News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for inland Jasper and Hampton County until 8 p.m. Residents should expect strong winds up to 50 mph, along with potential hazards such as downed tree limbs and scattered debris. Areas affected include Yemassee and Ridgeland, with warnings extending down Interstate 95. The severe weather conditions are expected to continue into Tuesday night, with possible hail and isolated tornadoes. Residents are urged to stay informed and prepared as further thunderstorms are anticipated.
Charleston, South Carolina – A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for parts of inland Jasper and Hampton County, effective until 8 p.m. on Monday. The warning alerts residents to expect strong thunderstorms accompanied by potential wind gusts of up to 50 mph.
Doppler radar indicates a line of severe thunderstorms stretching from Scotia to Coosawhatchie, moving south at approximately 10 mph. These storms pose threats including the possibility of downed tree limbs and scattered debris due to gusty winds. Areas affected by the alert include Yemassee, Furman, Scotia, Grays, Gillisonville, Coosawhatchie, Pineland, Robertville, Ridgeland, and Tarboro. This warning also encompasses the stretch of Interstate 95 in South Carolina between mile markers 25 and 38.
Residents are urged to stay informed through NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, local television channels, and news updates for the latest alerts and information from the NWS. The severe weather conditions are expected to persist through Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning, with scattered thunderstorms likely beginning around 11 p.m. on Tuesday. The highest risk for severe weather, particularly strong winds, is anticipated between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. It is important to note that while winds are the primary concern, hail and even isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out.
Looking ahead, conditions may remain unpredictable as parts of South Carolina and North Carolina brace for additional thunderstorms. The far western regions of North Carolina have been highlighted as having an elevated risk for severe weather due to incoming storm systems from Tennessee.
As the region grapples with these severe weather patterns, earlier circumstances have already shown the impact of recent rain. Charleston International Airport reported a record-breaking 1.99 inches of rainfall since midnight, surpassing the previous record of 1.93 inches for May 11 set in 1952. Downtown Charleston recorded 2.06 inches of rain, which exceeded the May 11 record of 1.57 inches established in 1899. Elsewhere, the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport in Panama City saw an extraordinary rain rate of 5.63 inches per hour during a localized storm, accumulating 0.75 inches within just eight minutes.
The NWS had previously issued Flash Flood Warnings early Sunday morning across multiple parts of Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina due to heavy rainfall. The agency has elevated concerns regarding further flooding across the Southeastern U.S. and mid-Atlantic regions, categorizing the risk at a Level 2 out of 4 on both Sunday and Monday. Rainfall totals could reach between 3 to 5 inches in many areas, with localized amounts potentially exceeding 7 inches in parts of western North Carolina and Virginia.
The severe thunderstorm watch that included Charleston County will remain valid until 9 p.m., with subsequent watches for Georgetown and Williamsburg counties lasting until 10 p.m. Forecasters have indicated that the incoming storm system could produce winds reaching speeds of 60 mph, along with the chance of small hail, which may result in damaging conditions for roofs, siding, and trees.
As this weather system continues to unfold, residents are reminded to exercise caution and remain alert for updates and changes in the forecast. Ensuring safety through preparedness will be crucial in navigating these stormy conditions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Thunderstorm Alert in South Carolina’s Inland Jasper and Hampton County
Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes Strike South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorms Hit Savannah, Causing Funnel Clouds and Flooding
Coastal Flood Advisory Issued for Charleston Area
Flood Advisory Issued for Beaufort and Jasper Counties
Severe Thunderstorms and Flooding Threaten South Carolina and Georgia
Severe Thunderstorms Forecasted for South Carolina
Texas and Beyond Brace for Severe Thunderstorms
Wildfires Devastate Western North Carolina and Prompt Evacuations
Memorial Day Weekend Activities in Hilton Head and Surrounding Areas
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: South North Carolina Tornadoes Severe Weather Possible
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- Fox Weather: Flash Flood Threat Southeast
- Google Search: Severe Weather
- Count on 2: Severe Storms Expected
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Forecast
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flash Floods
- Live 5 News: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Google News: Flash Flood Alerts
