News Summary
Charleston, SC, is under severe thunderstorm alerts as wind gusts reach up to 55 mph and record rainfall amounts are reported. With heavy rains already making roads impassable and historical records being shattered, residents are urged to stay safe and informed as flash flood warnings spread across the Southeast. The National Weather Service indicates the storm system may bring additional heavy rains in the coming days, making it crucial for locals to prepare for severe weather conditions.
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Hit Charleston as Rainfall Records Fall
Charleston, SC, is bracing for some *seriously* wild weather as the National Weather Service has issued a thunderstorm alert for the area. As of Thursday afternoon, folks in Inland Jasper, Coastal Jasper, and Beaufort County should be on alert until at least 5:15 p.m. for some strong thunderstorms headed your way.
What’s Coming Our Way?
According to the latest updates, residents can expect wind gusts reaching up to 55 mph. That’s about the same strength as a small tornado, folks. If you’re out and about, definitely keep an eye on those loose branches and garden decorations—they might be on their way to a neighbor’s yard if you’re not careful! As of 4:37 p.m., NWS doppler radar indicated powerful thunderstorms rolling over Grahamville and Ridgeland, making their way east at about 15 mph.
Stay Safe and Stay Informed!
If you experience any damage once the storm passes, be sure to report it to the Charleston NWS at 888-383-2024 when it’s safe to do so. Remember, around 25 million lightning strikes happen in the U.S. every single year, and it’s important to stay aware. The odds of getting struck by lightning soar as a storm approaches and peak when the storm hits, so be cautious!
Heavy Rains Have Arrived
The weather is really turning up a notch, especially since much of the Southeastern U.S. is facing a Level 2 flood threat thanks to torrential rain. Already in Charleston, roads have gotten to the point of being—it’s no joke—*impassable* due to the relentless downpour. Charleston International Airport set a new record for May 11, racking up a whopping 1.99 inches of rain since midnight. That surpassed the previous record set back in 1952!
Adding to this soggy saga, downtown Charleston also measured 2.06 inches of rain, breaking a record that was held since 1899. Over in Panama City, Florida, things got crazy with a record rainfall rate of 5.63 inches per hour. Imagine that—0.75 inches fell in just *8 minutes*! That’s almost an instant swimming pool!
Flash Flood Warnings All Around
Flash Flood Warnings are pinging across parts of Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina. The Weather Prediction Center is keeping a close eye on the situation, indicating that many folks in the Southeast need to be prepared as flood watches could expand early next week. That storm system is predicted to dump more than 4 inches of rain across some communities through Mother’s Day, with total rainfall looking to fall in the 3 to 5-inch range, and a few unlucky spots might see up to 7 inches!
What About Later in the Week?
While a severe thunderstorm watch for the entire Lowcountry wrapped up late Friday night, that doesn’t mean it’s all clear. Severe thunderstorms are still a possibility, with threats like damaging winds and hail lurking around the corner. Wind gusts over 60 mph could knock down trees and cause power outages, so keep your flashlights charged and your phone handy!
So there you have it, Charleston. The weather is shaping up to be *one for the history books*—make sure to stay safe and keep an eye out for any updates. The storm is coming, so prepare to ride out the stormy weather!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Charleston Area
Severe Weather Alert Issued for Hilton Head
Heads Up, Southeast Coast: Potential Low Pressure System on the Horizon!
Severe Thunderstorm Warning in Greenville and Spartanburg
Marlboro County Prepares for Severe Thunderstorms
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Impact Central and Southeastern Orangeburg County
Severe Thunderstorms and Tornado Warning in Rock Hill, SC
Hilton Head Island Celebrates Beach Recognition and Dog Restrictions
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Affect Florence and Surrounding Areas
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County
Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Weather News
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Fox Weather: Flash Flood Threat
- Google Search: Flash Floods
- Live 5 News: SC Weather Alert
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Alerts
- Washington Post: Atmospheric River Flooding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather Forecast
- WYFF 4: Greenville Storms
- Google News: Tornado Threat
Mays Contracting
