News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Charleston, effective until 9:15 PM on Friday. Strong thunderstorms are producing penny-sized hail and potentially damaging winds, prompting officials to urge residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions as the storms move in.
Charleston Issues Severe Thunderstorm Warnings as Storms Approach
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for the Charleston area, effective until 9:15 PM on Friday, due to strong thunderstorms producing penny-sized hail and potentially damaging winds. Residents are being urged to stay informed and take precautions as these storms move in.
Details of the Warning
As of 8:29 PM on Friday, Doppler radar indicated a strong thunderstorm located over Old Santee Canal State Park, moving northeast at a speed of 15 mph. Affected areas include Pinopolis, Moncks Corner, Old Cordesville, Bonneau, Limerick, and several others in Inland Berkeley County. The storm is expected to produce gusty winds of up to 50 mph, which may lead to downed tree limbs and flying debris. The weather service warns of minor damage to outdoor objects.
Another severe thunderstorm warning was issued at 8:16 PM for the Tidal Berkeley and Charleston County regions, with the alert in effect until 9 PM. This storm was tracked near West Ashley, also moving southeast at 15 mph. Important locations impacted include Hollywood, West Ashley, Johns Island, North Charleston, and Downtown Charleston. Major highways like I-26 and I-526 could experience hazardous conditions, particularly between certain mile markers.
Safety Precautions
The NWS advises all residents to utilize NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, television, or local news sources for up-to-date information regarding these storms. The risk of frequent cloud-to-ground lightning is high; lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from the storm. Residents should also refrain from driving through flooded roadways, as torrential rainfall from the storm may lead to flash flooding.
Potential Impacts
The severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect in Charleston County until 9 PM and will extend until 10 PM for Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties. The alert covers Charleston Harbor and Coastal Waters from South Santee River to Edisto Beach to Savannah out 20 nautical miles. The storm system is expected to reach the I-95 corridor later, affecting parts of northwestern Colleton, Dorchester, and Berkeley Counties, as well as Beaufort County between approximately 3 PM and 5 PM.
A First Alert Weather Day has been declared for the following Monday due to an increased threat of storms, with the Storm Prediction Center rating the threat level for inland areas of South Carolina as a Level 3 out of 5. Forecasters are warning of strong winds up to 60 mph, small hail, and the possibility of isolated tornadoes.
Context and Background Information
Lightning strikes the U.S. about 25 million times annually, predominantly during the summer months, resulting in approximately 20 fatalities each year. As a thunderstorm approaches, the likelihood of lightning strikes increases, heightening the threat to individuals and property. Residents are reminded that hydroplaning can occur if a vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on wet roads, which is especially hazardous during heavy rain.
The NWS emphasizes the need for vigilance during these storms. The potential for wind gusts strong enough to damage trees and power lines poses a serious threat, and travel on bridges could be dangerous for high-profile vehicles.
Residents are encouraged to stay alert and prepared as the thunderstorms approach, with various updates expected as the situation develops.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- WYFF 4
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Precautions
- Live 5 News
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Impacts
- WV MetroNews
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
