Criminal Defense Attorney inBeaufort, SC

BLUFFTON, S.C. (WTOC) - The Lowcountry is bracing for the possibility of a winter storm that could shake up weekend plans.

People are already heading to stores to stock up on supplies, and the South Carolina Department of Transportation says they are prepared and ready to go when called.

From salt to plant blankets, people are trying to get a hold of whatever they can to prepare for what could be a wintry weekend in the Lowcountry.

“I did the best I could by buying this little handy shovel here,” Bluffton resident Thomas Rowe said. “If we do get some heavy snow, I am going to be sore for many days.”

A winter storm could bring heavy snow and ice to different parts of the state.

“Travel conditions, if we do see that type of snow falling, would become hazardous,” Secretary of Transportation for SCDOT, Justin Powell, said.

With that in mind, some people are ready to take the recommended approach of staying inside.

“If it gets icy, I’m not going anywhere,” Bluffton resident Mike Nolte said. “I’m staying home, I got a nice fireplace, so I’ll just build a fire and stay home and relax.”

And while some people are planning to stay home.

SCDOT says they already have crews out pretreating major roadways, interstates, and bridges across the state by spraying brine ahead of the storm.

That brine is made using salt that SCDOT says has been restocked after using some last week.

Officials say it will help keep the roads open as long as possible, but also help SCDOT clear the roads later.

If the need arises, SCDOT says they are ready to go into 24-hour operation starting on Friday.

That means the 3,000 employees in the department will be working around the clock in shifts, and that their 1,200 pieces of equipment will be spread out across the state to respond.

“We are prepared, we are actively working to get ready for this storm, we work through the duration of this storm, and when it is over, we will continue to work until the roads are reopened and cleared,” Powell said.

WTOC spoke with officials from Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties, who told me that right now they are just monitoring the storm and are getting together potential plans that will be used if the need arises.

Longtime owner of the popular Sea Island Carriage Company on Bay Street in downtown Beaufort, Nichole Bradley, has sold her carriage tour company after nearly eleven years in business.

Nichole is handing over the reins of her popular carriage tours to Charlotte Lawrence, owner of another local downtown tour company, Tales of the Lowcountry, which has been the only historic ghost tour available in downtown for several years.

The change is somewhat bittersweet for Bradley, who, after nearly eleven years of ownership, decided it was simply just time to trot on and follow other dreams.

“I have loved owning Sea Island Carriage Company. I’ve been in and out of the commercial carriage industry here in Beaufort for almost eighteen years, and sometimes I sit back and think about the thousands of guests we, as a company, have welcomed and the stories we’ve shared about Beaufort’s history along the way,” she said.

Nichole plans to enjoy other pursuits, but says although she is selling Sea Island Carriage Company, she will still be around because, “this work is in my blood. It’s part of who I am.” So much so, that she even plans to drive a carriage for Charlotte occasionally.

Being an ambassador to Beaufort, offering visitors their very first introduction to this special place, is something Bradley says she has never taken lightly. “I must give credit where credit is due, the horses have made all of this possible. There have been a handful of horses throughout the years, and each one holds a special place in my heart.” She said she will be keeping possession of her four remaining equine partners which will live on her 70 acre farm in Yemassee.

For Charlotte, it’s not the first horse rodeo for her either. In addition to operating Tales of the Lowcountry since 2015, Charlotte has been a Beaufort carriage tour guide for the past 23 years.

Charlotte, a Beaufort local whose family goes back several generations in town as firemen, farmers, grocery store owners, and shrimpers, and who is in love with the history of the area, will officially start running Sea Island Carriage Company after February 1st, and plans to leave everything as is. “It’s worked so well for Nichole all these years, there’s nothing to really change,” she said.

“This is the next big step for me. I want Sea Island Carriage Company to continue to showcase the history of Beaufort and our small town Southern charm,” she said.

“Many people have no idea how much Beaufort and its local citizens have left their mark on America’s history,” Lawrence said. “It’s always been important to me that people have an understanding of how phenomenal our history truly is. We have the founders, to the pirates, to the wars, the lovers, the natives, the movies, and so much more; there are so many stories to tell.”

