News Release

Hilton Head Island Mayor Declares Local State of Emergency

August 30, 2023

In anticipation of impacts from Hurricane Idalia, Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry has declared a local state of emergency for Hilton Head Island beginning today, August 30 and continuing through Sunday, September 3.

"This storm has the potential to be dangerous. To ensure the safety of our residents and our community, I find it necessary to take this step so we can begin to implement appropriate measures to protect us from the impact of Hurricane Idalia before it strikes our area and to prepare us to deal with any of the aftereffects," said Mayor Perry. "Hurricane Idalia is an imminent threat to life, health, public safety, and general welfare of the entire geographic area of the Town of Hilton Head Island and its residents. Emergency measures are necessary to cope with the existing and anticipated dangers presented by Hurricane Idalia."

A local state of emergency provides the Town Manager, Emergency Manager and Recovery Coordinator the authority to execute emergency management plans to prepare for and respond to any impacts brought on by Hurricane Idalia. It also grants the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office the authority to enforce any curfews, re-entry and any other short-term measures related to the Hurricane Idalia.

Additionally, Beaufort County Council Chairman Joseph Passiment has declared a state of emergency for Beaufort County beginning today, August 30 and to continue through Sunday, September 3. This is a precautionary measure that will help with funding and services if there are catastrophic damages as a result of Hurricane Idalia.

For more information, the local state of emergency and other hurricane updates, visit our website at hiltonheadislandsc.gov.

View the State of Emergency Declaration