AllTop Tips June 19, 2025

2025 Hurricane Season in South Carolina: What to Expect, How to Prepare, and Why It Matters

A Season of Vigilance and Preparedness

As we move deeper into the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, South Carolinians once again find themselves in the crosshairs of nature’s most powerful storms. With the official season spanning from June 1 to November 30, the time for preparation is not “someday” – it’s now. This year, experts from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the National Hurricane Center (NHC), and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) are forecasting an above-average season with increased activity across the Atlantic basin.

But while the data is essential, this post is about more than statistics. It’s about the real people and communities in South Carolina who must prepare their homes, protect their families, and stay resilient together. Let’s dive into the 2025 outlook, what it means for our state, and how we can be proactive in staying safe and informed.

 

2025 Hurricane Season Forecast: What the Experts Say

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is projected to be one of heightened activity, driven largely by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. According to NOAA and the NHC:

  • 13 to 19 named storms are expected.
  • 6 to 10 hurricanes, of which
  • 3 to 5 could become major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).

These projections indicate a 60% chance of an above-normal season. The National Weather Service highlights that neutral El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions, coupled with record-warm ocean waters, create a perfect environment for tropical development.

Dr. Rick Spinrad, NOAA Administrator, shared, “With warmer waters and less wind shear, this season could resemble some of the most active in recent memory. The time to prepare is well before a storm forms.”

 

South Carolina: A Coastal State with Unique Vulnerabilities

South Carolina’s coastal geography and low-lying areas make it particularly vulnerable to hurricane impacts. From storm surge and flooding to wind damage and tornadoes, hurricanes can disrupt daily life and devastate entire communities. Even inland areas are not immune – heavy rain and flooding can impact regions far from the coast.

Notable past storms like Hurricane Hugo (1989), Matthew (2016), Florence (2018), and most recently, Hurricane Helene (2024), serve as powerful reminders of the need for vigilance.

 

Key Risk Factors for South Carolina in 2025

  1. Storm Surge Threats
    • Coastal cities like Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Beaufort, and Georgetown are at high risk.
    • Even a Category 1 storm can cause significant surge-related flooding.
  2. Inland Flooding
    • Rivers like the Congaree and Edisto can overflow, affecting places like Columbia and Orangeburg.
    • Flash flooding from slow-moving storms is a major risk.
  3. Power Outages and Infrastructure Strain
    • Extended blackouts and blocked roads hamper recovery.
    • Residents should expect delays in emergency response and recovery logistics.
  4. Evacuation Logistics
    • Know your zone: SCEMD provides an interactive evacuation zone map (https://hurricane.sc). Don’t wait until the last minute to review it.

 

How to Prepare: Steps Every South Carolinian Should Take Now

  1. Build Your Emergency Kit
  • Water (1 gallon per person, per day for 3+ days)
  • Non-perishable food
  • Flashlights, batteries, first aid kit
  • Medications and important documents (digitally and physically)
  1. Review Your Evacuation Plan
  • Identify evacuation routes and shelters.
  • Plan for pets, elderly family members, and anyone with special needs.
  1. Strengthen Your Home
  • Inspect your roof, windows, and doors.
  • Clear debris and trim trees.
  • Install storm shutters or board up windows if needed.
  1. Stay Informed
  • Sign up for alerts via SCEMD, NOAA Weather Radio, or local news stations.
  • Follow @SCEMD and @NHC_Atlantic on Twitter for real-time updates.
  1. Talk to Your Insurance Agent
  • Understand your flood zone and make sure your policy includes flood insurance. Remember: most policies take 30 days to take effect.

 

The Role of Community: We’re Stronger Together

One of South Carolina’s greatest strengths is its sense of community. In times of crisis, neighbors become family. ERA Wilder Realty has long been an advocate for resilience through readiness, encouraging agents and clients alike to have a plan in place.

Whether you’re new to the state or have weathered hurricanes for decades, this is a moment to lean in. Check on elderly neighbors, share information with those new to the area, and offer support where possible.

Community action can be the difference between chaos and calm.

 

Hurricanes and Real Estate: What Buyers and Sellers Should Know

South Carolina’s housing market remains strong, but hurricane season adds a layer of complexity:

  • Transactions May Pause: Mortgage companies often pause loan processes when a named storm approaches.
  • Home Inspections and Appraisals: May be delayed due to weather or accessibility.
  • Property Insurance Requirements: Buyers should be aware of wind and flood coverage needs.
  • Disclosures: Sellers should disclose prior hurricane or flood damage.

