25.

Free soup or dessert with purchase at the Patio Bar & Deck

The Patio Bar & Deck at the Sonesta will offer diners a free soup or dessert with a purchase of a burger, sandwich or “patio favorite.” Qualifying dishes include short rib chili, four cheese pizza, chicken bacon croissants and redfish sandwiches.

See another great restaurant week deal that we missed? Email lfinaldi@islandpacket.com to have it added.