News Summary
South Carolina is bracing for severe thunderstorms, with warnings issued for the Lowcountry and Coastal areas. The National Weather Service anticipates strong winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding as thunderstorms move through the region. Residents must take precautions, stay indoors, and keep informed through local alerts. Record rainfall has already been reported, pushing authorities to issue flood watches for numerous counties. As the storms progress, individuals should remain vigilant regarding hydroplaning risks while on the road. Stay safe as these weather events unfold.
Severe Thunderstorms Rolling into South Carolina: What You Need to Know
Attention, South Carolina residents! If you’re in the Lowcountry or Coastal areas, it looks like Mother Nature is gearing up for a wild ride. The National Weather Service has issued a weather alert for strong thunderstorms that are expected to sweep through the region. It all started around 3:49 p.m. on Sunday, with alerts in place for Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County.
Storm Updates and Warnings
Doppler radar has been buzzing with activity, tracking a thick line of thunderstorms stretching from Bluffton to Midtown Savannah, moving east at approximately 20 mph. Residents in popular spots like Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Tybee Island, and Savannah should keep an eye out. The alert is effective until 4:15 p.m., so don’t wait too long to find a safe spot!
As these storms roll in, gusty winds may turn your nice, quiet afternoon into a chaotic scene. Be ready for tree limbs to snap and unsecured objects to fly around. Safety is crucial, so anyone enjoying time outdoors should seek shelter inside a sturdy building.
What to Expect
As these conditions worsen, the NWS suggests tuning into your favorite local sources—whether that’s NOAA Weather Radio, TV, or a trusted local news provider—to stay in the loop. Interstate 16 is among the major routes that’s been included in this alert, especially between mile markers 166 and 168.
On a broader scale, summer brings not just heat but also a striking increase in thunderstorms. The U.S. sees a staggering 25 million lightning strikes every year. On average, about 20 fatalities occur as a result. So while storms may seem exciting, keep in mind the risks!
A Closer Look at Hydroplaning
With the rain, there’s another concern on the roads: hydroplaning! When cars lose traction on wet surfaces, it can lead to some frightening moments. The most common causes of hydroplaning are standing water, vehicle speed, and the condition of your tires. Make sure to drive cautiously if you’re out and about.
Flood Warnings are Up
It’s not just thunderstorms that have folks worried. A **severe thunderstorm warning** was issued at 7:02 p.m. for areas including Hampton Plantation State Park and the Isle of Palms. These storms are moving southeast at about 45 mph, and strong wind gusts hitting upwards of 60 mph could pose risks. Small hail is also possible, which could damage roofs and trees.
In Charleston County, a severe thunderstorm watch remains active until 9 p.m., and for counties like Georgetown and Williamsburg, until 10 p.m. The storm system is expected to create a lot of rain, with totals possibly exceeding 4 inches in certain areas. A troubling level two flood threat has been issued for parts of the Southeastern U.S. due to the expected downpours.
Record Rainfall and What Lies Ahead
Speaking of rain, Charleston International Airport set a record with nearly 2 inches of rain since midnight, just breaking a previous record from 1952! In downtown Charleston, they received over 2 inches of rain, surpassing a remarkable 126-year-old record.
Flood Watches are likely to expand into the Tennessee Valley by Monday as thunderstorms linger. Forecasts indicate that most areas will see rainfall totals between 3-5 inches, with some unlucky spots possibly facing up to 7 inches if storms remain persistent.
Timing Matters!
For those of you wondering when these storms will hit your area, here’s the rundown:
- Upstate: after 9:00 p.m.
- Pee Dee, Midlands, and Central Savannah River Area: around 11:00 p.m.
- Grand Strand: after 12:00 a.m. on Monday.
- Lowcountry: around 1:00 a.m. on Monday.
So, South Carolina, gear up and stay safe. Expected strong winds and heavy rain could create challenging conditions. Stay indoors, stay tuned to your local alerts, and weather the storm!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas and Beyond Brace for Severe Thunderstorms
Stormy Predictions for the 2025 Hurricane Season
Tragic Drowning Incident at Hilton Head Island
Severe Thunderstorms Strike Upstate SC and NE Georgia
Major Weather Changes Unfolding in Charleston
Severe Weather Hits South Carolina and Maryland
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Affect York and Chester Counties
Stormy Weather Wreaks Havoc in Dorchester County
Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Orangeburg Area
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Upstate South Carolina
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Severe Weather Possible in South/North Carolina
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Live 5 News: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety
- Fox Weather: Flash Flood Threat in Southeast
- Google Scholar: Severe Thunderstorms
- WLTX: South Carolina Storm Forecast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- Post and Courier: Severe Thunderstorms in South Carolina
- Google News: Southeast Weather Alerts