Charlotte says she will still operate her historic ghost walking tours with Tales of the Lowcountry because she loves bringing light to Beaufort’s haunted past.

Handing over the reins wasn’t much of a challenge for Bradley, especially when she finally decided it was time. Handing them over to Charlotte was easier for her, because it is going from one local to another. One local Beaufort carriage tour driver to another. One local horse lover to another. One local tour professional to another. One lover of history to another. From one who has Beaufort in her blood, to another.

Nichole said the sale to Charlotte makes sense.

“I want everyone to know that Sea Island Carriage Company is in excellent hands,” Bradley added. “Charlotte is a Beaufort native as well and has been part of the carriage industry here for over twenty years. I couldn’t be more excited for her to take on this opportunity and I have all the faith in her to succeed.”

As Nichole reflected on her time at Sea Island Carriage Company, she also noted to thank everyone who has supported her along the way, including her company manager, Jennifer Defibaugh, who has been with her since day one as a best friend and a shoulder to lean on; and her husband, Nick, who she says has always supported her dreams and never asked her too many questions.

What does the future hold for Bradley? “We’ll just have to see what the future holds — but whatever it is, I know it will be bright and smell like horses.”

What does the future hold for Lawrence? Just stop into 930 Bay Street in historic downtown Beaufort and see for yourself.

See more local Beaufort, SC news.

Is there anywhere more peaceful in the States than South Carolina's Lowcountry hideaways?

They certainly earn Travel Off Path's stamp of approval. Some of our team of experts make annual trips to recharge along SC's calm shores and cluster of charming towns on the outskirts of Charleston.

Digging deeper, folks at Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) have real-time data to back up our claims, revealing a little-known island dreamscape perfect for unwinding in a crowd-free setting with plenty to do, see, and of course, indulge in tasty southern staples.

Perhaps best of all is that vacationing here won't break the bank as it's one of the state's most affordable coastal destinations behind Myrtle Beach — but we all know that's a rowdy spring break hotspot, whether it's bratty toddlers running around or college kids having one too many.

Instead, we're revealing little-known Beaufort as an idyllic spot to make use of your spring PTO without the shenanigans.

Usually, when you visit an island, you're eyeing the beach from the get-go. Here in Beaufort, it's more unique.

Many tourists start in the delightfully timeworn downtown, including our resident lovebirds, Editor-in-Chief Tyler and his wife, Press Manager Liz, who have been singing Beaufort's praises.

While Charleston is SC's oldest destination, Beaufort is actually second in line, established in 1711.

Its bygone past has been immaculately preserved with old-timey inns, nostalgic facades, and centuries-old oak-lined streets, especially nice to explore in the springtime sun.

There are scenic parks with bayside views, an 1800s castle off the beaten path, historical landmarks with odes to American heroes, and numerous down-home eats to choose from.

But our crew recommends a romantic horse carriage ride to see the sights, including haunting tales and insightful history lessons you wouldn't hear otherwise.

Not to bring you back to some of your worst high school memories in math class,, but it's time to crunch some numbers.

Charleston isn't exactly a cheap destination, but nearby Beaufort certainly won't dent your bank account.

According to Going, it likely won't even cost you $200 to book a round-trip ticket. However, their data is a bit confusing, as you'll need to cross state lines.

They claim the average round-trip airfare for a Beaufort vacation is $158 via Savannah. That's right — you'll be double-dipping states for the best deal, but who wouldn't want to catch a Savannah Bananas game before a quick road trip north?

Furthermore, Going names Beaufort as one of America's top spring getaways for couples. As such, they say to budget for $130 – $200 per day for couples.

But hey, we realize Tinder hasn't worked out for everyone. Sometimes the best trips are for you and yourself, and I say that sincerely as I just got back from Peru on an epic solo adventure.

While Beaufort doesn't come close to the $40 per night I spent, you can find numerous stays in the low $100s, which is by and large seen as affordable in this day and age.

