News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Charleston area, active until 6:30 p.m. on June 21, 2025. Residents are advised to prepare for potential damages and seek shelter, as strong winds and possible hail could impact several communities. With gusts expected to reach up to 60 mph and an elevated tornado risk, citizens are encouraged to stay alert and ensure their safety.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Charleston Area!
The folks in Charleston should brace themselves as the National Weather Service has just issued a severe thunderstorm warning for our area. This alert was updated at 6:02 p.m. on Monday, June 21, 2025, and is officially in effect until 6:30 p.m..
What’s Happening?
So, here’s the scoop: A severe thunderstorm has been spotted near McClellanville and is moving in a northeast direction at about 25 mph. With this storm rolling in, we can expect wind gusts that might reach up to 60 mph! That’s some serious wind power we’re talking about!
Pack Your Storm Safety Kit!
Residents in the areas of McClellanville, Awendaw, Lighthouse Island, Cape Romain, Hampton Plantation State Park, Cape Island, Santee Coastal Reserve, Tibwin, Buck Hall, and South Santee need to prepare for potential damages. Things like roofs, siding, and even trees might be at risk. Now is the time to check those storm safety kits!
Where to Find Shelter
The National Weather Service highly recommends finding a safe place inside a well-built structure. If you can, steer clear of windows. Safety first, right? In case you’re wondering, a severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 9 p.m. for Charleston County, and stretches until 10 p.m. for Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties. This watch also covers the Charleston Harbor and coastal waters extending from the South Santee River down to Edisto Beach and even reaching Savannah out 20 nautical miles.
Timeline of the Storm’s Journey
Get ready! The storm system is anticipated to hit the I-95 corridor sometime between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., with Charleston and portions of southeastern Berkeley Counties feeling the thunderous effects between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.. Weather experts at the Storm Prediction Center have rated the threat in inland areas of South Carolina at a Level 3 out of 5—definitely something to take seriously!
Stay Alert for Hazards!
As the storm approaches, be aware of the potential for strong to locally damaging wind gusts and possibly small hail. There’s also the chance of an isolated tornado, so it’s best to stay vigilant. Interestingly, did you know that lightning strikes happen around 25 million times in the U.S. every year? That’s a summer statistic you don’t want to be a part of! Lightning can pose a serious risk, especially when a storm is directly overhead.
Driving Safety Tips
If you’re out and about, be cautious on the roads. Hydroplaning can happen when water builds up underneath your tires, causing your vehicle to slide uncontrollably on wet roads. Not a fun situation! If you can’t make it indoors during the storm, make sure to follow some guidelines to stay safe.
Wrap-Up
Please remember to check on your neighbors, particularly the elderly or those who might need help getting to safety. Stay informed, and keep your family and pets safe tonight. Together, we’ll weather this storm!
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4: Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Live 5 News: First Alert Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Warning Charleston
- The State: Severe Weather Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Herald Online: Weather News
- Google News: Weather Alerts Charleston

Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort 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 RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. 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, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.