Hurricane Matthew 10 Year Anniversary
Locals Remember Hurricane Matthew
For those who were here, the memories of Hurricane Matthew are still vivid. In the early morning hours of October 8, 2016, Hilton Head Island was battered by powerful winds, flooding, and widespread destruction. Some residents stayed and endured a long, sleepless night listening to the storm rage outside. Others evacuated, anxiously waiting for news from the island. For many, the uncertainty of returning home days later, not knowing what they would find, was just as frightening as the storm itself.
In Hurricane Matthew’s Direct Path
Hurricane Matthew brought winds of up to 88 mph and 14 inches of rain. Palmetto Bay Marina was unfortunately in it's direct path. Officials initially estimated $51.6 million in damage in Beaufort County and was considered the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Hurricane Stan in 2005. "The water rose high enough to go above the piles and so the entire marina lifted off of its anchor and then floated away," said Jim Givens, owner, Sea Tow.
Waking Up to the Aftermath
As daylight broke on October 8, 2016, the full extent of Hurricane Matthew's destruction began to emerge. Fallen pine trees blocked the two main routes onto Hilton Head Island, roads were flooded, signs were scattered, and much of the island was without power. Familiar neighborhoods and landmarks were suddenly difficult to recognize.
The damage at Palmetto Bay Marina was especially devastating. Hurricane Matthew's powerful storm surge pushed up Broad Creek, tearing docks from their moorings and tossing boats together or washing them ashore. What had been a bustling waterfront destination was left in disarray, facing a long and difficult road to recovery.
Across the island, thousands of fallen trees had dramatically changed the landscape. Residents who had grown accustomed to the shade of Hilton Head's towering pines and live oaks suddenly found themselves looking up at patches of open sky where dense tree canopies once stood. It was a heartbreaking sight and one that longtime islanders would remember for years to come.
The Road to Recovery
In the months following Hurricane Matthew, the scale of the cleanup was staggering. More than two million tons of storm debris had to be removed, a massive effort that continued for nearly six months. Yet amid the destruction, the resilience of the Hilton Head Island community was unmistakable. Residents, businesses, volunteers, and cleanup crews worked tirelessly to restore the island and welcome visitors back to the Lowcountry.
Nature began its own recovery as well. Uprooted trees became part of the natural landscape, providing habitat for wildlife as the island's vegetation gradually returned. By the following summer, visitors were returning, beaches had benefited from restoration efforts, and the familiar sights and sounds of island life were coming back. Birds were nesting, native plants were flourishing, and the beaches were once again filled with vacationers.
Although Hurricane Matthew forever changed parts of Hilton Head Island's landscape, its natural beauty endured. The towering trees, winding waterways, abundant wildlife, and peaceful coastal surroundings that make the island so special remained at the heart of its appeal. Ten years later, the recovery stands as a reminder of both the strength of our community and the remarkable resilience of the Lowcountry environment.
The Bounce Back
“With everything Palmetto Bay Marina has been through, people basically said, ‘I’ll believe it when I see it,’” said Kuy Scott, Managing Partner for Palmetto Bay Marina (referring to the proposed rebuild following the Hurricane). The first phase of rebuilding consisted of the new commercial docks, top-of-the-line electrical and sewage pumps, as well as dual 10,000-gallon fuel tanks. Even the docks themselves were upgraded, with aluminum supports against special dense wood for durability and style.
Palmetto Bay Marina 2026
A decade after Hurricane Matthew swept through Hilton Head Island in 2016, Palmetto Bay Marina stands as a testament to resilience, renewal, and the enduring spirit of the Lowcountry. The rebuilding efforts helped shape the marina into the vibrant waterfront destination it is today. In 2026, Palmetto Bay Marina continues to welcome locals and visitors with waterfront dining, boating adventures, beautiful views of Broad Creek, and a relaxed atmosphere that captures the best of island life. More than just a marina, it has become a gathering place where the community comes together to enjoy everything that makes Hilton Head Island special.
Come Spend a Day at Palmetto Bay
Visitors have a choice of a variety of watersports activities, boat rentals, and nature tours. If you love great food and drinks, you’re in luck! Pull up a seat at one of our two bars or three waterside restaurants serving all of your Lowcountry favorites.