News Summary
Charleston residents are advised to prepare for severe thunderstorms as the National Weather Service has issued a warning for the area. With strong storms expected to affect Inland Colleton and Dorchester County, local areas including Summerville and Givhans Ferry State Park are likely to be impacted. Gusty winds and lightning pose significant risks, and drivers are urged to exercise caution due to potential hydroplaning on slick roads. Stay informed and prioritize safety as this weather event unfolds.
Thunderstorms Brewing in Inland Charleston!
Hey there, Charleston! It looks like you might want to keep your umbrellas handy as the weather is taking a turn for the stormy tonight. The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning that could have some impacts on our local area.
What’s Happening?
As of 7:29 p.m. on Wednesday, strong thunderstorms are sizzling through the air, primarily affecting the mighty areas of Inland Colleton and Dorchester County. These thunderstorms are expected to stick around until around 8 p.m., so don’t get too comfortable just yet!
Doppler radar is keeping a close eye on a significant thunderstorm that’s currently swirling around the Cottageville area, steering its way northeast at a brisk pace of 20 mph. That’s some serious speed, folks!
Where Can You Expect the Storm?
If you happen to be in or around Summerville, Givhans Ferry State Park, Ridgeville, or any of the surrounding areas like Givhans, Knightsville, Jedburg, Round O, Lincolnville, and Norman Landing, you’re advised to stay alert! This storm is impacting key parts of I-26 between mile markers 187 and 189. So, if you’re traveling in that direction, it might be a good idea to take it easy on the road!
Things to Keep in Mind
So, what should you expect? Well, prepare for those gusty winds that could be strong enough to knock down tree limbs and toss around anything that isn’t secured. To add to the excitement, lightning is also a big concern. Did you know that lightning strikes the U.S. about 25 million times a year? Most of these strikes occur during summer, leading to an average of 20 fatalities annually. Yikes!
When a storm rolls in, the risk of lightning increases, peaking while the storm is right over you. Therefore, if you can, find a safe spot indoors, particularly if you start to see those dark clouds gathering!
Driver Safety in Storms
If you’re out on the roads, proceed with caution. Heavy rainfall can lead to hydroplaning, which is when a vehicle slides uncontrollably across wet roads. This phenomenon is most often caused by water rice accumulating between the road and tires faster than your vehicle can push it aside. The top three culprits for hydroplaning are excessive speed, worn tires, and standing water.
If you find yourself hydroplaning, it’s crucial to stay calm. Avoid slamming on the brakes; instead, gently steer the vehicle in the direction you want to go.
Past Storm Warnings
It’s worth noting that a previous severe thunderstorm warning affecting Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, and Colleton Counties has already expired. Earlier strong storms took a toll on locations from 6 miles south of Cross to Kiawah Island, moving quickly at 45 mph!
With storms often come gusty winds that can wreak havoc, damaging roofs, siding, trees, and even causing power outages. Plus, if hail decides to join the fun, outdoor objects could end up with some nasty dings!
Stay Informed and Stay Safe!
Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to their NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, television, or local news sources for the most recent updates on this severe thunderstorm warning. Remember, safety is the priority. Stay indoors if you can, and look out for one another out there!
So, Charleston, keep your radar handy, and let’s hope for calmer weather soon!
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Count On 2 Weather News
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Alerts
- ABC News 4
- Google Scholar: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Herald Online Weather News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- WV Gazette-Mail
- Google News: Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HERE Hilton Head Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Hilton Head community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Hilton Head Our team includes lifelong Hilton Head residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listings of historic homes 0 , Hilton Head’s Gullah heritage and coastal culture 6 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Technical College of the Lowcountry programs) 10 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and...
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