Beaufort county residents may soon have the opportunity to make a snow angel on the area’s beaches. New forecasts show an increasing chance of snow Tuesday and Wednesday. Should snow fall on the area’s sandy beaches, it would be the first snow the area has seen in seven years.

In addition to the snow accumulations, updated forecasts from the national Weather Service show a longer period of very cold temperatures.

At the moment, residents can expect the coldest temperatures to occur Thursday through Thursday. Both days will have daytime highs in the 30s, with lows overnight reaching the 20s. The breezy conditions will create windchill values as low as 8 to 15 degrees both nights.

The chances of snow and freezing rain continue to increase, with one to two inches of snow possible. These impacts are expected to reach the area Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning, though there is also some risk that freezing resin will occur again Thursday into Friday. The forecasts show a higher confidence for snow falling further from the coast, but significant accumulations may still occur closer to the ocean. In these coastal areas, freezing rain may prevail over snow, but the exact details remain to be seen.

There is a 50 to 70 percent chance of minor impacts, or enough accumulation to cause travel issues, from the snow and freezing rain. On the other hand, there is a 30 to 50 percent chance of moderate impacts, which occur when there is enough winter precipitation to pose a risk to life and property. These chances have increased since late last week and meteorologists say these numbers are quite high given how far out the impacts are.

Authorities are encouraging residents to be prepared. Those who have to travel should check road conditions and remain updated on the forecast. Residents should minimize their time outdoors and keep their pets warm and dry indoors if possible.

Those in need of a warm place to sleep are able to spend the night in area cold shelters. Sea Island Presbyterian Church will open up its shelter Sunday though Wednesday night from 5 pm to 8 am the following morning. The shelter will provide dinner and breakfast as well as showers. Those looking for additional information can reach the shelter at 843-525-0696.

Christ Lutheran Church will also be opening up their cold shelter. They will be open Monday through Wednesday night from 5:30 pm to 7:30 am. They will provide dinner and a morning to-go breakfast. The church can be reached at 843-540-4299.

Beaufort County School District advises they will make any decisions regarding school cancellations by mid-day Monday.