News Summary
Severe thunderstorms are forecasted to affect Hilton Head and Beaufort County, starting Sunday morning. Residents are urged to prepare for damaging winds, possible tornadoes, and hail. With temperatures rising and a tropical system approaching, safety measures are recommended, especially along coastal areas facing rip current risks and high tides.
Hilton Head and Beaufort County Brace for Severe Thunderstorms on Sunday
Severe thunderstorms are expected to impact Hilton Head and Beaufort County on Sunday morning, following a warm Saturday. Residents and beachgoers are advised to prepare accordingly.
Forecast Summary
- Mild temperatures on Saturday morning.
- Severe thunderstorms forecasted to arrive around 10 a.m. on Sunday.
- Potential for wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, isolated tornadoes, and damaging hail.
The National Weather Service predicts that warmer air ahead of an impending cold front will intensify thunderstorm activity. This storm is likely to be more severe on the coastal plain, coinciding with the warmest part of the day.
Key Risks
- Locally damaging winds are a primary concern.
- There is a slightly higher risk of tornadoes compared to earlier thunderstorms this month.
- Potential for dime-sized to quarter-sized hail in scattered thunderstorms.
- A separate system, Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight, is located about 100 miles east of Charleston.
The tropical system, with winds of 50 mph, is expected to strengthen before moving inland but is projected to dissipate by late Wednesday.
Coastal Hazards
Local beaches are also facing a high risk of rip currents, with 5-foot breakers anticipated. Minor coastal flooding is possible due to high tides associated with the upcoming full moon on Tuesday. Hilton Head’s evening high tide will reach 9.5 feet, while Beaufort’s will reach 9.1 feet.
Safety Recommendations
The National Weather Service advises residents to seek indoor shelter during thunderstorms. With approximately 25 million lightning strikes occurring annually in the U.S., it is essential to take precautions as storm activity increases.
The NWS also issued a thunderstorm and small hail alert until noon on Monday for parts of Southeast South Carolina and Southeast Georgia. Beachgoers are encouraged to pack umbrellas and remain vigilant as the storm approaches.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Severe Thunderstorm Update
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- AOL: Hilton Head Weather Updates
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm
- Island Packet: Weather Warnings for Low Country
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Patterns
- Island Packet: Weather Update for the Region
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather Forecast
- Island Packet: Local Community Weather News
- Google News: Hilton Head Weather
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.