At ERA Wilder Realty, we coach our agents to prepare clients with realistic timelines and encourage due diligence around insurance and floodplain status.

 

Mental Health During Hurricane Season

The stress of watching forecasts, making evacuation decisions, and enduring a storm’s aftermath can take a toll. Anxiety, especially for families with children or those with prior traumatic experiences, is real.

Take steps to protect your mental wellness:

  • Practice mindfulness or prayer.
  • Talk with a therapist or counselor.
  • Check in with loved ones regularly.
  • Turn off the news cycle for a bit when it becomes overwhelming.

 

After the Storm: First Steps and Long-Term Resilience

If South Carolina experiences a landfalling hurricane this year, here are your first moves:

  1. Stay Safe: Avoid flooded roads, downed power lines, and standing water.
  2. Document Damage: Take photos of all property damage for insurance.
  3. Contact Your Insurance Provider: File claims as soon as safely possible.
  4. Support Recovery Efforts: Donate to local organizations or volunteer.

 

Conclusion: Stay Ready, Stay Safe, Stay South Carolina Strong

Hurricane season is a test of preparation, patience, and community spirit. The 2025 forecast suggests a season of heightened risk, but also opportunity: the opportunity to plan, to educate, and to protect what matters most.

At ERA Wilder Realty, we stand ready to serve our communities – before, during, and after the storm. Whether it’s helping a client understand flood insurance, checking on a neighbor, or leading by example, we believe in the strength of informed action.

Let’s face this season with open eyes, steady hearts, and strong plans.

Helpful Links:

#ERAWilderRealty #TeamERA #SCrealtors #HurricaneSeason2025 #SouthCarolinaStrong

AllCommunity InformationTop Tips January 7, 2025

15 Tips to Protect Your Home from Freezing Temperatures

Brace Yourself for the Upcoming Chill: 15 Tips to Protect Your Home from Freezing Temperatures

Surviving the Big Freeze: Your Friendly Winter Home Survival Guide ❄️

When the temperature dips into “brrr” territory, your home needs some extra love. From cozy indoors to ice-free outdoors, here’s how to keep things safe, warm, and worry-free this winter.

 

 

Inside the House: Stay Toasty, Stay Safe! 🏠

Winter-ready already? Brilliant! But when the chill arrives, take these extra steps to protect your home:
🔹 Keep the heat at 65°F or higher.
Pipes live in cooler wall spaces, so turning the thermostat down too much risks freezing pipes—and a frosty headache.
🔹 Know your main water shutoff.
Locate it now (you’ll thank yourself later) and learn how to turn it off in case of emergencies.
🔹 Drip, drip, hooray!
Let hot and cold faucets drip slowly (not run) during severe cold spells. Moving water = fewer frozen pipes.
🔹 Check your heat sources.
Ensure fireplaces, wood stoves, and electric heaters are safe to use. Keep flammable items far away and monitor them closely, especially on first use.
🔹 Close your fireplace flue.
When not in use, seal it up to keep heat inside.
🔹 Neighborly check-ins.
If you’re away, enlist a friendly neighbor to keep an eye out for frozen pipes or leaks. Long trip planned? Have a pro drain your water system to avoid nasty surprises.

 

Outside the House: Beat the Snow and Ice! ❄️

A vigilant eye can keep winter’s wrath from causing costly damage. Here’s your checklist:
🔹 Clear pathways.
Keep sidewalks and entrances ice-free to prevent slips and trips.
🔹 Mind your gutters.
Ice dams can cause water to sneak into your home. Clear leaves and debris now for smoother snow runoff later.
🔹 Protect your pool.
Run your pool pump overnight when temps hit freezing—moving water keeps pipes safe.
🔹 Shut your garage doors.
Keep out the cold and protect what’s inside. Bonus: It helps retain heat if the garage is attached to your home.
🔹 Trim risky branches.
Ice and snow can turn tree limbs into wrecking balls. Cut back weak or damaged branches before they fall.

 

When Trouble Strikes: Don’t Panic! 🚨

Sometimes winter throws a curveball, but fast action can save the day:
🔹 Frozen pipes?
Thaw them quickly or call a pro. Avoid waiting for a burst to create chaos.
🔹 Burst pipe?
First, turn off the water (you know where that shutoff is now, right?). Then tackle cleanup and drying to prevent mold.
🔹 Contact your insurer.
Your homeowners policy likely covers deep freeze disasters. Call your insurance professional ASAP for help with claims.

