News Summary
Charleston, SC experienced a whirlwind Sunday with a tornado watch that covered 27 counties finally expiring. Meteorologists monitored the weather closely as strong winds and brief tornado spin-ups posed risks. Fortunately, conditions began to calm, with brighter skies expected for the week ahead, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
The Weather Whirlwind in Charleston: Tornado Watch Now Expired
Charleston, SC – It was a wild Sunday for the Lowcountry as the tornado watch that had residents on edge finally expired around 2 p.m. in the afternoon. The watch, which had been issued by the National Weather Service early in the morning, covered a whopping 27 counties across South Carolina, including our own fab Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, Colleton, Beaufort, Williamsburg, and Georgetown Counties. Thankfully, folks can breathe a sigh of relief as the winds started to calm down and the watch was lifted!
Storms Move On But Winds Stick Around
Just before 5:30 p.m., the associated wind advisory also came to an end, signaling a return to quieter conditions. Meteorologists kept a close eye on the weather following the Storm Prediction Center‘s rating of storm threats at a level two on a five-point scale. This meant there was a significant chance of some nasty weather, and our local experts were ready with forecasts.
As the day unfolded, meteorologists expected maximum wind gusts to reach between 35 and 40 mph. A storm front brought a squall line of strong winds and heavy rain, predicted to sweep through the Lowcountry between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The area saw some of the fiercest weather as the storms moved in, particularly impacting Charleston and Berkeley Counties from around noon until about 4 p.m. The potential for damaging wind gusts over 60 mph kept everyone on their toes.
Stay Alert: Brief Tornadoes and More!
With weather like this, it’s no surprise that reports of brief tornado spin-ups were also being taken seriously by weather officials. Folks were warned about the chances of lightning flashing across the sky and the risk of large hail. It was really a good day to stay indoors and keep an eye on the weather updates, especially with the storms rolling in so suddenly!
Clearer Skies Ahead!
A silver lining emerged as the cold front began to shove off into the ocean by Sunday night, heralding a shift back to sunshine and cooler temperatures just in time for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Whether you planned to go out or stay home, it’ll surely feel nice to bask in some warm, sunny rays following the storm chaos!
What About the Neighbors?
It’s worth noting that while Charleston was issuing watches, parts of Georgia weren’t so lucky. There was a separate tornado watch for portions of Georgia, including Bulloch County, which remained in effect until 1 p.m. as well. In Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties, residents still faced a severe thunderstorm watch even as the tornado watch had been dropped, meaning the need for vigilance remained high in those areas.
Wrap it Up: Safety First!
As winds and rains persisted into the afternoon hours, residents were reminded to stay tuned to local news sources for updates and safety tips. After a long, windy day filled with weather alerts, staying informed is key to ensuring that everyone remains safe and sound.
With the worst now behind us, let’s hope for brighter skies and clear weather ahead! Here’s to a fabulous week in Charleston, as we all prepare to enjoy the warmer, sunnier days coming up shortly!
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4: Tornado Watch Issued for Lowcountry
- Live 5 News: First Alert for Lowcountry Counties Under Tornado Watch
- Grice Connect: Tornado Watch Issued for Several Areas
- Wikipedia: Tornado
- Google Search: Tornado Watch
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.
