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Wedding & Event Venue Near Hilton Head Island, SC.

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Your Magic Moment Awaits

Your wedding day. Without a doubt, it's one of the most significant events you will ever experience - when you and the love of your life officially seal the deal and get married. On this day, your friends and family will gather to celebrate the next step in your life. Photographers will be running around snapping photos, catering plates delicious food for guests to enjoy, and the DJ sets the mood for a night of fun and libation. You've worked extra hard to make everything look perfect and run smoothly. You have examined every moving part down to the tiniest detail. At the center of all your effort is your wedding venue in Hilton Head Island, SC.

Your event space can mean the difference between an unforgettable event and an average occasion. Capturing your uniqueness as a couple is paramount to a memorable wedding. But, without the right venue location and staff, your unforgettable event can turn into a painfully average occasion. Fortunately, at Abney Hall, you won't ever have to worry about dingy reception spaces and crummy chow halls.

Constructed in Hilton Head Island, SC, in 1962, Abney Hall is 15,000 square feet and sits on 500 acres of land, making it a large wedding venue unlike any other. Abney Hall was originally the home of Mrs. Josephine Abney, a Hilton Head Island native who was a lifelong philanthropist. Mrs. Abney devoted much of her time and effort towards supporting charities, educational institutions, hospitals, and other noble efforts. Today, Abney Hall stands tall as a symbol of love, both in our community and for the couples who choose to get married here.

Abney Hall is an exclusive event experience unlike any other, surrounded by verdant forests and sparkling ponds. Our venue is a natural fit for several occasions, including:

Special Event Space Hilton Head Island, SC

Weddings

 Event Venue Hilton Head Island, SC

Bridal Showers

 Event Space Hilton Head Island, SC

Bridal Portraits

 Rehearsal Dinner Venue Hilton Head Island, SC

Rehearsal Dinners

 Bridal Shower Venue Hilton Head Island, SC

Corporate Events

 Business Event Space Hilton Head Island, SC

Much More!

 Wedding Space Hilton Head Island, SC

The Top Wedding Venue in Hilton Head Island, SC

The beginning of your life starts at Abney Hall. With our team by your side, we can create the fairy tale wedding you have dreamed about since childhood. Whether you have 100 guests or 1,000, our waterfront ceremony locations and French-inspired courtyard are perfect for your big day. Celebrate in luxurious style surrounded by shady magnolia trees, a private forest, large ponds, and the beauty of Mother Nature. While our venue location and aesthetic have been praised far and wide, so too have the practical aspects of Abney Hall. Looking for a relaxing, comfortable spot for your bridal party to get ready in? We offer an entire floor in the Abney Hall residence to get the bridal party ready. Want to make your groomsman feel extra-special too? We've got a private, plush house just feet from a sparkling pond that is a proper hangout spot for the guys in your group.

To make life easier on you, we also offer Abney Hall as your go-to spot for rehearsal dinners. Why book an expensive restaurant or travel to another location when unmatched beauty and convenience are right at your fingertips? Abney Hall is just the place for that very important dinner the night before your big day. We are also happy to host your bridal shower at Abney Hall. Our venue makes for one of Hilton Head Island's most unique bridal shower settings, where your family and friends can gather to give gifts and be merry before you walk down the aisle.

With such a large, magnificent house and a vast property, Abney Hall also makes for an unforgettable location for your bridal portraits and other wedding-related photography needs. Don't take our word for it - book a tour and see for yourself why so many new brides and grooms choose Abney Hall as their wedding venue in Hilton Head Island.

 Wedding Venue Hilton Head Island, SC

What Sets Abney Hall Apart from Other Wedding Venues in Hilton Head Island?

You've already found the person you want to spend the rest of your life beside. The next step? Finding the perfect wedding venue for your ceremony, reception, and celebration of your lifelong commitment to one another. Remember, the backdrop for photos, dancing, eating, and all other activities will be at your wedding venue. That's why we work so hard to set Abney Hall apart from our competitors - so you and your guests can focus on love and living your new life while we work with your vendors and photographers to make your magic night a reality.

