🌱 Nearby Storms Impacting SC Coasts + Hunting Island Nature Center

Hi all. It's me, Lauren Kubiak, your host of the Hilton Head Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in the community.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: A thunderstorm; breezy, humid. High: 80 Low: 68.
• Friday: Rather cloudy and windy. High: 80 Low: 64.

Here are the top three stories today in Hilton Head:

1. Tracking storms yesterday, meteorologists warn of two nearby hurricanes and storms that will impact South Carolina coastlines, including HHI. While Hurricane Nigel will not physically hit South Carolina, ocean swells from the storm could kick up the surf and increase the risk of rip currents today. Additionally, meteorologists are predicting that a storm forming east of Florida today will move north, causing warming waters, high rip current risks, and hazardous marine conditions into the weekend. (Hilton Head Island Packet)
2. The death of a 6-month-old baby in Savannah, which occurred on Sep. 5, has been labeled "suspicious" by the Chatham County Coroner’s Office. Following this report from the coroner, they officially began an investigation, which is in its early stages. The child’s cause of death is unknown at this time. (WSAV-TV)
3. Across the water, the Nature Center at Hunting Island State Park is set for its grand reopening on Sep. 26. The new nature center, located next to the fishing pier in the state park, boasts major renovations to its interpretive exhibits and classroom, which features live reptiles and exhibits highlighting the park's natural resources. Hunting Island is South Carolina’s single most popular state park, attracting more than a million visitors a year. (WJCL News Savannah)

Business owners and marketers in Hilton Head: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Today and tomorrow in Hilton Head:

Thursday, September 21

• Sea Turtle Starry Night Paint Party At Coastal Discovery Museum (5:00 PM)

Friday, September 22

• Live Music With Kyle Wareham At Fishcamp On Broad Creek (6:00 PM)

From our partner:

Do you know a teacher making a difference in Hilton Head? Nominate them here for a Teacher Spotlight on Patch.

From my notebook:

• The next season of Beaufort County Historical Society's "Historically Speaking" series begins today at 5:30 p.m. at the Beaufort Branch Library. The series opens with an examination of initial European contact in our area, led by Dr. Larry Rowland and Col. Chris Allen. If you miss today's session, you can catch the second lecture on Oct. 5 at the Bluffton Branch. Pre-registration is required. (Beaufort Library)
• Are you a local entrepreneur or inventor? The application window for Savannah's "Shark Tank"-like competition is closing soon on Sep. 25. The competition provides an opportunity to win $10,000 in services for your new start-up—consider applying today. (WJCL News Savannah)
• This month is Suicide Prevention Month. According to the CDC, the number of suicides has risen by 3 percent — click the link to learn about local resources and how to check in on your loved ones. And remember, the universal phone number to call for suicide prevention is 988. (WJCL News Savannah)

You're all caught up for today. See you all soon for another update!

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.