Charleston, August 2, 2025
News Summary
A strong thunderstorm alert has been issued for the Charleston area by the National Weather Service, effective until 11 p.m. tonight. The storm, moving southeast at 30 mph, is expected to affect several counties including North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and Summerville. Residents are advised to secure loose items outdoors and stay informed via local weather channels. Highway conditions may also be impacted, posing risks for motorists due to hydroplaning. Safety precautions are crucial as the storm features gusty winds and frequent lightning.
Strong Thunderstorm Alert in Charleston Area
Hey there, Charleston! It seems like Mother Nature has some wild plans for us tonight. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a strong thunderstorm alert, which hit our inbox at 10:11 p.m. on Friday. This alert is effective until 11 p.m. and covers several counties, including Inland Berkeley, Tidal Berkeley, Dorchester, and Charleston.
What to Expect?
So what’s going on? Well, Doppler radar has picked up a strong storm over the Naval Weapons Station Charleston, moving southeast at a speedy 30 mph. And if that wasn’t enough to get your attention, brace yourself for some gusty winds that might knock down tree limbs or send those backyard chairs flying. It’s definitely a good night to secure anything that may blow away!
Where Is It Heading?
This thunderstorm might affect several locations, particularly:
- North Charleston
- Mount Pleasant
- Summerville
- Goose Creek
- Hanahan
- Moncks Corner
- Saint George
- Naval Weapons Station Charleston
- Ladson
- I-26/I-526 Interchange
Highway Warnings
If you’re planning to hit the road, be advised that the storm will impact major highways too. The affected areas include:
- I-26 between mile markers 175 and 221
- I-526 between mile markers 11 and 31
- I-95 near mile marker 81
Stay Informed & Seek Shelter
It’s critical to stay in the loop tonight. Make sure to tune in to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, TV, or your local news for real-time updates. And please, if you’re caught in this storm, the best thing you can do is to seek shelter indoors or in a vehicle.
Lightning Alert
Also, keep in mind that this storm is accompanied by frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, which can strike as far as 10 miles away. Just a heads-up: lightning strikes the U.S. around 25 million times annually, primarily in summer, and it’s responsible for about 20 fatalities each year. The chances of a lightning strike rise as storms approach, peak during, and lessen after. So definitely be wary!
Earlier Alerts
Interestingly, there was an earlier alert issued at 9:34 p.m. for parts of Inland and Tidal Berkeley, which was in effect until 10 p.m. That weather report indicated a strong thunderstorm over Pinopolis moving southeast at 20 mph.
Watch Out for Hydroplaning
Lastly, as the rains come down, hydroplaning becomes a real hazard. That’s when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads due to water pressure building up between tires and the ground. No fun! This mainly happens because of various factors, so drive slowly and carefully!
Conclusion
Stay safe out there, Charleston! Make sure you take all necessary precautions as we ride through this stormy night. The weather can be unpredictable, but with the right info, we can navigate it together.
FAQs
What areas are under the thunderstorm alert?
The thunderstorm alert covers Inland Berkeley, Tidal Berkeley, Dorchester, and Charleston counties, affecting cities like North Charleston, Summerville, and Mount Pleasant.
How long will the thunderstorm last?
The alert is effective until 11 p.m. on Friday. However, actual storm duration may vary.
What should I do if I’m driving?
If you’re driving and encounter the storm, slow down, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and avoid areas where hydroplaning can occur.
What’s the safest place to be during a storm like this?
The safest place is indoors, or if you’re in a car, stay inside your vehicle until it’s safe to resume driving.
How can I stay updated on weather conditions?
You can stay updated by tuning into the NOAA Weather Radio, watching local TV, or following local news sources for any updates regarding the storm.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Warning Issued | Strong thunderstorms until 11 p.m. affecting several counties. |
| Affected Areas | North Charleston, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, and more. |
| Highway Impact | Major highways like I-26, I-526, and I-95 will be affected. |
| Safety Tips | Seek shelter, avoid driving, and stay tuned for updates. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Thunderstorm Warning
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Count on 2: Tornado Warning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- ABC News 4: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Alerts
- Island Packet: Weather News
- Google News: Thunderstorm News
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm 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.

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