Here are just a few reasons why guests choose Abney Hall as their wedding venue in Hilton Head Island, SC, along with some helpful tips from our experienced wedding venue staff:

Venue Size

Choosing the appropriate-sied venue for your desired guest count is a critical decision. A venue's capacity affects the number of people you need to consider having at your ceremony and reception. As you're first starting out, we recommend having a guest count in mind as you're searching for the right venue. Try to stick with that number. You may fall in love with a particular venue, but if its max capacity can't accommodate your guest count, it may be time to cross them off your list.

 Corporate Conference Hall Hilton Head Island, SC
Abney Hall Pro Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

Keep in mind that this is your big day. You shouldn't feel obligated to invite the college roommate you shared a dorm with for one semester. At the end of the day, your wedding venue should be one that can accommodate those closest to you. Abney Hall is equipped for both small and large weddings, consisting of 500 acres of forest, ponds, and lush natural beauty. Whether you want an intimate wedding with only your best friends or a grand ceremony with hundreds of people, we have the right amount of room to make you comfortable.

Location and Nearby Lodging

On your big day, you're likely to have friends and family traveling in from other parts of the state or country. These folks will need a place to stay during and even after your wedding. Accessibility and ease are important factors when it comes to choosing your wedding venue for both you and your guests.

Located in Hilton Head Island, SC, Abney Hall is situated in a memorable, natural setting, giving your wedding a private vibe in the midst of Mother Nature. While we pride ourselves on having a secluded wedding event space, our venue is within an easy driving distance of hotels and vacation rentals.

Abney Hall Pro Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

When you contact us for a tour, make sure to speak with our experienced venue manager about nearby hotels and shuttle service options. We understand that your guest's comfort and convenience are important, and we're happy to work with you to figure out the best way to get your guests to Abney Hall.

Venue Staff

At Abney Hall, our staff has earned its reputation as one of the industry's most friendly, accessible teams. We will provide you with a purpose-minded point of contact that can help answer questions relating to timelines, preferred vendors, and every aspect of your wedding. When you tour our wedding venue in Hilton Head Island, SC, for the first time, we want you to feel like you have all the information you need to make an informed purchasing decision.

We would be happy to go over:
  • Venue Pricing
  • Ceremony Specifics
  • Reception Specifics
  • Catering Possibilities
  • Decorating Possibilities
  • Entertainment Options
  • Photography and Photo Opportunities
  • Venue Amenities
  • Bridal Party Needs
  • Groomsman Needs

At Abney Hall, our goal is to be your first resource when it comes to setting up and coordinating the details of your wedding day.

Decor

When it comes to your wedding's decor, you probably already have a few ideas in mind. We love it when our brides and grooms have a vision in mind because one of our greatest joys is turning that vision into a reality. At Abney Hall, our team is available to help you and your decorator fit, accent, and accommodate your fairy-tale wedding - whatever that may be.

Are you looking to dress up your wedding with decorations galore? Just want to add a few accents that tie into your preferred color palette? Abney Hall is versatile and ready to help however we are able.

 Reception Hall Hilton Head Island, SC
Abney-Hall-Pro-Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

If you're thinking about bringing in your own greenery, lighting, floral pieces, and more, we recommend discussing your vision with us on your initial tour of our event space. That way, we can get a head start on making your big day exactly how you envision it.

Photo Opportunities

10 years from now, when you and your spouse are celebrating your anniversary, you will pull out photographs from your wedding and will reminisce about the unforgettable time you spent at Abney Hall. Your wedding photos will be with you forever, and as such, we work closely with you and your photographer to suggest extra-special photo op spots that you can only find on Abney Hall grounds.

From the grand staircase and French-inspired courtyard to our manicured gardens and lovely pond, there is no shortage of photo-op locations for your photographer to choose from. As one of the most popular wedding venues in Hilton Head Island, SC, we have worked with dozens of photographers over the years.