However, if your budget allows for a splurge, our aforementioned lovebirds have raved about their stay at the timeless Cuthbert House, where you can enjoy riverfront views from a classic Southern veranda.

You don't have to be an ‘island boy just tryna make it' to enjoy the delights of Beaufort. That said, when we hear “island” it obviously comes with expectations that paradise beaches are within close reach.

Well, we have a problem. Going and Travel Off Path have differing opinions, so we'll let you decide where to kick back and relax seaside.

Going hypes up Hunting Island State Park as the top spot for scenic shores. But we'd like to think we have the upper hand.

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Quiet, historic, and affordable. Here is why Beaufort, SC is the ultimate “Anti-Spring Break” trip.

The Vibe Tap for Vibe ↻

The Look: Moss-draped oaks, nostalgic facades, and an 1800s castle.

Must Do: Take a romantic horse carriage ride for history lessons you won't hear elsewhere.

Budget Tap for Savings ↻

Stays: Many options in the low $100s. (Or splurge at the riverfront Cuthbert House).

Geography Tap for Truth ↻

Reality: Beaufort itself has no beach.

The Fix: It is the perfect springboard to Hunting Island State Park and Harbor Island (some of SC's best secrets).

Crowds Tap for Peace ↻

Our team has vacationed in both Beaufort and nearby Fripp Island, meaning Beaufort, on its own, makes for a beautiful beach getaway or at the very least a springboard to some of South Carolina's best-kept secrets.

Beaufort does not have its own beach per se, but some of SC's least crowded beaches are found close-by, such as Harbor Island.

No matter where you find yourself, know that springtime crowds are practically nonexistent compared to Charleston, as travelers become too mesmerized by the city's European cityscape to venture elsewhere.

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.

This is a developing story. Information will be added as it becomes available.

A Beaufort County pediatrician and founder of Palmetto Pediatrics of the Lowcountry was taken into custody Friday for driving under the influence.

Dr. Lance Lowe was arrested by South Carolina Highway Patrol Friday night, booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center just after 9:30 p.m. and released the following afternoon, according to jail records. While his author page has since been removed from the medical practice’s website, his employment status was unknown at the time of publication.

Lowe was one of the drivers involved in a car collision Friday night near Highway 170 and Okatie Center Blvd., according to Trooper Nick Pye of the South Carolina Highway Patrol. He then refused to take breathalyzer test, Pye confirmed with the newspaper.

The accident took place less than two miles from the provider’s Okatie office located in the Legacy Medical Plaza off Highway 170. Their Hilton Head office is on Main Street.

Lowe was charged with driving under license suspension and for driving under the influence, and his cash bond was set at about $1,664, according to court records. The charge suggests his license was not suspended due to a DUI charge.

A history of DUIs

This was not the first time the pediatrician was charged with driving while under the influence in the Lowcountry.

On Dec. 13, 2014, Lowe was charged with a DUI, child endangerment and open containers of beer and liquor in Charleston, according to an order from the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation and State Board of Medical Examiners.

A month later, Lowe’s license to practice medicine was temporarily suspended by the department. He was reinstated to practice medicine on May 7 of that year, according to Lowe’s public action history with the department. In 2016, he was fined $200 and was publicly reprimanded for the incident, according to department documents.

He was issued his original license to practice medicine in 2001, which is set to expire in mid-2027. As of Monday, Lowe’s license to practice medicine remained in good standing with the state’s department.

Lowe’s employment status was unknown at the time of initial publication. While he is still listed as a doctor on the practice’s website, his biography page is missing. The Wayback Machine, an online archive that captures previous versions of web pages somewhat randomly, suggests that his author page was active as recently as November.

The provider’s office told the newspaper they were working on a prepared statement Monday afternoon.

The newspaper attempted to contact Lowe through three local landline phone numbers attached with his name but were unsuccessful in reaching him.

The Island Packet does not publish the names of individuals who were charged with misdemeanor crimes unless the accused is a public figure or if revealing their name is a matter of public interest.