News Summary
Charleston and nearby areas are under severe thunderstorm alerts, with the National Weather Service warning of strong storms expected until 5 p.m. today. Areas such as Hilton Head Island and Beaufort County are particularly vulnerable to gusty winds and lightning strikes, prompting residents to stay cautious. Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning and torrential rainfall could lead to flash flooding, especially on local commuter routes. The storm’s effects may continue into the evening, advising everyone to stay informed and take necessary precautions as the weather unfolds.
Charleston Braces for Severe Thunderstorms!
It’s been a wild Saturday in Charleston and surrounding areas, with weather alerts flying around as fast as the gusty winds! The National Weather Service in Charleston South Carolina dropped an updated weather alert at 4:09 p.m. today, warning folks about **strong thunderstorms** set to sweep through until 5 p.m. Buckle up; this is important news for anyone in the path!
What to Expect
The thunderstorm alert impacts a variety of locations, including Inland Jasper, Coastal Jasper, and Beaufort County. As of the alert time, Doppler radar was tracking a significant storm over Hilton Head Island, moving southward at a leisurely pace of just 5 mph. Sounds a little too chill, right? Not quite, as it packs gusty winds that could easily send tree limbs flying and toss unsecured objects around!
Areas Affected
If you’re in areas like Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Beaufort, Port Royal, Ridgeland, and Rose Hill, pay attention! The stunning scenery could also bear the brunt of this storm. Moreover, the alert covers important commuters’ routes—like I-95 in South Carolina between mile markers 5 and 21. Travelers, keep your eyes on the sky!
Lightning Strikes and Rainfall
The NWS is ramping up the warning about frequent cloud-to-ground lightning. Remember, lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from the storm! Stay cautious! And with this storm, prepare for torrential rainfall that could lead to flash flooding, making it essential for drivers to avoid driving through flooded areas. Safety remains a top priority!
Did You Know?
Speaking of lightning, did you know that around 25 million lightning strikes occur across the U.S. each year? July and August are peak months for these electrifying strikes, and they result in an average of 20 fatalities annually. Always remember that as storms roll in, the risk of lightning strikes increases significantly!
More Severe Weather on the Horizon
Although the severe thunderstorm warning for certain counties like Colleton and Hampton expired at 11:30 p.m. last night, the stormy saga didn’t end there! Residents were alerted to a monster of a storm near Hendersonville at 10:29 p.m., moving swiftly southwest with a chance of producing golf-ball-sized hail. Ugh! Hail damage to roofs, siding, vehicles, and even mobile homes may be in the cards!
Stay Alert!
As of 11:23 p.m., the storms weakened below warning criteria, but don’t let your guard down just yet! A severe thunderstorm watch lingered for Charleston, Berkeley, and several other counties until midnight. Be prepared, because according to our friendly chief meteorologist, these storms could continue to impact inland areas into the evening.
The Heat Advisory’s End
Oh, and don’t forget about the heat! An earlier heat advisory expired at 8 p.m. after two days of sweltering heat with the heat index soaring between 103 and 108 degrees. The heat can be just as dangerous! Watch for signs of heat exhaustion like excessive sweating, dizziness, and nausea. If the heat gets too high, you could find yourself facing serious issues like heat stroke!
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, Charleston and its neighboring counties are in for quite an eventful day weather-wise. Stay informed, take necessary precautions, and enjoy the ride through this stormy Saturday!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Severe Thunderstorms and Flooding Hit Chester County
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Myrtle Beach
Tornado Warning Issued for Jasper County as Storm Approaches
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Thunderstorm Warning for Lowcountry
- Count On 2: Tornado Warning for Lowcountry Counties
- ABC News 4: Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Charleston Area
- MSN: Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Charleston
- West Virginia Metro News: Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Google Search: Weather Alerts
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Precautions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Google News: Severe Weather Charleston
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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