News Summary
Savannah, GA was hit by severe thunderstorms leading to funnel clouds, heavy rain, and widespread flooding. The storms began in South Carolina, affecting local areas with tornado warnings issued. Dramatic lightning strikes and substantial rainfall exacerbated the situation, though forecasts suggest lighter rain over the weekend, bringing some relief to residents.
Savannah, GA experienced severe thunderstorms on a recent Friday, resulting in funnel clouds, heavy rainfall, and intense lightning across the area. The storms, which initially affected Beaufort and Jasper counties in South Carolina, prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for regions near Bluffton and Hilton Head Island.
As the storm tracked south-southeast, it intensified and led to a sighting of a funnel cloud near Downtown Savannah at approximately 6:24 PM. Luckily, this funnel cloud did not touch down, meaning there was no official confirmation of a tornado. Nonetheless, tornado warnings were issued for parts of Chatham and Bryan counties as a precaution due to the reported funnel clouds.
During the storms, thousands of lightning strikes were recorded across the Lowcountry and Savannah area. A dramatic lightning strike was captured by a local resident near Burnside Island, highlighting the severity of the weather conditions.
The region also faced significant challenges due to torrential rains that resulted in substantial street flooding throughout Downtown Savannah and extending to the city’s southside. Rainfall totals in Savannah over the previous two days ranged from 2 to 5 inches, with most of this occurring within a brief time frame, aggravating flooding concerns.
As the weekend approached, meteorologists forecasted a significant decrease in rain chances, predicting only 20% or less for Saturday and Sunday. This news offered some relief to residents looking to carry on with outdoor plans, as dry weather was expected to return to the area over the weekend.
The National Weather Service continues to monitor storm risks and provides regular updates to keep the public informed. In general, lightning strikes are a common feature of thunderstorms, with the United States experiencing about 25 million strikes annually, particularly during summer months. Over the last several years, around 20 fatalities have been reported each year as a result of lightning strikes.
Residents are reminded that the likelihood of lightning striking increases as a thunderstorm approaches, peaking when the storm is overhead. Knowledge of this can help individuals take necessary precautions for their safety. Seeking shelter indoors during storms is encouraged, and residents should remain updated through sources such as NOAA Weather Radio, local media, or weather applications for the latest weather information.
In summary, while the severe thunderstorms brought alarming conditions to Savannah, including funnel cloud sightings and significant rainfall, the weather forecast suggests a return to more manageable conditions over the coming days, allowing residents to resume their outdoor activities with greater ease.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Coastal SC and SE GA
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Severe Storms Hit Savannah Area
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Herald Online: Weather News
- Google Search: Severe Weather in Savannah
- Post and Courier: Severe Weather in Lowcountry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning
- Island Packet: Weather News
- Google News: Thunderstorms in Georgia
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort 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 Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). 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 Beaufort 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 updating content as new details emerge.
