News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Beaufort and Coastal Colleton Counties, warning residents of wind gusts up to 50 mph and hazardous conditions. Local authorities advise residents to stay informed and take safety precautions as thunderstorms move through the area, potentially leading to dangerous lightning and hydroplaning risks for motorists.
Beaufort, SC – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Coastal Colleton and Beaufort Counties, effective until 6:15 p.m. Residents in these areas are urged to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions, including wind gusts that could reach up to 50 mph. The warning follows the detection of a line of strong thunderstorms moving south at 15 mph, as indicated by Doppler radar.
The NWS has warned that these thunderstorms may produce damaging gusty winds capable of knocking down tree limbs and directing unsecured objects into the air. The affected locations include Beaufort, Hilton Head Island, Port Royal, Edisto Beach, Clarendon, Ladys Island, Parris Island, Fripp Island, the Beaufort Marine Corps Air Station, and Burton. Local authorities recommend that residents stay informed by checking NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards or local media for the latest updates regarding these severe weather conditions.
As thunderstorms approach, the risk of lightning becomes more pronounced, with the U.S. experiencing approximately 25 million lightning strikes annually. This phenomenon results in around 20 fatalities each year. The likelihood of lightning strikes escalates as a storm draws near, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. Residents are encouraged to seek shelter indoors during thunderstorms to minimize risk.
In addition to high winds and lightning, the severe weather may pose risks for motorists on the road. Hydroplaning, a dangerous condition where vehicles slide uncontrollably on wet surfaces, can occur due to water accumulation in front of tires. Factors influencing hydroplaning include vehicle speed, tire tread depth, and the water depth on the roadway. In case of hydroplaning, drivers should stay calm and avoid sudden steering movements to regain control.
Earlier today, a severe thunderstorm warning had also been issued for parts of Charleston County, where winds were forecasted to reach up to 60 mph, along with the possibility of pea-sized hail. This warning was in effect until 4:15 p.m. and impacted areas including Hollywood, Ravanel, and Meggett, highlighting the widespread nature of severe weather in the region.
The storm hazard previously affected Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties, with warnings lifted by 11:45 a.m. Reports indicated that Doppler radar tracked storm activity from just south of Cross to Kiawah Island, with gusty winds capable of damaging roofs, siding, and even uprooting trees. The potential for hail to cause damage to outdoor property added to the concern for residents. A tornado warning that encompassed Charleston, Colleton, and Beaufort Counties was lifted earlier in the morning, but the threat of severe thunderstorms persists.
As the weather systems continue to develop, all residents in the affected areas are advised to remain vigilant. Local authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely, providing updates as conditions evolve. Awareness of severe weather safety protocols, including listening to public advisories and ensuring that emergency kits are ready, is crucial for minimizing risks associated with these storms.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Weather Alert in Charleston SC: Thunderstorms and Flooding
HELP of Beaufort Opens New Facility in Port Royal
Beaufort County Launches Animal Shelter Agreement with Jasper County
Multiple Crashes Raise Safety Concerns in Beaufort County
Beaufort Kicks Off 69th Annual Water Festival Despite Weather Challenges
Beaufort County Welcomes Fourth of July Celebrations
Beaufort Welcomes Annual Water Festival Amid Safety Adjustments
Beaufort Water Festival Adjusts Plans Amid Weather Concerns
Flood Advisory Canceled for Beaufort and Jasper Counties
Beaufort County Prepares for Hurricane Helene and Flooding
Additional Resources
- Herald Online
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Count on 2 News
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Safety
- Island Packet
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Effects
- Live 5 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- ABC News 4
- Google News: Thunderstorm Warnings
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.