Stay warm, stay safe, and let your home be your winter sanctuary! Questions about prepping your home for cold weather? Drop them below. ❄️✨

 

Helpful Resources:

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AllCommunity InformationEventsTop Tips March 21, 2024

Easter 2024 Events: Celebrate Locally in South Carolina

 
As Easter approaches, families across South Carolina are gearing up for a weekend filled with egg hunts, delicious meals, and memorable activities. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate locally, you’re in luck! From Aiken to Pawleys Island, there are plenty of exciting events happening in various cities throughout the state. Let’s dive into some of the highlights for Easter 2024 in South Carolina:
 

1.  Aiken:  Head over to Perry Memorial Gardens for Aiken’s Community Easter Egg Hunt! With thousands of eggs hidden throughout, kids of all ages will have a blast hunting for treasures. Don’t forget to stick around for photos with the Easter Bunny!

Aiken Community Easter Egg Hunt
Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Perry Memorial Park (720 Abbeville Avenue NE, Aiken)
Cost: FREE!

The event will feature:
-Special appearances by Mayor Teddy Milner & the Easter Bunny
-Refreshments and entertainment
-Photos with the Easter Bunny (bring your own camera)
-Prizes awarded for each age group
-Fire truck egg drop:
-Ages 1 – 3: 11:15 a.m.
-Ages 4 – 6: 11:30 a.m.
-Ages 7 – 10: 11:45 a.m.
For additional information, visit https://www.cityofaikensc.gov/the-community-easter-egg-hunt-returns/

 

2.  Sumter:

Sumter Spring Carnival
Sumter American Legion Fairgrounds
March 29th to April 7th (4pm-12am)
Come join us for a Fun Family Day at the Sumter American Legion Fairgrounds! March 29th to April 7th (4pm-12am).  Featuring a free Easter egg hunt Easter Day and daily entertainment from rock-n-roll circus including acrobatics, magic and a 65ft high dive. $3 Entry. One price, unlimited rides. Learn more here: https://fb.me/e/4l9UQVoGS.

Sumter Springfest
Downtown Sumter, South Carolina
March 23, 2024, from 2:00 – 10:30 PM
Tickets: $25 in advance | $35 day of
Kids 10 and under FREE!
Join us on March 23, 2024 for Sumter Springfest from 2:00 pm – 10:30 pm. There will be an eclectic group of bands offering a wide range of music for all interests. The bands will include, Eddie Rogers and the Sundown Band, the Jake Bartley Band, Lewis Brice, 20 Ride, and Honey & the New Era Band. We’re excited to welcome families to our event! Children aged 10 and under receive complimentary admission, ensuring everyone can join in the fun. For more information & ticket purchases, visit https://sumterspringfest.com/.

Eggstravaganza 2024
Moore Farms Botanical Garden has more EGG-citing fun in store than you can handle. Join us for one of the largest egg hunts in the state!
Saturday, March 30 · 10am – 12pm EDT
Moore Farms Botanical Garden
100 New Zion Road Lake City, SC 29560
Eggstravaganza is one of Moore Farms Botanical Garden’s most EGG-ceptional events of the year. With more than 20,000 eggs hidden throughout the garden, crafts, games, and a surprise visit by the Easter bunny himself, Eggstravaganza is sure to be a hit with any child! We will offer two different egg hunt locations within the garden, separated by age. Upon arrival, children will receive a wristband separating them into one of two different groups – Group A: 4 yrs. and Under OR Group B: 5yrs. Eggstravaganza begins at 10AM with crafts, face painting, and more! Egg hunts will begin PROMPTLY at 11AM. Ticket & Event information here.

