Charleston, South Carolina, August 3, 2025
News Summary
Charleston, South Carolina, is facing severe weather as the National Weather Service has issued a thunderstorm warning and a flash flood warning. The thunderstorm poses risks including high winds and hail, affecting multiple counties. Residents are urged to stay updated and take safety precautions, especially regarding potential flooding. This news comes after earlier warnings and continues to emphasize the importance of vigilance during extreme weather conditions.
Charleston, South Carolina is currently experiencing severe weather alerts as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a strong thunderstorm warning and a flash flood warning. The thunderstorm alert for inland Colleton, Allendale, and Hampton counties was reported at 8:52 p.m. on August 1, 2025, and is in effect until 9:15 p.m.
Doppler radar has tracked a strong thunderstorm over Estill, moving east at a speed of 25 mph. The strong winds associated with this storm could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. The areas most likely to be impacted by these conditions include Walterboro, Hampton, Lake Warren State Park, Varnville, Estill, Fairfax, Brunson, Gifford, Furman, and Scotia. The severe weather alert affects Interstate 95 in South Carolina specifically between mile markers 44 and 56.
Residents are advised to stay informed by tuning into NOAA Weather Radio, local television stations, or local news for ongoing updates and safety information.
In addition to the thunderstorm warning, a flash flood warning has also been issued for Charleston County. Targeted areas for potential flooding include North Charleston, Downtown Charleston, Daniel Island, West Ashley, Charleston Naval Complex, The Citadel, Columbus Street Terminal, the Medical University Of South Carolina, Marion Square, and Cooper River Marina. Motorists are particularly advised to turn around if they encounter flooded roads, as the risk of hydroplaning increases significantly during these conditions.
Each year, lightning strikes about 25 million times across the U.S., mainly during the summer months, and thunderstorms can dramatically escalate the likelihood of lightning strikes. This risk peaks when storm activity is directly overhead. Hydroplaning incidents can occur on wet roads, particularly when water builds up faster than a vehicle can displace it. Contributing factors to hydroplaning include vehicle speed, the depth of tire tread, and prevailing road conditions.
Earlier in the day, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Charleston County lasting until 4:15 p.m. The affected areas included Hollywood, Ravanel, and Meggett, where winds reached speeds of up to 60 mph, with possible pea-sized hail as a consequence. The threat from these storms across Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties persisted through 11:45 a.m., before the issuance of the updated flash flood and thunderstorm warnings. Doppler radar indicated a line of strong storms moving northeast at 45 mph, stretching from Cross to Kiawah Island. Additionally, thunderstorm warnings for various counties, including Beaufort, were suspended earlier that morning, prior to 10:45 a.m.
As these extreme weather conditions develop, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and keep safety as a priority. Always heed local warnings and take necessary precautions against rising waters and severe winds.
FAQ Section
What areas are affected by the thunderstorm warning?
The strong thunderstorm warning affects inland Colleton, Allendale, and Hampton counties, along with specific areas like Walterboro, Hampton, Lake Warren State Park, Varnville, Estill, Fairfax, Brunson, Gifford, Furman, and Scotia.
What precautions should residents take during the thunderstorms?
Residents should stay informed by checking NOAA Weather Radio or local news for updates, avoid downed power lines, secure loose outdoor items, and refrain from driving on flooded roads.
What areas are under a flash flood warning?
The flash flood warning affects Charleston County, including areas like North Charleston, Downtown Charleston, Daniel Island, West Ashley, and more.
What dangers are associated with thunderstorms?
Thunderstorms can produce strong winds, heavy rain, lightning strikes, and the potential for flash flooding. Hydroplaning is also a risk for motorists on wet roads.
| Warning Type | Affected Areas | Expected Hazards | Safety Precautions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderstorm Warning | Colleton, Allendale, Hampton counties; Walterboro, Hampton, others | High winds, heavy rain, possible hail | Stay indoors, secure outdoor items |
| Flash Flood Warning | Charleston County; North Charleston, Downtown Charleston, others | Flash flooding, standing water | Do not drive through flooded areas, stay updated |
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Severe Weather Alert
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Count on 2: Thunderstorm Warning
- Google Search: Thunderstorms in South Carolina
- ABC News 4: Charleston County Storm Warning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flash Flood
- Live 5 News: Lowcountry Thunderstorm Warning
- Weather.com: Local Weather Updates
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
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