May 27, 2025

Charleston Faces Severe Weather and Artistic Events

News Summary

Charleston is preparing for thunderstorms and potential record-breaking rainfall forecasted for May 27, along with flash flood warnings. The city also looks forward to the return of Manual Cinema at the Spoleto Festival, presenting ‘The 4th Witch,’ a reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic. While residents adjust to severe weather conditions, the community is encouraged to remain informed and participate in cultural events.

Charleston is bracing for thunderstorms and record-breaking rainfall as the forecast for May 27, 2025, indicates a high chance of severe weather. The day is expected to start off cloudy, with thunderstorms developing later and a high temperature reaching 79°F. Winds are predicted to come from the east-southeast at 5 to 10 mph. There is a 70% chance of rain, with locally heavy rainfall possible, followed by a low temperature of around 70°F in the evening. As night falls, the chance of rain is reduced to 50% with light and variable winds.

This severe weather comes on the heels of significant rainfall already observed in the city. Charleston International Airport recorded 1.99 inches of rain since midnight, shattering previous records. Downtown Charleston saw even more precipitation, with 2.06 inches measured, surpassing a rainfall record that had stood for 126 years. As a result, flash flood warnings have been issued across parts of South Carolina and neighboring regions due to the heavy rain, prompting safety precautions for residents.

Charleston can expect additional rainfall on Mother’s Day and into the following week, with predictions indicating some areas may receive more than 4 inches. Authorities are advising residents to prepare for flash flooding and to monitor local weather updates frequently to stay informed of any changing conditions.

In the midst of these weather challenges, Charleston is also set to welcome back the Emmy Award-winning performance collective, Manual Cinema, for its second appearance at the Spoleto Festival. Founded in 2010, Manual Cinema is known for its unique combination of cinematic techniques, vintage projectors, paper puppets, and live shadow actors. The group first graced the Spoleto stage in 2016 with their performance “Ada/Ava.” Since then, they have performed in various international cities, including Tehran, Adelaide, and Beijing.

The co-creator of Manual Cinema emphasizes that mistakes during performances are a part of the creative process and that audiences often don’t notice them. They believe the live performance experience is enhanced by the energy of the audience, adding a layer of stakes and vulnerability to their work.

In 2021, the collective contributed to a remake of the horror film “Candyman,” and they received an Emmy Award for their documentary “The Forger,” which tells the story of a Jewish individual’s efforts to save lives during World War II. Their upcoming production at the Spoleto Festival, titled “The 4th Witch,” is a reimagining of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” focusing on the story of an untold fourth witch. The performances are scheduled from June 4 to June 8 at the Emmett Robinson Theatre at the College of Charleston.

Following the performances, audience members will have the opportunity to go onstage to see and handle the puppets used in the show, providing a unique interactive experience that distinguishes Manual Cinema’s approach to storytelling.

As Charleston copes with the forecasted severe weather, the community is reminded to remain vigilant about safety while also looking forward to the artistic enrichment brought by events like the Spoleto Festival. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about weather conditions and to engage in available local cultural experiences once conditions normalize. For more information regarding the festival, individuals can visit the official Spoleto website.

The situation continues to develop, and updated weather forecasts and performance details will be made available as the dates approach. Public safety and timely communication remain essential as Charleston navigates the intersection of natural events and community activities.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.