Our experience has allowed us to cultivate a list of preferred photographers - all of whom have the talent to take your pictures to the next level in a setting they're familiar with. We encourage you to check out our gallery to get a sense of the scope of our wedding venue and gain inspiration from other happy couples.

Abney-Hall-Pro-Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip

The gallery on our website is extensive but be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages as well. We keep our social pages updated with recent wedding photographs, giving you an incredible resource that you can use for your own photography purposes.

Special Event Space Hilton Head Island, SC

The Premier Corporate Event Venue in Hilton Head Island, SC

Abney Hall is known across the United States for our stunning weddings, but we also play host to some of the largest corporate events in South Carolina. Why choose a bland, lifeless meeting space when you can enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature coupled with a professional atmosphere? If you have an important team-building event or corporate conference that you have to coordinate, look no further than Abney Hall.

The epitome of class and style, our corporate event space is large, lavish, and chock-full of onsite amenities for you and your co-workers to enjoy. If your team needs a morale boost, don't bring them to the local Olive Garden for a cheap lunch. Treat them to a refreshing experience in our main dining room, where we can work with you to incorporate your catering options with the goals of your event.

When the hard work is done, and your team needs a breather, what better way to relax than with a quick dip in our pool? To burn off a little steam, head over to our brand-new tennis court - the perfect place to get some exercise in an ultra-private setting while you enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Don't forget to bring your fishing poles for a couple of hours of fishing. There's even an opportunity to go hunting if you wish.

 Event Venue Hilton Head Island, SC

Elegance at Its Finest - Only
a Phone Call Away

If you're ready to learn more about Abney Hall as your wedding venue, don't hesitate to reach out. We would love to hear more about your plans, your vision, and your needs. We know that planning a wedding isn't easy. It takes time, attention to detail, and a whole lot of patience. Our goal is to help provide you with all the info you need to learn more about our venue. Once you decide on a date, we'll work closely with you and your vendors to craft a wedding experience that you will treasure for the rest of your life.

Our available dates for your big day are going quick, especially during peak seasons like spring and fall. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Contact us today for a FREE initial consultation
 Event Space Hilton Head Island, SC

Latest News in Hilton Head Island, SC

Post Office pitfalls continue on Hilton Head Island. ‘I’m tired of being stolen from’

Worries of missing and stolen mail from the U.S. Postal Service in Hilton Head have reached into the new year, but officials remain silent on the cause and potential solutions.“Never in my life have I seen such horrific and irresponsible service from a Post Office,” said Windmill Harbor resident Lisa Fields, who says Hilton Head’s mail service has misplaced $150 in gift cards on top of a score of checks and packages. “I’m tired of being stolen from.”Emails obtained last summer from an adminis...

Worries of missing and stolen mail from the U.S. Postal Service in Hilton Head have reached into the new year, but officials remain silent on the cause and potential solutions.

“Never in my life have I seen such horrific and irresponsible service from a Post Office,” said Windmill Harbor resident Lisa Fields, who says Hilton Head’s mail service has misplaced $150 in gift cards on top of a score of checks and packages. “I’m tired of being stolen from.”

Emails obtained last summer from an administrator at the Office of Inspector General confirmed a female employee at the island’s north-end Post Office had been allegedly nabbing gift cards and discarding stolen checks from residents’ mail. She was reportedly “removed” from the location to minimize losses, although the USPS has not officially verified the events or released the name of the employee.

The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette received over two dozen reports of missing mail dating back to June 2022, totaling $2,315 in value. New stories suggest the issue hasn’t been resolved.

When mail does get delivered, Fields said, it often goes to the wrong people — certain good Samaritans “from all around the island” have brought her some pieces of misplaced mail.

The problem extends beyond the missing items, Fields emphasized. She’s been charged late fees for mailed payments that never arrive, and has repeatedly re-delivered packages that were mistakenly left on her doorstep. “It’s constant stress. Constant,” she said.

