News Summary
The Tri-County area, including Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties, remains under threat from severe thunderstorms despite some storms moving out. Doppler radar indicates strong storms moving northeast with potential damaging winds of up to 60 mph, causing risks to roofs, trees, and power lines. Residents are advised to seek shelter and stay informed about evolving weather conditions.
CHARLESTON, SC – The Tri-County area is facing continued risks from severe thunderstorms, although the bulk of the storms have now moved out, according to the latest updates from the National Weather Service (NWS). Residents in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties remained under storm threat until 11:45 a.m., following the expiration of a formal severe thunderstorm warning earlier this morning.
Doppler radar data indicated strong storms were moving northeast at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, originating from locations just six miles south of Cross all the way to Kiawah Island. Although the most severe storms have diminished, isolated thunderstorms are still a possibility throughout the day on Tuesday.
The primary concern associated with these thunderstorms is damaging winds, which are expected to potentially reach gusts of up to 60 mph. Such winds can lead to significant damage, including the potential destruction of roofs, siding, and trees. The risk of fallen trees and limbs may also result in downed power lines and subsequent power outages. Additionally, hail may pose threats to outdoor objects.
Earlier today, a severe thunderstorm warning that included parts of Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, and Colleton Counties officially expired at 10:45 a.m. Another severe storm warning previously in effect for Beaufort County also expired at 10:15 a.m., and the NWS lifted a tornado warning for Charleston, Colleton, and Beaufort Counties just after 10 a.m.
In an updated alert issued at 6:02 p.m., the NWS reintroduced a severe thunderstorm warning specifically for Charleston County, which is set to be in effect until 6:30 p.m. A severe thunderstorm was located near McClellanville during this warning, moving northeast at 25 mph. Areas affected by this latest warning include McClellanville, Awendaw, Lighthouse Island, Cape Romain, Hampton Plantation State Park, Cape Island, Santee Coastal Reserve, Tibwin, Buck Hall, and South Santee.
The NWS has issued several recommendations for residents during these storm events. Those in affected areas are advised to seek shelter inside a well-built structure and to avoid windows, particularly during times of severe storms. The agency also cautions against the risk of local flooding and frequent lightning accompanying heavy downpours, emphasizing safety during such intense weather conditions.
Statistics indicate that approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur annually across the United States, notably more prevalent during the summer months. These strikes result in an average of 20 fatalities each year. The probability of lightning strikes increases as thunderstorms approach and reaches its peak when the storm is overhead. Residents are reminded to remain vigilant during such conditions.
Furthermore, the risk of hydroplaning, which occurs when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads, is heightened during storms. Hydroplaning is typically the result of water accumulating ahead of a tire faster than a vehicle can divert it, resulting in a loss of control. This emphasizes the need for caution while driving in stormy conditions.
As the weather situation continues to evolve, residents are encouraged to stay informed through reliable updates and to take necessary precautions to ensure safety during the severe weather events impacting the Tri-County area.
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Additional Resources
- Count on 2
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- ABC News 4
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Live 5 News
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorms and Safety
- Island Packet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Grice Connect
- Google News: Severe Weather
