News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Beaufort and Jasper counties, anticipating wind gusts up to 60 mph. The warning, active until 3:45 p.m., affects several locations and warns residents of potential structural damage and harm to trees. Residents are advised to seek shelter indoors and avoid windows. Earlier warnings had expired in neighboring counties, while a broader severe thunderstorm watch had encompassed the Lowcountry. As storms threaten increased wind damage, residents must remain vigilant and heed weather alerts.
Beaufort, South Carolina – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston, SC, issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Beaufort and Jasper counties on Thursday at 3:20 p.m. The warning is active until 3:45 p.m., bringing concerns of wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph.
At the time of the alert, forecasters reported a severe thunderstorm located near Old House, moving northeast at a speed of 30 mph. Residents in the affected areas can expect significant damage to structures, including roofs and siding, as well as potential harm to trees.
The warning impacts multiple locations within the counties, including Beaufort, Ridgeland, Clarendon, Old House, Laurel Bay, Grahamville, Lemon Island, Coosawhatchie, Burton, and Switzerland. Furthermore, Interstate 95 in South Carolina between mile markers 17 and 32 is included in this warning.
The NWS advises residents to seek shelter inside well-built structures and to avoid windows due to the risk of damaging winds. Any damage that occurs should be reported to the Charleston NWS at 888-383-2024 when it is safe to do so.
Earlier warnings for severe thunderstorms had already expired in Berkeley, Dorchester, Georgetown, Williamsburg, and Orangeburg Counties. Meanwhile, a severe thunderstorm watch for the entire Lowcountry expired late Friday night. A severe thunderstorm watch signifies that conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms and was previously in effect for all Lowcountry counties until 11 p.m.
Earlier in the day, most of the Midlands and Upstate were under a severe thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m. The Storm Prediction Center has since upgraded the storm threat for Friday for most of the state to “enhanced,” indicating a significant risk to residents.
Damaging winds from this line of storms are the main concern as they are associated with a cold front. Additional hazards include hail, lightning, heavy rain, and isolated tornadoes. The timing for severe storms is anticipated between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sustained winds reaching 40-50 mph can lead to isolated wind damage, with stronger gusts potentially causing widespread destruction. During severe thunderstorms, straight-line wind speeds can exceed 100 mph, presenting severe risks to safety and property. High winds can not only blow around objects but may also topple tree limbs, which could result in power outages.
Rain and storm activity are forecasted to move offshore by mid to late evening, with conditions expected to clear overnight. The temperature is projected to drop to a low of 56°F, accompanied by a 100% chance of rain early in the day, followed by cloudy conditions with possible thunderstorms later.
The hazardous combination of rain on roadways raises the risk of hydroplaning, which occurs when vehicles lose traction on wet surfaces. Drivers are advised to exercise caution during these conditions, particularly with the forecasted rain and wind events expected to affect the local environment.
As communities brace for the severe weather, residents are reminded to stay informed and heed weather alerts to ensure their safety throughout the storm event.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Severe Weather Alert
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- Count on 2: Weather Alert
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm
- WV Metro News: Severe Thunderstorm Watch
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Grice Connect: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Google News: Thunderstorm Watch
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.
