News Summary
Severe thunderstorms affected the Charleston area, prompting urgent weather warnings from the National Weather Service. Residents are advised to seek shelter and stay informed about weather updates. Dangerous conditions, including gusty winds and potential lightning strikes, may impact several localities. Additionally, a flight incident at Charleston International Airport highlights the severe weather’s impact. Residents are urged to remain vigilant as weather conditions evolve and prioritize safety during these storms.
Charleston, SC – Severe thunderstorms swept through the Charleston area on Sunday, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue urgent weather warnings for residents. The thunderstorm warning was activated at 5:53 p.m. and was set to last until 6:30 p.m., specifically targeting Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County. Doppler radar indicated a powerful thunderstorm centered over Lemon Island, moving southeast at a speed of 15 mph.
As a result of the dangerous conditions, the storm is anticipated to produce strong gusty winds capable of downing tree limbs and sending unsecured objects flying. Areas affected by the alert include major localities such as Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, Port Royal, Clarendon, Jasper, Parris Island, Shell Point, Burton, Lemon Island, and Hilton Head Airport.
Residents in the affected area are strongly advised to remain tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or local news outlets for the latest updates and safety instructions concerning current weather conditions. The NWS cautioned individuals to seek shelter indoors and stay away from windows during thunderstorms, emphasizing the significance of receiving timely information during such severe weathers.
In unprecedented events due to the thunderstorms, a Breeze Airways flight (MX509) heading to Norfolk had to be grounded at Charleston International Airport. The aircraft, an Airbus A220-300, was waiting for fuel when it was struck by the tail of an ANA Boeing 787-10 that was taxiing nearby. Fortunately, all passengers on board safely deplaned, although two individuals were evaluated for minor injuries stemming from the incident. Breeze Airways is currently cooperating with relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the occurrence.
Continuing with the severe weather alerts, the NWS issued another thunderstorm warning on Friday at 8:01 p.m. affecting Berkeley and Charleston counties, effective until 8:45 p.m. During this alert, severe thunderstorms were observed extending from Sullivan’s Island to adjacent Kiawah Island, progressing southeast at 25 mph. Wind gusts were projected to reach speeds of up to 60 mph, potentially causing extensive damage to roofs, siding, and trees in vulnerable regions.
Key areas at high risk during this warning included North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Hanahan, Johns Island, James Island, West Ashley, Downtown Charleston, and surrounding neighborhoods. Citizens were again urged to find shelter and remain clear of windows due to the imminent threat of damaging winds and continuous lightning strikes. Additionally, residents were cautioned about the risk of torrential rainfall leading to flash flooding, advising individuals against driving through flooded roadways where swift current and reduced visibility could pose severe dangers.
It is essential to note that approximately 25 million lightning strikes are recorded in the U.S. annually, primarily during the summer months, causing an average of 20 fatalities per year. The likelihood of being struck by lightning peaks when a thunderstorm is directly overhead and declines as it moves away from a location. Experts stress that proper precautions during thunderstorms, including seeking indoor shelter, are crucial for safety. If shelter is unavailable, comprehensive guidance is provided to ensure public safety.
The recent events highlight the urgency of preparedness and swift action during severe thunderstorms. As weather conditions continue to evolve, residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols to minimize risks associated with these dangerous weather patterns.
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Additional Resources
- Count on 2 News
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- 13 News Now
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Warnings
- Live 5 News
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Preparedness
- Island Packet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather Alerts
- Grice Connect
- Google News: Severe Weather
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.
