News Summary
Charleston is under a severe thunderstorm warning, issued by the National Weather Service, effective until 6:30 p.m. Areas like Inland Jasper, Coastal Jasper, and Beaufort County should stay alert. The storm is characterized by gusty winds, cloud-to-ground lightning, and potential risks including hydroplaning for drivers. While the severe thunderstorm warning expired earlier this morning, residual weather could still be lingering. It’s essential for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Hits Charleston: Here’s What You Need to Know
Hey there, Charleston! It looks like we’ve got some wild weather on the way. As of Wednesday at 5:57 p.m., the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for our area, and it’s expected to roll through until 6:30 p.m. So, if you’re in Inland Jasper, Coastal Jasper, or Beaufort County, you’ll want to pay close attention!
Thunderstorm Activity
Doppler radar has picked up a strong thunderstorm currently hanging out in the Bellinger Hill Area, and it’s moving east at a leisurely pace of about 10 mph. While that might sound like a slow walk in the park, the storm comes with serious potential. Gusty winds could take down branches and send unsecured objects flying, so make sure to secure anything that could become a projectile in your yard!
Areas Being Watched
Right now, the storm is affecting several communities, including Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Pritchardville, and even some beautiful spots like Palmetto Bluff and Brighton Beach. Make sure to keep the weather in mind if you live in or plan on visiting these areas.
Lightning and Safety Precautions
This storm is particularly notorious for its frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, which can strike up to an impressive 10 miles away from the heart of the storm. This is serious business! The NWS advises everyone to find safe shelter inside a building or a vehicle. Just a little reminder, thunderstorms in the U.S. result in approximately 25 million lightning strikes annually, leading to around 20 fatalities each summer. So, when thunder roars, it’s smart to head indoors!
Driving Risks
If you plan on hitting the roads soon, keep an eye out for slippery conditions. You might have heard of something called hydroplaning — that’s when water gathers in front of your tires faster than your vehicle can push it away, causing a loss of control. This can happen even with the best tires and under the best conditions, depending on water levels and vehicle weight. So, if the weather gets hairy, it’s best to drive slowly or just wait it out!
Potential Damage
Apart from the immediate dangers associated with lightning, gusty winds can wreak havoc, too. They have the potential to damage roofs, siding, and even uproot trees. When trees fall, they can take down power lines, leading to outages that might leave you in the dark. Always remember to stay informed and alert so you can be prepared for any surprises the storm may throw at us!
What’s Next?
The severe thunderstorm warning for Charleston, along with surrounding areas like Berkeley, Dorchester, and Colleton Counties, expired earlier in the morning at 10:45 a.m., but that doesn’t mean the storm activity is completely finished for the day. A previous warning for Beaufort County wrapped up at 10:15 a.m., and just after then, a tornado warning was also lifted. However, keep your eyes peeled – there may still be some residual weather lingering!
Stay Updated!
As always, make sure to stay tuned to your trusted local weather sources for any updates. Whether it’s through NOAA Weather Radio, TV, or reliable news coverage, being informed is your best defense against unpredictable weather. Stay safe, Charleston, and let’s hope this storm blows over without causing too much disruption!
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Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
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