Fields’ experience is corroborated by a number of users on the neighborhood social media site NextDoor, where initial rumors of mail theft began to swirl last summer. Most complaints cite missing contents from packages that had obviously been opened or tampered with.

Representatives from the Office of Inspector General in Columbia have maintained throughout that the Postal Service “does not confirm or refute” information on ongoing theft investigations, but residents can report missing mail by filing an online complaint at https://www.uspsoig.gov/hotline.

It’s been a tough year for mail in and around Beaufort County. Just before the holidays, residents and business owners in Ridgeland complained of massively delayed deliveries, which the Postal Service attributed to a staffing shortage.

The reported problems are not contained to federal postal service — they are also extending to the private United Parcel Service (UPS). In October 2023, Sun City resident Marcus Stineman was arrested for reportedly tampering with and stealing from packages while on the job at a UPS processing facility on Hilton Head. In a disposition on Thursday, Stineman was fined $50 after entering a plea of nolo contendere — meaning he didn’t contest the charges but refused to admit guilt.

Mailing funds through a money order or check is preferable, according to the USPS, although those mailing cash can insure it up to $50,000.

This story was originally published February 2, 2024, 12:22 PM.

Here are the 15 best things to do in Hilton Head in 2024, Tripadvisor says

Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting tourist, Hilton Head Island is filled with new things to explore.To make sure you’ve at least experienced the best things to do on the island, Tripadvisor recently released its list of the 2024 top attractions to do in Hilton Head.Here are the top attractions on the list.Are you over the age of 21? Head on over to ...

Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting tourist, Hilton Head Island is filled with new things to explore.

To make sure you’ve at least experienced the best things to do on the island, Tripadvisor recently released its list of the 2024 top attractions to do in Hilton Head.

Here are the top attractions on the list.

Are you over the age of 21? Head on over to Hilton Head Distillery, which was ranked as the best on the list for attractions on Hilton Head Island, and is the island’s only distillery and craft spirits locale. The distillery offers a unique experience for guests with a wide variety of activities such as the opportunity to engage in a hands-on mixology experience, daily behind-the-scenes tours, tastings, signature cocktail classes and a bottle shop.

Such options are a much-talked-about affair among adults and are ranked as a ‘must-do’ for many adult parties or gatherings. The distillery can be found at 14 Cardinal Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926.

Landing in second was the famed Coligny Beach. Accompanied by Coligny Plaza, this area on the island’s south end is a great place to spend the day with free parking, a shopping center, restaurants and miles of white sand beaches. Coligny Beach Park on its own has a splash pad, restrooms, outdoor showers, seating, free parking and more.

The beach’s public access point is located at 1 Coligny Circle.

Hilton Head Island’s bike trails may be one of the most widely-mentioned attractions the island has.

The Town of Hilton Head Island’s website shows several different interactive or printable map options for the many bike trails that the island has to offer.

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge can be found between Hilton Head Island and Bluffton off the U.S. 278 bridge connecting the island to the mainland. The area is an island dedicated to hosting an abundance of local wildlife and acts as a space for individuals to explore and observe the local flora and fauna.

The preserve attracts thousands of migratory birds annually and provides a rookery, a nesting habitat for colonial wading birds such as ibis, egrets and herons. Other local species such as alligators, armadillos, various snakes, turtles, butterflies, bats and salamanders make their home at the wildlife preserve as well. Visitors may enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, walking and wildlife viewing during the park’s sunrise to sunset visiting hours.

Rounding out the top five best attractions on Hilton Head Island is the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. The 605-acre area of protected land on the south end of the island in the Sea Pines resort community is dedicated to wildlife habitat and outdoor exploration.

Following the construction of the preserve’s first trails in the early 1970s, Sea Pines Forest Preserve has grown to include bridle paths, wetland boardwalks, bridges and fishing docks. Aside from exploring the preserve through the many leisurely walking trails, horseback rides, guided boat tours, fishing expeditions or wagon tours are available for guests’ enjoyment. Visiting hours for the forest preserve are sunrise to sunset, which allows for an optimal day of exploration.

