News Summary
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for multiple counties around Charleston, valid until 5 p.m. today. A warning is also in effect, with strong winds and hail expected. Residents are advised to take safety precautions as the storm system poses risks like hydroplaning and lightning strikes. Gusts could reach up to 60 mph, impacting local infrastructure and travel conditions. The situation is being monitored closely, with the Live 5 Weather team declaring a First Alert Weather Day due to heightened risk levels.
Charleston, SC – A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for several counties in and around Charleston, effective from 11:27 a.m. until 5 p.m. today. The counties included in this watch are Allendale, Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Hampton, and Jasper.
In addition to the watch, a severe thunderstorm warning has been declared for much of the Charleston area, including Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and local beaches, lasting until 2 p.m. This severe weather system is expected to bring potentially damaging winds and hail, prompting local officials to advise residents to take caution.
The storm system moving across the region has wind gusts that may reach up to 60 mph and small hail, posing risks to roofs, siding, trees, and utilities. Radar images captured severe thunderstorms at 5:25 p.m. near Branchville, moving east at 35 mph, which could affect southeastern Calhoun County, southwestern Clarendon County, and east-central Bamberg County.
The NWS has issued recommendations for safety during thunderstorms, as lightning is a significant hazard. Estimates from the NWS indicate that lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, predominantly during the summer months. During thunderstorms, the likelihood of lightning activity increases, culminating when storms are directly overhead and tapering off as they depart. Each year, such lightning incidents are responsible for around 20 fatalities in the U.S.
Additionally, the risk of hydroplaning increases during severe storms. Hydroplaning occurs when water accumulates in front of tires faster than a vehicle can disperse it, causing the vehicle to rise and slide uncontrollably on the water’s surface. Factors that contribute to hydroplaning include the depth of water on the road and the condition of tires.
The severe thunderstorm watch will remain valid in Charleston until 9 p.m. and will extend until 10 p.m. for nearby counties such as Georgetown and Williamsburg. The system is expected to impact the I-95 corridor, spanning northwestern Colleton, Dorchester, and Berkeley Counties along with Beaufort County between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., and will reach Charleston and southeastern Berkeley Counties between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
As part of the preparations for the approaching storms, the Live 5 Weather team has declared a First Alert Weather Day for Monday due to the heightened risk of severe weather conditions, with the Storm Prediction Center assessing the storm threat for inland South Carolina at a level 3 out of 5.
While the weather system is projected to weaken before reaching the coast, it still presents significant hazards, including strong winds, small hail, and the possibility of isolated tornadoes. Gusty winds could indeed endanger trees and power lines, making travel on bridges particularly hazardous, especially for larger vehicles.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant, monitor local weather updates, and take necessary precautions to ensure safety in light of the severe weather forecast.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorms
- Count On 2
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Live 5 News
- Google News: Charleston Weather
