Hilton Head Island is one of the most hurricane-vulnerable resort communities in the southeastern United States. The island has limited road connections to the mainland creating dangerous evacuation bottlenecks during hurricane approaches. Matthew in 2016 caused significant storm surge flooding. The island's large retiree and resort population creates complex evacuation logistics. Hilton Head's affluent demographics mean many residents have second homes and delayed evacuation decisions create serious risks.
// Preparedness Recommendations
- Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
- Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
- Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
- Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.
// Recommended Supplies
Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.
- Emergency Food Supplies
- Water Filtration & Storage
- Backup Generator
- Solar Backup Power
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// Risk Intelligence
| Threat Score | 8 / 10 High |
| Primary Hazard | Hurricane / Storm Surge |
| FEMA Flood Zone | Zone AE (High Risk) |
| County FEMA Declarations | 50 |
| Last Major Event | Hurricane Matthew (2016) |
// Emergency Information
| Emergency Phone | (843) 341-4600 |
| Evacuation Routes | US-278 West, US-21 North, I-95 North, SC-170 North |
| Elevation | 9 ft above sea level |
// County Risk Profile
Beaufort County SC
South Carolina · Hurricane / Storm Surge
View full county emergency preparedness profile →
8/10
High Risk