News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Charleston and Berkeley Counties. Expect penny-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph. Residents are advised to secure outdoor items and stay informed via local news and NOAA Weather Radio. With the impending storm tracking northeast, it’s crucial to exercise caution, especially on highways, as cloud-to-ground lightning poses a significant threat. Prepare for possible flash flooding and isolated tornado risks as the storm approaches.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Lowcountry: Stay Alert!
As you settle in for the evening in Charleston, prepare for some wild weather to sweep through the Lowcountry! The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued strong thunderstorm warnings for multiple areas, including Berkeley and Charleston Counties. The warnings first went out around 8:29 PM on Friday night and are expected to last until 9:15 PM.
What to Expect from These Storms
These storms are packing quite a punch. Expect to see penny-sized hail—roughly 0.75 inches—and wind gusts whipping up to a brisk 50 mph! That’s enough to send your garden tools flying! Doppler radar has tracked one particularly feisty thunderstorm over the Old Santee Canal State Park, making its way northeast at a speed of 15 mph. So if you live in places like Pinopolis, Moncks Corner, or even Old Cordesville, get ready as this storm races towards you!
Minor damage to outdoor objects is a possibility, so now’s the time to secure those lawn chairs and potted plants. If you haven’t already, it may be wise to tune into your local news channels or NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards to stay updated on the situation.
More Alerts for the Area
The NWS didn’t stop there! Another updated report came in at 8:16 PM, warning folks in Tidal Berkeley and Charleston County about these strong storms extending at least until 9 PM. If you’re in areas like West Ashley, North Charleston, or even James Island, it’s crucial to pay attention. The storm is making its way southeast at about 15 mph and is capable of producing wind gusts as high as 60 mph. That’s not just a breezy evening; that could mean tree limbs may get knocked down and unsecured items could fly around unpredictably!
Keeping Safe – What You Should Do
Let’s talk about how to stay safe during this kind of weather. If you are driving, be particularly cautious on highways like I-26 and I-526, especially between certain mile markers that have been impacted. The storms are bringing frequent and dangerously intense cloud-to-ground lightning, capable of striking distances up to 10 miles away. It’s not just a scary sight; lightning can be deadly, causing about 20 fatalities annually across the U.S. during the summer months.
And don’t forget about torrential rainfall! Flash flooding can happen quickly, so avoid driving through any flooded roadways. Remember, hydroplaning can occur when there’s too much water in front of your tires, causing your vehicle to slide uncontrollably. Various factors such as tire tread depth, vehicle speed, and the amount of water on the roadway can contribute to this dangerous situation.
Prepare for Later Developments
For those positioned toward the I-95 corridor, the storm system is projected to arrive between 3 PM and 5 PM, affecting parts of northwestern Colleton, Dorchester, and Berkeley Counties earlier in the day, before heading towards Charleston and southeastern Berkeley Counties later. As the storm approaches, there’s a possibility of strong winds and small hail, although the system may weaken as it reaches coastal areas.
Keep an eye out for an isolated tornado risk during these storms, and remember, bridges can also become risky during times of high winds. So, if you’re out and about, proceed with caution and stay alert! We all know how unpredictable Mother Nature can be! Stay safe, everyone!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Charleston and Nearby Counties
Hilton Head Island Cycling: Safety Guidelines and Helmet Laws
South Carolina Residents Urged to Prepare for Hurricane Season
Severe Thunderstorms Forecasted for Hilton Head Area
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Upstate South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for McCormick and Edgefield Counties
Hilton Head Braces for Severe Thunderstorms This Weekend
Brenham, Texas Community Mourns Loss of Young Girl Due to Flood
Myrtle Beach on Thunderstorm Alert: Stay Safe!
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts in Myrtle Beach and Conway
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- WYFF 4 News
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm
- ABC News 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe weather
- Count On 2 News
- Google News: Thunderstorm warning
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