 

3.  Charleston: Hop over to Emeline for an egg-stra special Egg Hunt in Emeline’s courtyard and meet the Easter Bunny! This event is family friendly and perfect for children of all ages. Emeline’s Egg Hunt is open to both hotel guests and locals and free to participate but sign up is required. There will be three separate egg hunts by age: 12 pm for ages five and under; 12:30 pm for ages six to nine; and 1 pm for ages 10-12. For the kids, there will be cookies, water and juice to fuel up for the big hunt. For the adults, there will be a full cash bar for you to enjoy beer, wine, cocktails or soda. Please bring your own baskets for the hunt, as limited baskets are provided. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Easter Egg Hunt at Emeline
Sunday, March 24th 12 PM-1:30PM
Emeline’s Courtyard
181 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401
Free event, but sign up is required
Click here for more information

Magnolia Plantation Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday, March 24 from 1-4pm!
3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC, 29414
The event is included with Garden Admission. Crafts, egg hunts, face painting, fairy hair by Sparkle Charleston, food + drink, Easter Bunny photos, live music from Uncle Gary’s Band, and plenty of color in the gardens. Stay a while, bring a picnic blanket, and enjoy a family fun day. All tours will operate as usual.
Purchase garden admission online ahead of time to save $3 per person.
Egg Hunts by age will be between 2-3pm.
https://www.magnoliaplantation.com/magnolia-events/easter24

 

4.  Lexington:

Children’s Easter Egg Hunt at Clinton Sease Farms
Friday, March 29 & Saturday, March 30
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Doors Close @ 10:15 am
$10 – $15.00
**MEET IN PICNIC AREA @ 10:15 am FOR EGG HUNT**
Bring your basket and hop on over to our Easter Egg Hunt!
 
TICKET INCLUDES
Egg Hunt & Gift*(limited to 15 eggs per hunter)
Cow Train
Wagon Rides
Bubble Mania
Playgrounds
Obstacle Course
Photo- Ops with the Easter Bunny
Click here for more information

 

5.  Chapin: Don’t miss the Easter Egg Hunt at Chapin Public Library! Kids can explore the park while searching for hidden eggs and get their photo with the Easter Bunny!

FAMILY PALOOZA: EASTER EGG HUNT
Chapin Branch Library
March 28, 2024 (6-7pm)
129 Columbia Avenue, Chapin (803) 345-5479
Click here for more information

 

6.  Columbia:  Celebrate Easter in NOMA with goodies and the Easter Bunny at Cromer’s P-Nuts

Easter in NOMA
Sat Mar 23 2024 at 12:00 pm to 04:00 pm  Cromer’s P-Nuts, 3030 North Main Street, Columbia, SC
Click here for more information

Downtown Easter Eggstravaganza
Sat Mar 30 2024 at 11:00 am
Roy Lynch Park, 908 Abbeville St, Columbia, SC 29201
Join us and invite your friends to attend Easter Eggstravaganza!
The Easter Egg Hunt will begin right at 11:00am and runs until 1:00pm.
This family friendly event will also include face painting, live music, balloon artist, food trucks and easter goodie bags. The event and activities are free, but you will need money for the food trucks.

Community Egg Hunt – Bring the kids to our Community Egg Hunt
Saturday March 30th from 11am-1pm!
Right Direction Church International, 1705 Shivers Rd, Columbia, SC
We’ll have games, candy and most importantly, EGGS!
Click here for more information

Saluda Shoals Park Egg Hunt
Sat, Mar 23, 2024
Saluda Shoals Park, 6071 Saint Andrews Road
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Join us at the Fields at Saluda Shoals Park for an Egg Hunt
Please remember to bring a basket for your eggs. 
$5 per child;  $7/child day of
Egg Hunts for all ages will start promptly at 11:30.
Children will be separated by ages groups and each age group will be on a different soccer field in the same complex.
Food trucks and vendors will be available from 11:00am-1:00pm.
Space is limited! https://www.icrc.net/event/saluda-shoals-park-egg-hunt

 

7.  Summerville: Head to Cane Bay High School for Summerville’s Easter Eggstravaganza! This family-friendly event features egg hunts, carnival games, and even a visit from the Easter Bunny himself.

Cane Bay Eggstravaganza 2024
Sunday, March 24 · 3 – 6pm EDT
Cane Bay High School
1624 State Road Summerville, SC 29486
It’s our annual Cane Bay Easter Eggstravaganza. Join Church at Cane Bay, The Gaperic Group, and Awaken Church on Sunday, March 24, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Hop on over to Cane Bay High School for an eggciting Egg Hunt, Jump Castles, Gelly Ball (for Purchase), Vendors, and a Food Truck Rodeo to include:

Participant registration is for individuals participating in the egg hunt ages 0-11 yrs old. We will host a sensory-friendly event for children with disabilities regardless of age group. Please only sign up for these tickets if your child is eligible. You are welcome to attend the event without registering if you are not participating in the hunt. Click here for more information.

