News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Charleston County and nearby regions, effective until 9 p.m. The approaching storm is expected to bring wind gusts up to 60 mph, possible small hail, and intense lightning. Affected areas include Charleston Harbor and surrounding counties. Residents are advised to seek shelter and stay informed as conditions can change rapidly. The storm poses risks of damage to property and power outages due to high winds and potential tornadoes.
Charleston – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Charleston County and surrounding areas, effective until 9 p.m. for Charleston County and until 10 p.m. for Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties. Severe thunderstorms are advancing from the west, targeting locations along a line stretching from near Hampton Plantation State Park to over Isle of Palms, moving southeast at an impressive speed of 45 mph.
Concerning weather patterns are anticipated as this storm system approaches, with wind gusts potentially reaching up to 60 mph and the possibility of small hail. Radar imagery captured severe thunderstorms at approximately 5:25 p.m. near Branchville, situated 13 miles northwest of Saint George, with those storms proceeding eastward at 35 mph.
Timing and Area of Impact
The severe thunderstorm watch encompasses Charleston Harbor and the Coastal Waters from the South Santee River to Edisto Beach to Savannah, extending out 20 nautical miles. This weather system is projected to arrive at the I-95 corridor, affecting areas in northwestern Colleton, Dorchester, Berkeley Counties, and Beaufort County between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. The storms are expected to reach Charleston and southeastern Berkeley Counties between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Storm Severity and Risks
The Storm Prediction Center has classified the storm threat for inland regions of South Carolina as a Level 3 out of 5, indicating a significant risk of severe weather. Along with the strong gusts, there could be substantial damage to roofs, siding, and trees, as well as power outages due to downed lines. Meteorological experts advise that isolated tornadoes cannot be dismissed.
High winds accompanying the storms may pose travel hazards, particularly on bridges, especially for high-profile vehicles. Additionally, the weather service has issued warnings regarding frequent cloud-to-ground lightning associated with the storms.
Safety Recommendations
Residents in the affected areas are strongly encouraged to seek shelter in well-built structures and to steer clear of windows as the storm approaches. Staying informed through reliable channels is also advised as conditions can change rapidly.
Current Weather Conditions and Forecast
The ongoing storms are part of a larger weather pattern that includes scattered thunderstorms, with a 50% chance of rainfall. The temperature is expected to peak at 86°F with southwesterly winds ranging from 10 to 20 mph. As night approaches, a low of around 75°F is anticipated, with ongoing thunderstorms primarily before midnight and a 40% chance of rain continuing through the night.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepared as these severe weather conditions approach. Awareness of the storm’s potential impact is crucial for safety and readiness in the face of possible disruptions.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Count on 2 Weather
- Google Search: Severe Weather Forecast
- ABC11 Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- WYFF4 News
- Google News: Thunderstorms
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The HERE Charleston Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Charleston community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Charleston : Our team includes lifelong Charleston residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Charleston's equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Charleston Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
