News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings for Beaufort County, SC. Residents are advised to stay alert due to strong thunderstorms and potential flash flooding, especially in Hilton Head Island and nearby areas. With heavy rains expected, safety precautions are crucial to prevent accidents related to flooding and storms.
Hilton Head Island, SC – Severe Thunderstorm and Flash Flood Warnings Issued
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued strong thunderstorm warnings for Beaufort County, SC, effective until 3:15 a.m. on Monday. This warning comes following the detection of a line of strong thunderstorms moving north at 35 mph, as indicated by Doppler radar.
Locations affected by the thunderstorm warning include Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Forest Beach, Lawton, Calibogue Cay, Folly Field, Hilton Head Airport, Wilton Graves Bridge, Caril Bowers Bridge, and Parris Island. According to the NWS, gusty winds accompanying these storms may pose risks such as knocking down tree limbs and blowing around unsecured objects.
Residents have been advised to remain alert and access updates through NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, television stations, or local news outlets. As thunderstorms approach, the risk of lightning increases, particularly when the storm is overhead. The NWS reports that lightning strikes in the U.S. occur approximately 25 million times annually, leading to around 20 fatalities each year.
Flash Flood Warnings Issued
A flash flood warning was also issued for Beaufort County on Sunday at 4:38 a.m., lasting until 6:45 a.m. Doppler radar indicated that thunderstorms had already dumped between 2 to 4 inches of rain in the area, with another 1 to 3 inches expected. This precipitation has led to ongoing or anticipated flash flooding in small creeks, urban centers, highways, streets, underpasses, and other low-lying areas.
Areas particularly at risk from the flash flood warning include Hilton Head Island, Forest Beach, Lawton, Calibogue Cay, Sea Pines, and Harbortown. Residents are urged to avoid flooded roads, as most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles attempting to navigate through high waters. Precautionary measures during flooding conditions have been recommended to help ensure safety.
Additional Severe Weather Alerts
The NWS has also extended severe thunderstorm warnings for Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, and Colleton Counties until 10:45 a.m., while previous warnings for Beaufort County expired at 10:15 a.m. Just after 10 a.m., the agency lifted a tornado warning for Charleston, Colleton, and Beaufort Counties, which had been in effect earlier.
Severe weather throughout the region is expected to bring gusty winds and hail, leading to possible damage to roofs, trees, and power lines. Forecasts indicate conditions suitable for severe weather, with wind gusts potentially reaching up to 70 mph.
What to Do During Severe Weather
Residents are reminded to seek shelter indoors during thunderstorms. If finding indoor shelter is not feasible, they should follow safety tips to protect themselves amidst the inclement weather. Additionally, the phenomenon of hydroplaning has been defined; it occurs when vehicles lose traction on wet roads, posing serious risks to drivers.
In summary, Beaufort County is currently under a series of weather alerts, including strong thunderstorm and flash flood warnings. Continuous monitoring and adherence to safety recommendations are crucial as the region navigates through this severe weather situation.
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Severe Thunderstorms Prompt Warnings in Charleston Area
Captain Arrested for Seeking Shelter During Storm
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- The State
- Google Search: Weather Alerts
- Live 5 News
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Alerts
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flash Flood
- AOL News
- Google News: Flash Flood Warning
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.