OLD SANTEE CANAL PARK EASTER EGG HUNT
Date: Mar 23
Time: 10:00 AM – EGGS RUN OUT
900 Stoney Landing Rd, Moncks Corner, SC 29461
Age Limit: Ages 13 and under
Class Size: None
Fee: $5.00 per child (adults are free). Cash only, please!
The park was visited by the Easter bunny and there are brightly colored presents scattered throughout the park! Bring your kids out for an exciting Easter egg hunt while exploring the park at the same time. Each child will have the opportunity to collect 10 eggs which are redeemable for candy. A very limited number of golden eggs will be hidden and redeemable for a special prize. The fee is $5.00 per child and adults are free. The fee includes photos with the Easter Bunny, Face Painting, Petting Zoo, and access to a bounce house. We will also have a designated special needs egg area.
https://live-oldsanteecanalparkv2-2016.cphostaccess.com/Events/index.aspx
 

Eggventure! // A Family Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Weekend
Sat Mar 30 2024 at 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
John McKissick Field at Memorial Stadium, 812 S Magnolia St, Summerville, SC 29483-5809
Every year, we host a family-friendly Community Easter Egg Hunt – now for the second year at McKissick Field. Join us on Saturday, March 30, from 10am-12pm. Egg hunts, crafts, games, fun, and more!
https://sbcentral.life/eggventure

 

8.  Santee: Hop into Easter with an egg-ceptional twist! It’s time for our Easter Egg Drop! Join us for an egg-straordinary event that’ll have you egg-static from start to finish!

2024 Easter Egg Drop
Save the Date: March 23, 2024 | 12PM-3PM
Location: Gilmore Sports Complex in Santee, SC

Here’s what’s cracking:
Watch as thousands of colorful eggs cascade from the sky
Get creative with egg decorating stations
Enjoy games, music, and festive activities for the whole family
For more information and to RSVP, visit www.girlflight.org

 

9.  Pawleys Island: Join us for a Hoppin’ Easter Event at The Hammock Shops Village!

Easter Celebration at The Hammock Shops Village
Date: Saturday, March 30th
Time: 11 am – 3 pm
Click here for more information

Here’s what we have in store:
Meet the Easter Bunny: Have a seat with the Easter Bunny and capture a memorable photo with your little ones.
Face Painting & Balloon Art: Watch your kids’ faces light up with delight as they get their faces painted or receive whimsical balloon creations.
Bouncy Castle: Let the kids bounce to their heart’s content in our inflatable castle.
Easter Train Rides: All aboard the Easter train for a joyful ride around the village.
Easter Egg Hunt: Every store will be handing out Easter eggs, so don’t forget to bring your Easter basket to collect them all!
Easter Egg Painting: Join our local art teacher, Kathy Patrick, for a creative session where kids can paint their own Easter eggs to take home. Click here for more information

Children’s Fair & Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 23, 2024
FREE ADMISSION DATE: Saturday, March 23rd, 2024
***(RAIN DATE: Saturday, March 30th, 2024)
TIME: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Huckabee Field located at 499 Spanish Oak Drive, Surfside Beach, SC 29575
Bring the kiddos for a fun-filled afternoon of Easter egg hunting and activities!
Bounce Houses, Petting Zoo, Trackless Train rides, and much more!
For more information visit www.surfsidebeach.org

 

No matter which city you call home, there’s no shortage of Easter fun to be had in South Carolina. Be sure to mark your calendars and gather your loved ones for a weekend filled with joy and celebration. Happy Easter!

 

For more information and event details, visit the following resources:

– City of Aiken Events https://www.cityofaikensc.gov/the-community-easter-egg-hunt-returns/
– Sumter Tourism https://www.sumtersc.gov/events
– Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau https://www.charlestoncvb.com/events/search.php?start_date=&end_date=&category=14&search=easter
– Lexington County Events https://www.lakemurraycountry.com/events/list/?tribe-bar-date=2024-03-30
– Columbia SC https://allevents.in/columbia/2024-03-31?ref=whitemenu#search
– Pawleys Island https://www.hammockshopsvillage.com/play
ALL SOUTH CAROLINA EASTER EGG HUNTS -> HERE

 

Make the most of your Easter weekend by exploring these local events and creating lasting memories with your family and friends!