News Summary
Charleston and surrounding counties are under an extended severe thunderstorm watch until 11 p.m., as the National Weather Service warns of damaging winds, heavy rain, and the possibility of isolated tornadoes. Residents are advised to prioritize safety and stay indoors where possible. Potential hazards include hail, intense lightning, and hydroplaning risks during heavy rainfall. The severe weather is expected to move offshore by late evening, offering some relief. Residents should remain vigilant in light of the unpredictable nature of summer storms.
Charleston, SC – A severe thunderstorm watch has been extended for the Charleston area until 11 p.m. on Friday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston. The watch affects several counties, including Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, and Jasper, as conditions become increasingly favorable for severe thunderstorms.
Earlier in the day, most of the Midlands and Upstate regions were also under a severe thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m. The Storm Prediction Center has raised the storm threat level to “enhanced” (level 3 out of 5) across much of the state, citing the anticipated strength of a cold front moving through the area.
The primary threat from the storms expected between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday includes damaging wind gusts that could exceed 60 mph. Additionally, the forecasts warn of potential hazards such as hail, intense lightning, heavy rainfall, and the possibility of isolated tornadoes.
High winds resulting from the severe storms can lead to isolated wind damage, with sustained winds of 40-50 mph potentially causing significant issues. Straight-line winds during thunderstorms may even reach speeds exceeding 100 mph, leading to the possibility of uprooted trees and downed power lines, which can cause widespread outages.
According to the NWS, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with many of these occurrences taking place during the summer months. On average, lightning causes around 20 fatalities annually in the country. Residents are reminded that the likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and subsequently decreasing as it moves away.
Safety Recommendations
During severe thunderstorms, it is crucial for residents to prioritize safety. The NWS advises seeking shelter indoors if possible. For those who do not have immediate access to shelter, staying informed about the storm and its developments is essential. Maintaining awareness of weather updates can help individuals navigate the risks associated with thunderstorms.
Hydroplaning Risks
Another concern during heavy rainfall is hydroplaning, which occurs when a vehicle loses traction on wet roads due to water buildup. Hydroplaning happens when water accumulates faster than a vehicle’s weight can push it away, causing the vehicle to slide uncontrollably. The three main factors that contribute to hydroplaning are vehicle speed, tire tread depth, and the depth of water on the road.
If a driver encounters hydroplaning, it is advised to remain calm, avoid abrupt steering or braking, and slowly regain control of the vehicle.
Weather Outlook
As the evening progresses, rain and storms are expected to move offshore by mid to late evening, leading to clearing skies overnight. The severe thunderstorm watch for the Lowcountry is anticipated to expire by late Friday night, providing some relief to residents who have experienced the impacts of the storm.
In summary, residents of Charleston and the surrounding counties are urged to remain vigilant as severe thunderstorms approach, taking necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The extended severe thunderstorm watch underscores the unpredictable nature of summer storms and the importance of being prepared for potential hazards.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Severe thunderstorm
- Live 5 News
- Google Search: severe weather precautions
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Scholar: thunderstorm safety
- Count on 2 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- West Virginia Gazette-Mail
- Google News: severe thunderstorm watch
