Charleston, SC, August 18, 2025

News Summary

Charleston, SC is under severe thunderstorm warnings as the National Weather Service alerts residents of wind gusts reaching 50 mph. Affected areas include Inland Colleton County, Walterboro, and I-95 between mile markers 42 and 61. Potential risks include flash flooding and hazardous driving conditions due to torrential rain and high winds. Residents are advised to stay informed through local news and seek shelter as thunderstorms approach.

Charleston, SC Braces for Severe Thunderstorm Warnings

CHARLESTON, SC – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston issued a severe thunderstorm warning on Sunday at 4:21 p.m. for Inland Colleton County, which will remain in effect until 4:45 p.m. Residents are warned to expect wind gusts of up to 50 mph as a strong thunderstorm moves through the area.

Doppler radar tracked the thunderstorm over Hendersonville at 4:21 p.m., indicating it is moving westward at approximately 20 mph. The storm’s powerful winds pose a risk of knocking down tree limbs and blowing around unsecured objects, creating hazardous conditions for area residents.

Specific locations affected by the storm include:

• Walterboro
• Hendersonville
• Ritter
• White Hall
• Drawdy
• Thayer
• Colleton Medical Center
• Lowcountry Regional Airport
• Blake
• Salkehatchie

The severe thunderstorm alert also encompasses I-95 in South Carolina, particularly between mile markers 42 and 61. Residents are advised to stay informed by tuning into NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, local television stations, or trusted local news sources for any further updates from the NWS.

In addition to strong winds, the storm is expected to produce torrential rainfall, which raises the risk of flash flooding in affected areas. Drivers are cautioned to avoid flooded roadways as conditions can quickly become dangerous.

This follows an earlier alert issued on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. for strong thunderstorms affecting Dorchester and Charleston counties until 2 p.m. Radar at that time indicated a powerful thunderstorm near Magnolia Gardens, moving northwest at 15 mph. Residents in areas like North Charleston, West Ashley, Johns Island, Hollywood, Ravenel, and Magnolia Gardens also faced similar gusting winds of up to 50 mph.

As thunderstorms approach, the risk of lightning increases significantly, peaking when the storm is overhead and diminishing as it moves away. The NWS reports that approximately 25 million lightning strikes happen annually across the United States, particularly during the summer months, leading to around 20 fatalities each year due to lightning strikes.

Another safety concern during these thunderstorms involves hydroplaning, a dangerous condition where a vehicle can slide uncontrollably on wet roads. This occurs when water buildup exceeds the vehicle’s weight, resulting in a loss of control. Authorities recommend that during thunderstorms, residents should seek indoor shelter or remain alert if outdoors.

As severe weather progresses through Charleston and surrounding areas, local authorities urge everyone to remain vigilant and prioritize safety.

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HERE Resources

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Charleston and Colleton Counties
Severe Thunderstorms Impact Upstate South Carolina
Beaufort, South Carolina Faces Flash Flood Warning Amid Heavy Rainfall
Severe Thunderstorm and Flash Flood Alerts for Charleston, SC
Hilton Head Island Implements Guidelines for Souvenir Collection and Wildlife Preservation
Hurricane Erin Strengthens to Category 5 Storm
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Issued for York and Chester Counties
Severe Weather Causes Havoc in Jasper County, Mississippi
Severe Thunderstorms Hit Spartanburg, South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for Coastal Colleton and Beaufort Counties

Additional Resources

• Count On 2
• Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
• Island Packet
• Google Search: severe thunderstorm warnings Charleston
• ABC News 4
• Google Scholar: thunderstorm warnings Charleston
• Myrtle Beach Online
• Encyclopedia Britannica: thunderstorm
• Live 5 News
• Google News: Charleston weather updates
• Count On 2 – Lowcountry Counties

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.