News Summary
A Severe Thunderstorm Alert has been issued for Inland Berkeley and Dorchester County by the National Weather Service. Residents are advised to prepare for strong storms expected to impact areas including Ridgeville, Harleyville, and Spring Hill. Gusty winds, heavy rain, and lightning are anticipated as the storm approaches, peaking around 7 p.m. Safety precautions are advised, including staying indoors and being aware of potential hazards on the roads. Stay informed through local news sources and weather updates.
Severe Thunderstorm Alert for Inland Berkeley and Dorchester County
Hey there, folks! If you’re in Inland Berkeley or Dorchester County, you might want to keep your eyes to the sky and your ears tuned in. A Severe Thunderstorm Alert has been issued by the National Weather Service, giving everyone a heads-up about some strong storms rolling through your neck of the woods.
What’s Happening?
As of 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Doppler radar is picking up a strong stationary thunderstorm just near Dorchester. The alert remains in effect until 6 p.m., so there’s still time to grab your emergency supplies or just settle in and catch up on your favorite show before the wild weather begins. Since this storm is packing a punch, folks in areas like Ridgeville, Harleyville, and Spring Hill should definitely stay alert!
Who’s in the Danger Zone?
Here’s a quick list of locations that might feel the impact of this storm:
- Dorchester
- Ridgeville
- Harleyville
- Pringletown
- Francis Beidler Forest
- Spring Hill
- Ebenezer
- Sandridge
- Hussertown
- Giant
Interstate 26 is also affected, particularly between mile markers 178 and 191. So if you’re out and about, be careful on those roads!
What to Expect
The thunderstorm is expected to bring gusty winds that could potentially knock down some tree limbs and send unsecured items flying. Yikes! And don’t forget about the lightning—it’s a serious concern, striking our beautiful country around 25 million times a year. Most of these strikes happen in the summer, resulting in an average of 20 fatalities every year. So, when thunder roars, it’s best to head indoors. Remember, the chances of lightning are high when the storm approaches and peak when it’s right over you.
Staying Safe
Before you dive into your storm survival playlist, remember a few safety tips. The National Weather Service stresses that the best course of action during thunderstorms is to stay inside. If you must travel, be mindful of hydroplaning—that uncontrollable slide happens when water builds up in front of your tires, and trust us, you don’t want to be part of that statistic!
What’s Coming Up?
In terms of the weather forecast, the peak storm chances are around 7 p.m. Expect possible damaging winds, heavy rain, excessive lightning, and even hail, so don’t underestimate the storm’s power. Once this system rolls through, we’re looking at a week with a mix of sunshine and isolated storm chances through Sunday, and temperatures reaching into the low to mid 90s! With heat indices possibly nearing 100°, hydration is key!
Keep Informed!
Lastly, make sure to stay updated by listening to a NOAA Weather Radio, tuning into local TV, or any trusted news sources you prefer. If things change or intensify, you’ll want to know quickly! If you’re in the areas mentioned earlier, stay safe, stay smart, and enjoy the thrill of a summer storm from the safety of your cozy living room.
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online Weather News
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Live 5 News: Dangerous Heat & Strong Storms
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Island Packet Weather News

Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
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