Severe Thunderstorm Hits Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County

News Summary

Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County experienced severe weather as a thunderstorm warning was issued on Sunday evening. Residents were advised to seek safety as fast-moving storms with strong winds approached the area. Power outages were reported, affecting several customers ahead of anticipated further severe weather conditions, prompting school closures. The local community is urged to stay updated as caution remains essential amid ongoing risks.

Severe Weather Strikes Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County!

This Sunday was a wild ride for residents in Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County as an urgent severe thunderstorm warning was issued just after 5:50 p.m. by local authorities. The warning, which started at 5:53 p.m. and lasted until 6:30 p.m., sent locals scrambling for safety from the impending storm.

A Thunderstorm Roaring In

As the clock ticked, Doppler radar paint a concerning picture. A powerful thunderstorm was spotted hovering over Lemon Island and making its way southeast at a brisk 15 mph. Residents were on full alert as this storm had the potential to unleash strong gusts of wind, likely to knock down tree limbs and send unsecured objects flying. The storm impacted a wide swath of the area including popular destinations such as Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, Port Royal, Clarendon, Jasper, Parris Island, Shell Point, Burton, and even affected air traffic at Hilton Head Airport.

Stay Updated!

Those bracing for the storm were advised to keep an eye on local updates through various channels like NOAA Weather Radio and TV broadcasts. Weather emergencies require close attention, especially with the risk of lightning—a staggering 25 million lightning strikes happen in the US each year during the summer, tragically resulting in about 20 fatalities annually.

Lightning and Hydroplaning Warnings

As thunderstorms approach, folks need to be aware that the chance of lightning strikes increases, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. Always remember, if you’re out on the road during heavy rains, beware of **hydroplaning.** This occurs when vehicles start to slide uncontrollably on wet roads due to a buildup of water in front of the tires. Factors like speed, water depth, and tire tread condition come into play here!

Keeping an Eye on Storm Progress

Colleton, Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper, lasting until 11:30 p.m. Weather updates reported a storm near Hendersonville moving in at 20 mph with the potential to unleash golf-ball-sized hail. Residents in the path were advised to prepare for possible damage to vehicles, roofs, and trees.

Power Outages Reported

356 Berkeley Electric Cooperative customers and 289 Dominion Energy customers. This is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of storms and the importance of being prepared. Although conditions improved shortly after 11 p.m., and the National Weather Service confirmed the storms had weakened, caution still prevailed across the region.

The Weather Ahead

severe thunderstorm watch remained set to last until midnight for various counties, including Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, and Georgetown. Just a couple of days of hot weather preceding the storms had also led to a recently expired heat advisory warning as heat indices reached dangerously high levels between 103-108 degrees Fahrenheit.

Safety Remains a Priority

70 mph and a moderate risk for tornado activity!

School Closures and Future Weather

Beaufort County School District has decided to cancel classes and activities slated for March 5, hoping to resume normal operations as soon as the weather improves. As we brace ourselves for light rain before a cold front arrives, it looks like we may see more windy weather in the coming days.

Stay safe, folks, and keep your home secure as we ride out this stormy chapter together!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Dense Fog Advisory Issued for Charleston, SC Coastal Regions
Charleston Braces for Severe Thunderstorms
Charleston Issues Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Amid Storm Threats
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Laurens County
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Myrtle Beach
Tornado Warning Issued for Jasper County as Storm Approaches
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued in South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorms Impact Coastal South Carolina
Charleston Prepared as Tropical Depression Three Approaches

Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Severe Weather News
• Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
• Live 5 News: Thunderstorm Warning
• Google Search: Severe Weather Alerts
• Count on 2: Tornado Warning
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Tornado
• Post and Courier: Beaufort County Weather
• Google News: Tornado Warnings

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.