News Summary
Hilton Head residents are advised to prepare for severe thunderstorms this weekend as rain and warnings have already begun. With a cold front moving in, damaging winds, hail, and up to two inches of rain are expected. The National Weather Service has issued several warnings for local counties, and safety tips for lightning and driving on wet roads have been emphasized. While the weekend may bring storms, it could also help alleviate the moderate drought in the Lowcountry area.
Hilton Head Braces for Severe Thunderstorms This Weekend
Hey there, Hilton Head! If you’re planning on spending your weekend basking in the sun at the beach, you might want to think twice. Rain and thunderstorms are moving into our area this weekend, and the National Weather Service has issued several warnings that you won’t want to ignore.
Weather Watch: What to Expect
Things kicked off on Thursday afternoon as rain and thunderstorms swept into Hilton Head. Now, residents and visitors are being strongly advised to stay away from the beach due to these ongoing weather conditions. As we approach the weekend, a cold front is making its way into South Carolina, which means more thunderstorms could be on the way. Forecasters are currently labeling these storms as having a “marginal risk” across much of the state, and they’re keeping a close eye on how things develop.
Stay Updated: Storm Alerts
According to meteorologists, we can expect some locally damaging winds and even hail as these storms roll through. Fortunately, the chances of tornadoes appearing in this weather system are low, so that’s a relief! However, residents should be prepared for up to two inches of rain expected on Saturday night to accompany the thunderstorms.
It’s worth noting that the heaviest rainfall is predicted from Monday to Tuesday. With this increased rain comes a greater flood risk, particularly as heavy rainfall coincides with the already expected conditions on those days. The Lowcountry area, including Beaufort County, is currently experiencing a moderate drought, so while nobody wants to deal with flooding, the upcoming rain could help ease those dry patches.
Warnings Already in Place
On Thursday evening, a severe thunderstorm watch was issued for several counties including Chesterfield and Newberry, effective until midnight on Friday. Also, the NWS issued a severe thunderstorm warning for York County, where penny-sized hail and wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph were expected. That warning stretched until 10 p.m., impacting areas like Newport and Rock Hill. You should definitely keep an ear out for updates on this! Another warning also hit Cherokee County a little earlier, where half-dollar-sized hail was noted.
Lightning and Hydroplaning: Key Safety Tips
The storms are expected to ramp up the lightning activity, with around 25 million lightning strikes happening nationwide annually. Summer tends to be the most active season, leading to about 20 fatalities each year, so make sure to keep your safe space indoors when thunder starts roaring.
It’s crucial to remember some safety tips when dealing with thunderstorms. Hydroplaning is one of the significant risks for drivers, which happens when a vehicle starts to slide uncontrollably on wet roads due to water pressure building up. This can lead to a loss of control, so be mindful and drive safely if you’re out on the roads this weekend.
Final Thoughts
As we head into the weekend, stay tuned for updates from local authorities and be cautious. Whether you’ve got plans to enjoy the beach or just kick back at home, it’s best to keep safety first while this weather rolls through. Let’s get ready for a stormy but refreshing weekend ahead! Stay dry, Hilton Head!
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Hilton Head Weather Update
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Island Packet: Latest Storm Warnings
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety Tips
- Island Packet: Weekend Weather Forecast
- Google Scholar: Weather Forecasting
- Island Packet: Impact of Drought on Rainfall
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rain
- Island Packet: Hurricane Season Preparedness
- Google News: Severe Weather Alerts
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