News Summary
Severe thunderstorms are forecasted to affect Hilton Head and Beaufort County, starting Sunday morning. Residents are urged to prepare for damaging winds, possible tornadoes, and hail. With temperatures rising and a tropical system approaching, safety measures are recommended, especially along coastal areas facing rip current risks and high tides.
Hilton Head and Beaufort County Brace for Severe Thunderstorms on Sunday
Severe thunderstorms are expected to impact Hilton Head and Beaufort County on Sunday morning, following a warm Saturday. Residents and beachgoers are advised to prepare accordingly.
Forecast Summary
- Mild temperatures on Saturday morning.
- Severe thunderstorms forecasted to arrive around 10 a.m. on Sunday.
- Potential for wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, isolated tornadoes, and damaging hail.
The National Weather Service predicts that warmer air ahead of an impending cold front will intensify thunderstorm activity. This storm is likely to be more severe on the coastal plain, coinciding with the warmest part of the day.
Key Risks
- Locally damaging winds are a primary concern.
- There is a slightly higher risk of tornadoes compared to earlier thunderstorms this month.
- Potential for dime-sized to quarter-sized hail in scattered thunderstorms.
- A separate system, Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight, is located about 100 miles east of Charleston.
The tropical system, with winds of 50 mph, is expected to strengthen before moving inland but is projected to dissipate by late Wednesday.
Coastal Hazards
Local beaches are also facing a high risk of rip currents, with 5-foot breakers anticipated. Minor coastal flooding is possible due to high tides associated with the upcoming full moon on Tuesday. Hilton Head’s evening high tide will reach 9.5 feet, while Beaufort’s will reach 9.1 feet.
Safety Recommendations
The National Weather Service advises residents to seek indoor shelter during thunderstorms. With approximately 25 million lightning strikes occurring annually in the U.S., it is essential to take precautions as storm activity increases.
The NWS also issued a thunderstorm and small hail alert until noon on Monday for parts of Southeast South Carolina and Southeast Georgia. Beachgoers are encouraged to pack umbrellas and remain vigilant as the storm approaches.
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HERE Resources
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Storm Chaos Unleashes Fury Across Central and Eastern U.S.
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Wildfires Rage Across South Carolina, Emergency Declared
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Severe Thunderstorm Update
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- AOL: Hilton Head Weather Updates
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm
- Island Packet: Weather Warnings for Low Country
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Patterns
- Island Packet: Weather Update for the Region
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather Forecast
- Island Packet: Local Community Weather News
- Google News: Hilton Head Weather

Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HERE Hilton Head Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Hilton Head 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 Hilton Head Our team includes lifelong Hilton Head residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listings of historic homes 0 , Hilton Head’s Gullah heritage and coastal culture 6 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Technical College of the Lowcountry programs) 10 . 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 Hilton Head 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...