News Summary
Severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings were issued for Beaufort and Jasper counties as storms moved through the area, bringing gusts of up to 60 mph. Residents were advised to seek shelter and stay away from windows to avoid injury from debris. The National Weather Service warned of potential damage and power outages. A previous tornado warning was lifted earlier in the day with no confirmed tornadoes reported. Additional rain and wind are expected as the weekend continues, prompting ongoing alerts for local residents.
Beaufort, SC – Severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings were issued for Beaufort and Jasper counties as severe weather conditions persisted on Sunday. An updated severe thunderstorm warning from the National Weather Service (NWS) Charleston SC was released at 5:37 p.m., effective until 6 p.m. Wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph are anticipated as a thunderstorms move through the area.
At the time of the warning, a severe thunderstorm was located over Parris Island, advancing eastward at a speed of 20 mph. The NWS alerts residents of the potential for damage to roofs, siding, and trees, as well as power outages due to downed lines.
Areas under the severe thunderstorm warning include Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, Port Royal, Shell Point, Parris Island, Burton, Lemon Island, Laurel Bay, Calawassie Island, and Ladys Island. Residents are urged to seek shelter in a sturdy building and to stay away from windows to avoid injury from potential flying debris.
Later in the evening, a second severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the NWS Newport/Morehead City NC at 10:03 p.m., lasting until 10:15 p.m., for Beaufort and Pitt counties. This warning also anticipates wind gusts up to 60 mph, with the storm located over Washington moving east at 30 mph. Affected areas include Washington, River Road, Bunyan, Old Ford, Goose Creek State Park, Chocowinity, Washington Park, and Grimesland.
Throughout the United States, thunderstorms contribute to approximately 25 million lightning strikes annually, primarily occurring during the summer months, leading to around 20 fatalities each year. The likelihood of lightning strikes rises as the storm approaches, peaks when directly overhead, and then diminishes as it moves away.
In cases of thunderstorms, safety advice recommends moving to the lowest floor of a structure and seeking shelter in an interior room to reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, drivers should remain cautious during heavy rains as hydroplaning – where a vehicle glides uncontrollably on wet roads due to water accumulation under the tires – can occur. The top causes of hydroplaning include high speed, insufficient tire tread, and standing water on the roadway.
This series of weather warnings follows a tornado warning that was previously issued for Beaufort and Jasper counties earlier in the day at 11:06 a.m., when radar indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado near Bluffton. The tornado warning was lifted around 11:30 a.m. after the storm weakened and moved offshore, and no confirmed reports of a tornado touching down in the region were received. The warning had previously suggested imminent danger to life and property, urging residents to take cover from risks such as flying debris.
As the weekend continues, additional rain is expected in the Charleston area alongside wind gusts ranging from 20 to 30 mph. Residents in Beaufort and Jasper counties are advised to stay alert and monitor local weather for updates as these severe weather conditions evolve.
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: Severe Weather Alerts
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather Updates
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety
- Post and Courier: Tornado Warnings
- Google Scholar: Severe Thunderstorm Impact
- Bluffton Today: Winter Storm Warnings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning
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.