The 10 remaining best attractions on Hilton Head Island in 2024, according to an updated list by Tripadvisor, include:

Hilton Head Island emergency officials prep community for Idalia impacts

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (WTGS) — As Idalia continues making its way toward Florida's coast, those on Hilton Head Island are ramping up preparations for impacts to come.Hilton Head safety and emergency officials gathered at the island's fire rescue headquarters Tuesday afternoon to urge residents not to underestimate the incoming storm."I think that the keyword is: don't get complacent. The track of the storm, and the models are coming together. It's coming here. We are going to get impacted to some degree," sai...

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (WTGS) — As Idalia continues making its way toward Florida's coast, those on Hilton Head Island are ramping up preparations for impacts to come.

Hilton Head safety and emergency officials gathered at the island's fire rescue headquarters Tuesday afternoon to urge residents not to underestimate the incoming storm.

"I think that the keyword is: don't get complacent. The track of the storm, and the models are coming together. It's coming here. We are going to get impacted to some degree," said emergency manager Tom Dunn.

Fire Captain Chris Blankenship said it's all hands on deck and that they will have increased staff throughout the 24-hour period of the storm.

RELATED: Idalia upgraded to a category 2 hurricane

He said they will have fire engines, medic teams, and cut teams to address fallen trees but will stop sending those first responders out if winds reach 65 miles per hour.

"I think we are expecting a lot of trees to fall, especially with the rains this morning," said Blankenship. "With the ground saturated as those winds pick up, we will see trees fall across roadways, hopefully not, but onto houses."

Mayor Alan Perry said previous storms have taught them how devastating mass amounts of rain can be to those living on an island.

He said 2017's Hurricane Irma left many with their homes underwater, and they don't want to see that happen again.

"It is really important, especially tomorrow night, Wednesday night, around ten o'clock when we are experiencing king tides, and we are expecting a surge 2-4 feet above that. That is a lot of water, and we have to make certain we are not on the roads, not in the way, not out there putting ourselves in danger," Perry said.

TRENDING: Ga & SC districts modify school schedules ahead of Hurricane Idalia

Perry added that residents should stay inside throughout the storm and, in true island fashion, help keep an eye out for their neighbors if they are in need.

"If you've got yourself taken care of, then you can help out others, and it really is important not to be a sight-seer tomorrow night. Stay home, stay safe, and be ready to help out those who need help," said Perry.

Island officials say the town has no authority over the Hilton Head Bridge, but residents should avoid crossing if winds are over 35 miles per hour.

Hilton Head Island emergency officials urge residents to avoid using social media for safety information and instead check official sources like local government and emergency agencies.

13 Best Places To Eat In Hilton Head

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 enjoy a frozen cocktail or two).

01 of 13

Hilton Head Social Bakery

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 Insta-ready pastries, decadent desserts, and buttery croissants galore. You’ll feel as if you’ve been magically transported to the streets of Paris.

02 of 13

Lulu Kitchen

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.

03 of 13

The Sea Shack

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.

04 of 13

Chez Georges

Enjoy tasty French bistro staples like escargots de bourgogne (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.

05 of 13

Nectar Farm Kitchen

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.

06 of 13

Coast

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; there’s also a great raw bar. Wash it all down with a frozen specialty cocktail. During the summertime, there’s often live entertainment.

07 of 13

Skull Creek Boathouse

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 killer sunset views. Don’t leave without trying the famed salt and vinegar crab cakes.

08 of 13

The Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar

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.

09 of 13

Black Marlin Bayside Grill

Whatever you do, you must try a cup of the Bayside Chowder at Black Marlin; 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.

10 of 13

Burnt Church Distillery

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.

11 of 13

Nunzio Restaurant + Bar

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 souffle cake served with vanilla gelato.

12 of 13

Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks

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.

