Severe Thunderstorms Hit Lowcountry of South Carolina

News Summary

On Tuesday night, severe thunderstorms swept through the Lowcountry of South Carolina, prompting alerts from the National Weather Service. The storms affected areas such as Hilton Head Island and Beaufort, with gusty winds damaging property and causing hazardous conditions. Residents were urged to stay indoors and remain vigilant as the storms brought the potential for lightning, hail, and strong winds. The weather system impacted both South Carolina and southeastern Georgia, leading to warnings and precautions as communities braced for the storm’s effects.

Severe Thunderstorms Sweep Through the Lowcountry of South Carolina

This past Tuesday night, the picturesque Lowcountry found itself grappling with some *uninvited guests*—a line of severe thunderstorms that darted across the region, leaving a wake of excitement (and concern) in their path. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston issued a weather alert at precisely 11:11 p.m. for strong thunderstorms affecting parts of Coastal Colleton and Beaufort County, urging residents to stay alert until around 11:45 p.m..

Storms on the Move!

When the clock struck 11:11 p.m., radar indicated a mighty thunderstorm cruising over Parris Island, moving northeast at a brisk pace of 15 mph. These storms weren’t just light disturbances; they brought **gusty winds** that had the potential to **knock down tree limbs** and send unsecured items flying. The impacted areas included some beloved spots such as Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, Port Royal, and many others, affecting daily life and activities, especially around the Hilton Head Airport.

With thunder rumbling louder than usual, residents were advised to stay tuned to their local weather resources for the latest updates. As these storms approached, the likelihood of lightning increased, contributing to the 25 million lightning strikes that typically happen across the U.S. each year. It might be a fun thing to watch from inside—just make sure to stay safely indoors!

Safety First!

When storms like this roll in, safety should always be a priority. The NWS shares helpful tips like staying inside during a thunderstorm and being cautious about hydroplaning, which can happen when water gathers in front of vehicle tires. Drivers should be extra careful, especially on those wet roads that can quickly become slippery. Losing control of a vehicle in weather like this could make for an unwanted thrill ride.

What Happened Earlier That Day

7:02 p.m., storm reports indicated severe thunderstorms stretching from near Hampton Plantation State Park to the Isle of Palms. These storms, traveling southeast at a rapid 45 mph, raised a flag for potential wind gusts hitting speeds of up to 60 mph and the possibility of **small hail**—yes, the kind that could cause damage to roofs and beautiful trees. As the day progressed, a severe thunderstorm watch was in place for various counties, including Charleston County until 9 p.m., and Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties until 10 p.m..

Charleston Harbor and coastal waters were under watch too, with the storm system expected to reach the I-95 corridor between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. and sweep through Charleston and southeastern Berkeley Counties from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.. The Storm Prediction Center even rated the storm threat for inland South Carolina as a level three out of five, heightening the alert for those in the path.

Residents on Alert

Georgia Also Feeling the Heat

5:00 PM EDT, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning had been issued for Bulloch County and neighboring areas, with storms indicated on radar moving east at the same brisk pace of 45 mph. Residents as far as Statesboro and Metter were advised to take shelter as the storms bore down on them.

Conclusion

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Severe Weather Alert: Thunderstorms Hit South Carolina and North Carolina
Severe Thunderstorms and Flooding Warnings Hit Charleston
Severe Thunderstorms Alert for Coastal South Carolina
York County, SC Experiences Dramatic Supercell Thunderstorm
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
Severe Thunderstorm Alert for Rowan and Cabarrus Counties
Severe Thunderstorms Brewing in Upstate South Carolina

Additional Resources

• Live 5 News: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
• Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
• Grice Connect: Urgent Weather Alert
• Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
• Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
• WVGazette Mail: Severe Thunderstorm Watch
• Google News: Thunderstorm Watch

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.