News Summary
Charleston residents are urged to prepare as the National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning due to strong storms approaching the area. The warning affects Inland Berkeley, Dorchester, and Charleston County until 5:30 p.m. Rainfall estimates suggest 2-3 inches of rain could lead to flash flooding. Drivers are warned to be cautious, particularly on I-26 and I-526, and residents are advised to secure outdoor items. Although tornado watches have been canceled, strong wind gusts and lightning pose additional risks.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Charleston Area as Strong Storms Approach
The charming city of Charleston is bracing itself as the National Weather Service (NWS) has declared a severe thunderstorm warning at 5:04 p.m. on Thursday. The warning is in effect until 5:30 p.m. for several areas, including Inland Berkeley, Tidal Berkeley, Dorchester, and of course, our beloved Charleston County.
Storms Are on the Move!
Radar is indicating that a robust thunderstorm was spotted near Magnolia Gardens, and it’s not hanging around; it’s moving east at a brisk pace of 20 mph. Residents in the surrounding areas—including North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and Summerville—should brace themselves for possible strong winds that could knock down tree limbs and send unsecured items flying.
Driving Alert!
If you’re planning to head out, be cautious! The NWS is flagging specific highways that could be affected by these storms. Keep an eye out on I-26 between mile markers 196 and 219, and on I-526 between mile markers 12 and 28. Heavy rain can lead to hydroplaning, where your vehicle could lose control on wet roads—so drive safely!
Stay Updated!
Charleston residents are encouraged to stay tuned to their NOAA Weather Radio, local news, or television for the latest information. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when nature decides to throw a bit of drama our way.
Heavy Rain and Flash Flood Threat
A non-tropical low pressure system is causing heavy rainfall across the area, with estimations suggesting we could see about 2-3 inches of rain through Friday. This could raise the risk of flash flooding, especially in some of the neighborhoods we love. Flash flood warnings are already in effect for various counties in South Carolina and North Carolina.
Lightning Woes
It’s worth remembering that thunderstorms come with bright flashes! In fact, the annual statistics report around 25 million lightning strikes occur in the U.S. alone, particularly during the summer months, with about 20 fatalities linked to lightning each year. So as the storm approaches, the risk of lightning strikes is on the rise — so keep your eyes peeled and stay indoors!
Previous Tornado Watches Now Canceled
A tornado watch had been issued earlier in the day for parts of the region but was canceled as the threat subsided. However, that doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods just yet! Strong wind gusts are expected to sweep across the I-95 corridor and surrounding areas, potentially reaching up to 60 mph. Additionally, small hail is expected in some places, making it a good idea to stock up on essentials.
Precautions to Take
The NWS recommends that residents take a few simple precautions. If you have any loose outdoor items, now is the time to bring them inside! Storms like this can create chaos if flying debris is involved. Be prepared for possible power outages as well; it’s always best to have your essentials in place.
Keep Your Spirits Up!
As Charleston faces this brewing storm, let’s stay connected, support one another, and find safe ways to ride out the weather! Remember, storms don’t last forever, and soon enough we’ll be back to enjoying the sunny days we love.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Impact Central and Southeastern Orangeburg County
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Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County
Charleston, SC Faces Severe Weather Alerts and Flooding
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Count On 2: Weather Alert
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Alert
- The State: Weather News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Fox Weather: Low Pressure System
- Google News: Low Pressure System
- Herald Online: Weather Update
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather
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