News Summary
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is now in effect for 14 counties in coastal South Carolina, including Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Strong thunderstorms are expected with potential hazards like damaging winds up to 60 mph and quarter-size hail. Residents are urged to secure outdoor items and remain indoors during the storm. With power outages reported across the area, emergency management recommends that residents have a backup plan for medical devices. Stay updated for ongoing alerts and safety recommendations as storms progress through the afternoon.
Charleston, South Carolina – A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for 14 counties along the coastal region of South Carolina, including the major cities of Charleston and Myrtle Beach. The watch is in effect until 5 p.m. on Sunday, as strong thunderstorms are anticipated to sweep across the area, bringing potential hazards such as damaging wind gusts, hail, and frequent lightning.
The National Weather Service has outlined the possible threats associated with these storms, including wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph and hail potentially as large as quarter-size. Residents should also be aware of the dangers posed by lightning strikes during the storm.
The counties included in the watch are:
- Allendale
- Beaufort
- Berkeley
- Charleston
- Colleton
- Dillon
- Dorchester
- Florence
- Georgetown
- Hampton
- Horry
- Jasper
- Marion
- Williamsburg
Afternoon storms are expected to disrupt outdoor activities across Charleston and surrounding areas. Motorists traveling on major routes such as I-26 and U.S. 17 should prepare for sudden downpours that may lead to low visibility and hazardous driving conditions.
To mitigate risk, emergency managers recommend that residents secure any loose outdoor items and remain indoors during the storm. There is a significant possibility of power outages, especially in low-lying coastal areas where saturated soils may lead to tree damage. People who rely on medical devices should ensure that they are fully charged and have a backup plan in place. Additionally, those residing in mobile homes or older structures are urged to develop a shelter plan.
As thunderstorms are predicted to taper off by early Sunday evening, residents are advised to stay vigilant for potential updates and further warnings as the storm system progresses inland. A severe thunderstorm warning has already been announced for the Charleston area until 2 p.m. on Sunday, impacting localities such as North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and popular beaches.
An updated report from the National Weather Service at 2 p.m. indicated strong thunderstorms moving eastward at a pace of 40 mph, with wind gusts in the affected area expected to reach up to 50 mph. Specific locations impacted by current alerts include:
- Mount Pleasant
- McClellanville
- Fort Sumter
- Downtown Charleston
- James Island
- West Ashley
- Johns Island
- Isle Of Palms
- Folly Beach
- Sullivan’s Island
The alert also encompasses I-526 between mile markers 29 and 31. Residents are encouraged to pay attention to NOAA Weather Radio or local news for the latest information on the ongoing storm conditions.
Utility companies are actively working to restore power to the thousands of residents affected by the storms. As of 4:30 p.m., approximately 969 customers in Charleston County were without power, alongside fewer than 150 in both Beaufort and Colleton Counties, and less than 50 in Dorchester and Williamsburg Counties. The timeline for power restoration is estimated to range from 5 p.m. in inland counties to 8 p.m. in Charleston and Beaufort Counties. Reports from various electric cooperatives show that they are dealing with outages in their respective service areas.
In conclusion, residents in coastal South Carolina are urged to take the necessary precautions, stay informed, and prioritize safety as storms develop throughout the afternoon.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Herald Online
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm South Carolina
- WTMA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Live 5 News
- Google News: Charleston Weather News
- Post and Courier
