Charleston, August 2, 2025
News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Charleston and nearby areas, effective until 2 p.m. A flash flood warning is also in place until 12:15 a.m. The threats include damaging winds, lightning, and potential flash flooding, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain cautious and prepared. Historical data shows that lightning strikes are a significant risk during thunderstorms, with millions occurring annually across the U.S.
Charleston Issues Severe Thunderstorm Warning Amid Ongoing Weather Risks
The National Weather Service has declared a severe thunderstorm warning for considerable portions of the Charleston area, covering Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and local beach communities. This warning is effective until 2 p.m. on Sunday, as isolated severe thunderstorms remain a concern following a series of storms affecting the Tri-County area.
While the bulk of storm activity has moved out, a flash flood warning is also currently in effect, lasting until 12:15 a.m. Portions of Charleston, including Berkeley and Charleston counties, are included in this alert. Despite the storms weakening below severe limits, heavy rainfall may still pose serious risks, and the flash flood warning will expire at 7:45 p.m.
Immediate Weather Threats
The severe thunderstorms have diminished, but authorities urge caution. The primary threat from remaining isolated severe storms includes damaging winds that could adversely impact structures, roofs, siding, and trees. The conditions may also lead to fallen trees and branches, which can knock down power lines and result in outages. Additional hazards, including hail, may potentially damage outdoor objects.
U.S. Doppler radar has identified a line of strong storms tracking at speeds of up to 45 mph from 6 miles south of Cross over Kiawah Island. Experts recommend that drivers remain vigilant for hydroplaning, which occurs when vehicles slide uncontrollably on wet roads due to increased water pressure in front of tires.
Historical Context and Risk Information
Lightning poses a critical risk during thunderstorms, striking the United States nearly 25 million times each year, primarily during the summer months. Approximately 20 fatalities occur annually due to lightning strikes. The risk of lightning escalates as a thunderstorm approaches, reaches its peak when the storm is overhead, and diminishes as it departs.
Previous severe thunderstorm warnings were enacted for Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, and Colleton counties, which expired at 10:45 a.m. Additionally, a tornado warning for Charleston, Colleton, and Beaufort counties was lifted shortly after 10 a.m. The latest warnings reflect the dynamic nature of weather conditions affecting the Charleston area.
Advice for Residents
FAQs
What areas are affected by the severe thunderstorm warning?
When does the flash flood warning expire?
What are the potential hazards from these storms?
Key Features of the Storms in Charleston
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Severe Thunderstorm Warning | Effective until 2 p.m. |
| Flash Flood Warning | Expires at 7:45 p.m. |
| Primary Threats | Damaging winds, lightning, hail |
| Historical Lightning Strikes | 25 million yearly in the U.S. |
| Driving Risks | Hydroplaning, low visibility |
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Island Packet: Weather Update
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- ABC News 4: Thunderstorm Warning
- Google Scholar: Weather Warnings
- Live 5 News: Thunderstorm Alert
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Count on 2 News: Severe Warning
- Google News: Thunderstorm Charleston
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.
