News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Coastal South Carolina and Southeastern Georgia. Residents are advised to take precautions as thunderstorms approach, bringing gusty winds and the potential for damaging conditions. Areas including Hilton Head and Savannah are advised to stay informed about updates. Safety measures include seeking shelter and avoiding windows during storms. The storm threat continues with a potential for isolated tornadoes and widespread thunderstorms in the coming days.
Charleston, SC – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Coastal South Carolina and Southeastern Georgia, prompting residents to take precautions as dangerous weather conditions approach. The most recent warning was issued at 3:49 p.m. on Sunday, effective until 4:15 p.m., specifically targeting Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County.
Doppler radar indicated that thunderstorms were moving from Bluffton to Midtown Savannah at a pace of 20 mph. These storms bring with them the potential for gusty winds capable of downing tree limbs and sending unsecured objects flying. Areas that may be impacted include Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Tybee Island, Wilmington Island, Fort Pulaski National Monument, Bellinger Hill Area, Hutchinson Island, Midtown Savannah, Downtown Savannah, and Hunter Army Airfield, particularly along I-16 between mile markers 166 and 168.
In light of this severe weather, the NWS advises residents to remain informed through NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, local television channels, or news platforms for the latest updates. Also noteworthy is that the NWS recognizes approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur in the U.S. each year, leading to about 20 fatalities annually, predominantly during the summer months. As a thunderstorm approaches, the likelihood of lightning strikes increases significantly, peaking when the storm is directly overhead.
For those outdoors during thunderstorms, the NWS recommends seeking shelter in a building, particularly if there are no other immediate options available. Additionally, the potential for hydroplaning exists on wet roadways due to water accumulation in front of vehicle tires, making driving conditions hazardous.
Looking ahead, isolated storms and possible tornadoes are projected in both South Carolina and North Carolina from Tuesday night extending into Wednesday morning. Scattered thunderstorms are anticipated to commence around 11 p.m. Tuesday and continue overnight. The most severe weather risks are expected between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m., with strong winds being the primary concern; however, hail and isolated tornadoes cannot be dismissed.
The Storm Prediction Center has categorized the storm threat for inland areas of South Carolina at a Level 3 out of 5. Previously, severe thunderstorms had been tracked moving at 7:02 p.m. along a line extending from Hampton Plantation State Park to Isle of Palms at approximately 45 mph. Wind gusts could potentially reach speeds up to 60 mph, representing a danger to rooftops, siding on buildings, and trees, as well as creating hazardous travel conditions on bridges. Hail measuring up to one inch in diameter has also been forecasted.
A severe thunderstorm warning is currently in effect for Bulloch County and several surrounding counties in Southeastern Georgia until 5:00 PM EDT. Severe thunderstorms are presently moving eastward at 45 mph, with expected damaging winds matching speeds of up to 60 mph.
In response to the heightened storm threats, safety measures are being emphasized, including seeking immediate shelter and avoiding windows during thunderstorms. To aid in effective communication, community officials have initiated the CodeRED system for emergency notifications throughout the City of Statesboro and Bulloch County.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay vigilant and prepared as these severe weather patterns unfold. The continued impacts on travel, property, and safety underscore the importance of adhering to weather updates and safety recommendations during this critical time.
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Additional Resources
- Count on 2 Weather Forecast
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- WYFF4: Severe Weather Possible in NC
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Preparedness
- Live 5 News: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Damage
- Herald Online: Weather News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- WV Metro News: Severe Thunderstorm Watch
- 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.
