News Summary
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for the Charleston area, affecting Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County until 6:30 p.m. Residents are advised to remain alert due to the potential for gusty winds, lightning, hail, and heavy rainfall. The National Weather Service has urged individuals to prepare for hazardous conditions and stay tuned to local news for updates. The storms have caused power outages across several areas and may lead to flash flooding. Caution is advised as severe weather develops.
CHARLESTON, SC – A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County, affecting the Charleston area until 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. The warning was announced at 5:53 p.m., advising residents to prepare for potentially dangerous weather conditions.
The storm, as detected by Doppler radar, is currently situated over Lemon Island and is moving southeast at 15 mph. Residents in the affected areas, including Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, Port Royal, Clarendon, Jasper, Parris Island, Shell Point, Burton, Lemon Island, and Hilton Head Airport, are urged to stay alert and follow local news sources for updates about the developing situation.
The NWS has warned that gusty winds may cause downed tree limbs and move unsecured objects, posing a risk to safety and property. As part of safety recommendations, it is suggested that individuals stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, television broadcasts, or local news outlets for the latest information.
Potential Hazards
Recent forecasts indicate that around 25 million lightning strikes occur annually across the United States, averaging 20 fatalities per year. With thunderstorms, the likelihood of lightning strikes increases as the storm approaches, reaching its peak when the storm is directly overhead. Therefore, residents are advised to take necessary precautions when thunderstorms are imminent.
Safety measures to consider during severe weather include seeking indoor shelter. If indoors is not an option, it is crucial to understand how hydroplaning can occur when water accumulates in front of vehicle tires. This is vital as roads become slippery during heavy rain events.
Earlier in the day, a different severe thunderstorm warning that had been in effect until 11:30 p.m. encompassed Colleton, Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper Counties. At approximately 10:29 p.m., emergency services reported another severe thunderstorm near Hendersonville, moving southwest at 20 mph and capable of producing hail the size of golf balls, which can be injurious to outdoor people and animals.
Widespread Damage Reports
According to local electrical cooperatives, approximately 356 Berkeley Electric Cooperative customers experienced power outages, while 289 Dominion Energy customers in Berkeley County were reported without power. The storms have also caused concerns for hail damage, which can affect roofing and mobile homes, along with wind-related damage to trees and outbuildings.
Currently, a severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for multiple areas including Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, Williamsburg, Georgetown, Orangeburg, Beaufort, and Colleton Counties until midnight.
Storm Conditions and Precautions
Chief Meteorologist Bill Walsh conveyed that the most significant chance of storms is anticipated in the evening hours due to a complex of storms forming north of Charleston. Residents should prepare for potential hazards such as gusty winds, frequent lightning, heavy rainfall, and hail.
Meanwhile, an earlier heat advisory expired at 8 p.m. following two consecutive days of excessive heat that produced heat index values between 103 and 108 degrees. Risks associated with high temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, nausea, and muscle cramps, whereas heat stroke may manifest through confusion and cessation of sweating.
Residents are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention if heat-related symptoms persist and to cool the body down promptly. The NWS had previously updated the severe thunderstorm warning on Friday at 8:01 p.m., which lasted until 8:45 p.m. This warning highlighted possible wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph and concerns over damage to property, advising people to take shelter away from windows.
Future Weather Predictions
As the thunderstorms continue to develop, residents should remain vigilant and prepared as the change in weather has the potential for flash flooding and torrential rainfall, indicating a need for ongoing caution.
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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.