13 of 13

Johnson Creek Tavern

Satisfy your craving for pub grub at this low-key hangout on Harbor Island. Lunch and dinner options at Johnson Creek Tavern are simple but so satisfying. Start with hot crab and shrimp dip, then choose between a shrimp burger, crab cake sandwich, or fried flounder sandwich. You won't go wrong with any. Kick back with a cold beer or glass of wine and stay awhile.

Drenching rains and lashing winds on tap for East Coast. Will Hilton Head be hit?

The Lowcountry is not out of the clear as a strong low-pressure system will push its way from the Gulf Coast, sending drenching rains and lashing winds along the Eastern Seaboard this weekend.Beginning Saturday afternoon, rain and coastal wind will whip up in the Lowcountry, and the effects will linger into Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service’s Charleston Office.NWS meteorologist Michael Stroz said impacts to the Lowcountry will depend on the storm’s track and timing. As models become clearer, ...

The Lowcountry is not out of the clear as a strong low-pressure system will push its way from the Gulf Coast, sending drenching rains and lashing winds along the Eastern Seaboard this weekend.

Beginning Saturday afternoon, rain and coastal wind will whip up in the Lowcountry, and the effects will linger into Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service’s Charleston Office.

NWS meteorologist Michael Stroz said impacts to the Lowcountry will depend on the storm’s track and timing. As models become clearer, the storm looks like it will track to the northeast, paralleling the coastline. Stroz said the Lowcountry will see the majority of effects starting late Saturday and lasting through Sunday evening.

“Sunday will be a rather ugly weather day for us,” said Frank Strait, the state’s severe weather liaison. “Travel conditions will be awful due to wet roads and strong winds; I recommend staying home if you can.”

Beaufort County could get pelted with rain that totals between 3 and 4 inches. Local amounts could be higher, the service added. Low-lying areas and those with poor drainage will be particularly vulnerable, and roads and bridges may be slippery. Because of the rate of rain over time, Stroz said there is little likelihood that flash flooding will occur.

On Friday, the uncertainty of the storm’s track meant impacts from coastal flooding weren’t immediately clear, Strait said.

The storm will pass close to the coast, he said, but it could track just inland or offshore. The further offshore the storm center passes, onshore wind will be less significant. That would lead to a decreased coastal flooding risk during Sunday morning’s high tide. But, if it tracks over land, the longer period of onshore winds whipping through would increase flooding risk.

Rain accumulation doesn’t account for its interaction with high tides. In Beaufort, Saturday and Sunday’s high tides range between 7.3 feet and 8.6 feet, USHarbors predicted. On Hilton Head Island, the weekend high tides span from 6.5 feet to 7.5 feet.

Local meteorologists forecast that wind gusts along the South Carolina coast could blow up to 40 mph throughout the weekend. Strait said wind is the primary threat, with the possibility of causing damage to trees and power lines. Beaufort County is at a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms on Sunday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The NWS called marine and surf conditions “dangerous,” as wind gusts and high seas are expected to stir up waters. Across the entire South Carolina coast, forecasters say breaking waves will reach up to 5 feet or greater, agitating the seas Saturday night through Sunday.

Seas as high as 10 feet to 18 feet are possible Saturday into Monday morning, the service said. Beginning Saturday and lasting through Sunday night, there is a potential for 35 to 45 kt wind gusts blasting over local waters.

What does that all mean? Avoid beaches. Ditch any boating plans. Prep for property flooding. Leave time for travel and room between cars. And check any arriving and departing flights.

As of Friday morning, there were no delayed arrival or departure flights at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport or the Hilton Head Island Airport. While Beaufort County won’t see major impacts until Sunday, do not to count out traveling further south, where the deluge, strong winds and the potential for severe thunderstorms are expected as early as Saturday morning.

The majority of South Carolina’s coast is under a small craft advisory and gale watch. Stroz said a high surf advisory for the entire coast may be issued.

Based on local weather predictions, Beaufort County should clear up Monday, but evening temperatures will cool.

This story was originally published December 15, 2023, 11:47 AM.

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