News Summary

Beaufort County is under a thunderstorm warning effective until 4:15 p.m. Heavy rain is expected as ongoing thunderstorms are tracked, with risks including gusty winds and flash flooding. Residents are advised to take precautions to stay safe during adverse weather conditions.

Beaufort County Faces Thunderstorm Warnings Until Late Afternoon

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a thunderstorm warning for Beaufort County that is effective until 4:15 p.m. The warning arose from a storm that has since weakened below severe limits, reducing the immediate threat to life and property, but heavy rain is still anticipated.

According to an updated report from NWS Charleston SC released at 3:30 p.m., ongoing thunderstorms are being tracked over Bluffton, moving north at approximately 5 mph. While the storm’s intensity has decreased, gusty winds continue to pose a risk by potentially uprooting tree limbs and displacing unsecured objects.

Areas Impacted by the Thunderstorm Alert

Several locations are affected by this alert, including:

• Hilton Head Island
• Bluffton
• Beaufort
• Port Royal
• Ridgeland
• Jasper
• Port Wentworth
• Hardeeville
• Sun City

The alert also has implications for interstate travel, particularly impacting I-95 in South Carolina between mile markers 2 and 29.

Potential Weather Risks and Precautions

Residents are advised to be cautious of the potential for flash flooding due to torrential rainfall. Drivers should avoid traversing flooded roadways, as water can create dangerous conditions. Rapidly accumulating water may lead to a phenomenon known as hydroplaning, where vehicles slide uncontrollably on wet surfaces when water builds up faster than tires can disperse it, resulting in a loss of vehicle control.

It is noteworthy that during thunderstorms, the probability of lightning strikes increases. Approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur annually across the United States, particularly during the summer months. On average, these strikes cause about 20 fatalities each year. The risk of lightning is highest when a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly overhead. Once the storm departs, the likelihood of lightning strikes diminishes.

Safety Tips for Residents

In light of the ongoing thunderstorms, individuals are encouraged to take safety precautions, especially when indoor shelter is not accessible. Staying informed via NOAA Weather Radio, local television stations, or personal news sources is recommended for real-time updates on the weather conditions.

For safe driving during inclement weather, it is crucial to remain vigilant about the three main causes of hydroplaning:

• High speeds on wet roads
• Worn or insufficient tire tread
• Accumulated water on the road surface

Residents are urged to stay cautious and prepare for potential weather-related disruptions as the storm passes through the region.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Bamberg Braces for Thunderstorm: Caution Still Advised!
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Laurens County
Lightning Strike Injures 20 People at Lake Murray Public Park

Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Beaufort County Faces Thunderstorm Warnings
• Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
• Island Packet: Thunderstorm Updates
• Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety Tips
• Charlotte Observer: Weather News
• Google Scholar: Thunderstorm
• Count on 2: Tornado Warning Issued
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Tornado
• Post and Courier: Beaufort Tornado Winds
• Google News: Tornado Warnings

Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD

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.