News Summary
Charleston is under severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings as heavy rainfall affects the southeastern US. The National Weather Service issued alerts for strong thunderstorms, expected wind gusts, and potential flash flooding. Residents are advised to secure belongings and exercise caution on highways. The situation continues to evolve with updated warnings and the threat of significant rainfall impacting areas such as Hilton Head Island and Savannah.
Charleston – Severe thunderstorms and flash flood warnings are currently affecting the Charleston area as heavy rain continues to impact the southeastern United States. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston issued an updated alert for strong thunderstorms at 3:59 p.m. on Monday, notifying residents of expected wind gusts up to 50 mph until 4:45 p.m. The alert specifically covers Inland Jasper, Coastal Jasper, and Beaufort Counties.
At 3:59 p.m., meteorologists tracked a strong thunderstorm near Garden City, moving northeast at approximately 35 mph. Residents in the affected areas may experience gusty winds strong enough to down tree limbs and blow unsecured objects around, posing potential hazards. Notable locations impacted by this alert include Hilton Head Island, Pooler, Bluffton, and several areas in Savannah such as Downtown Savannah and Hunter Army Airfield.
Critical highways affected by the severe weather include I-16 between mile markers 159 and 168, I-95 in Georgia between mile markers 101 and 111, and I-95 in South Carolina between mile markers 4 and 5. Drivers are advised to exercise caution, with the potential for dangerous driving conditions.
Subsequent Alerts and Enhanced Warnings
The NWS further updated its warnings at 6:02 p.m., issuing a severe thunderstorm warning for Charleston County, effective until 6:30 p.m. This warning warned residents to prepare for stronger wind gusts, anticipated to reach up to 60 mph. A severe thunderstorm was located near McClellanville at this time, also moving northeast but at a slower speed of 25 mph. This thunderstorm could cause damage to roofs, siding, and trees across affected areas.
Impacted locations from this warning included McClellanville, Awendaw, and various parks and natural reserves in the region. Residents in these areas were urged to take precautions and secure outdoor belongings.
Ongoing Weather Threats
An additional report was issued at 7:08 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 8 p.m. for Inland Berkeley. Doppler radar indicated a strong thunderstorm 10 miles northwest of Eastern Lake Marion, moving east at approximately 35 mph. Areas anticipated to feel the effects from this alert include Saint Stephen and surrounding communities. The NWS reiterated the dangers of erratic wind gusts that can result in property damage and safety risks.
Potential for Flash Flooding
Residents should also be aware of the flash flooding concerns arising from heavy rain as non-tropical low-pressure systems move along the southeastern coast. The Charleston and Wilmington metro areas can expect rainfall amounts between 2 to 3 inches, with the possibility of more in certain locations. Areas along the South Carolina and North Carolina borders, including major cities such as Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Wilmington, and Fayetteville, are under a flash flood threat, rated level 1 out of 4.
Safety Guidelines
Given the heightened risk of thunderstorms, residents are urged to stay indoors, especially during lightning activity. Each year, the U.S. experiences approximately 25 million lightning strikes, causing around 20 fatalities, primarily in the summer months. The likelihood of being struck increases as a thunderstorm approaches, peaks when it is overhead, and decreases afterward. Those driving in inclement weather should be cautious of hydroplaning, which occurs when vehicles lose traction on wet surfaces due to excessive water build-up.
As the weather conditions evolve, residents are advised to remain informed about further updates from the NWS and adhere to safety recommendations to ensure their safety and that of their property.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Columbia Residents Prepare for Severe Thunderstorms
Severe Weather Alert for South Carolina: Strong Thunderstorms Expected
Severe Thunderstorms Hit Central and Southeastern South Carolina
Beach Adventures Await in Coastal Georgia
Preserving the Natural Beauty of Hilton Head Beaches
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Hit Myrtle Beach and Nearby Areas
Severe Thunderstorms Cause Destruction in Georgia and South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Upstate South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Greenville and Spartanburg Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Warning in Anderson and Abbeville Counties
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- ABC News 4
- Google Search: severe thunderstorm charleston
- Fox Weather
- Google Scholar: thunderstorm warnings
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: severe weather
- Island Packet
- Google News: thunderstorm alerts Charleston
- Herald Online
