News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a weather alert for strong thunderstorms affecting Coastal South Carolina, particularly Jasper and Beaufort County. The storms are causing gusty winds, potential lightning strikes, and risks of hydroplaning. Motorists should exercise caution in affected areas, as severe thunderstorms may continue through the week, including possible isolated tornadoes. Recent heavy rainfall has resulted in record-breaking downpours and flash flood warnings across several states. Travelers are advised to stay updated and remain cautious on the roads.
Brace Yourselves, Coastal South Carolina!
It looks like it’s time to keep an eye on the sky, folks! This past Sunday afternoon, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston, SC issued a weather alert at 3:49 p.m. for some strong thunderstorms that were moving quickly in our direction. The alert was set to last until 4:15 p.m. and impacted areas like Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County.
What’s Happening?
Doppler radar showed a line of robust thunderstorms moving east at a speed of around 20 mph from Bluffton all the way to Midtown Savannah. These storms are no joke—they’re capable of producing gusty winds that can take down tree limbs and send unsecured objects flying. So if you’ve got that patio furniture sitting outside, it’s probably a good idea to bring it in!
Where Do You Need to Be Cautious?
Hit the brakes if you’re driving in these areas: Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Tybee Island, Wilmington Island, Fort Pulaski National Monument, and more. Even sections of I-16 between mile markers 166 and 168 may be impacted. The NWS advises that everyone should be tuned in to their NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, their TV, or local news for updates. If you’re outdoors, it’s better to find shelter inside a building.
Lightning Strikes and Hydroplaning: A Shocking Reality
Did you know that approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur in the U.S. every year? That’s a staggering number! On average, there are about 20 fatalities linked to these strikes annually. As a thunderstorm approaches, the likelihood of getting struck by lightning increases, hitting its peak when the storm is right overhead. So, if you hear thunder, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Also, let’s chat about hydroplaning for a second. That happens when water builds up in front of a tire faster than the vehicle can push it away, causing the car to glide along a thin layer of water. Speed, tire tread depth, and the amount of standing water are the top three contributors to hydroplaning. Drive sensibly to avoid slipping and sliding!
Upcoming Weather Warnings
Looking ahead, brace yourself because the NWS has indicated that severe thunderstorms could hit parts of South Carolina and North Carolina from Tuesday night through Wednesday morning. Starting around 11 p.m., scattered thunderstorms can be expected, carrying risks of winds and hail, with an isolated tornado also a possibility. Be ready for that!
Unpredictable Weather Patterns Ahead
Weather-wise, Thursday is looking a tad quirky, with temperatures expected to dip into the 50s during the night but cozy up to the 70s during the day. This warm weather trend is anticipated to carry through the Memorial Day weekend, making it a mixed bag for outdoor plans!
A Record-Breaking Downpour
In case you missed it, Charleston International Airport reported that it received 1.99 inches of rain since midnight on May 11, breaking the previous record of 1.93 inches set way back in 1952. Moreover, Downtown Charleston fared even worse with 2.06 inches of rain—shattering a record that had stood since 1899! You can imagine how that much rain might lead to localized flash flooding.
Flash Flood Warnings were issued due to heavy rainfall in parts of Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina, and unfortunately, they’re expected to continue into Monday. Rainfall totals could reach up to four inches in some areas, prompting a Level 2 out of 4 flood threat for millions in the Southeast and mid-Atlantic. Buckle up; total precipitation could hit three to five inches in most places, with isolated pockets potentially even reaching seven inches!
Travel Caution!
If you’re planning to travel, keep in mind that hazardous conditions may be likely on bridges due to the strong wind gusts, particularly for high-profile vehicles. A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. for Charleston County, and until 10 p.m. for Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties. Be careful out there and stay alert!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Severe Thunderstorm Alerts in Oconee and Pickens Mountains
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for York and Chester Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Cherokee and Spartanburg Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Bamberg and Orangeburg Counties, SC
Brush Fires Prompt Evacuations in North and South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Alert for Rowan and Cabarrus Counties
Severe Thunderstorms Brewing in Upstate South Carolina
Severe Weather Alerts Issued for Columbia Residents
Severe Weather Disrupts Carolinas and Georgia
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: South/North Carolina Tornadoes
- Wikipedia: Tornado
- Live 5 News: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- Fox Weather: Flash Flood Threat
- Google Search: Severe Weather Forecasts
- Post and Courier: Severe Thunderstorms in South Carolina
- Google News: Thunderstorms
- WLTX: South Carolina Storm Forecast
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
