Severe Thunderstorm Alert for Charleston Residents

News Summary

Charleston residents are on alert as the National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Alert for several communities including Inland Berkeley, Coastal Jasper, and Charleston County. Thunderstorms are expected through noon today, with the potential for small hail. Staying updated through local news and NOAA Weather Radio is crucial for safety. Additionally, drivers are warned about hydroplaning risks due to rain. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly in North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and Goose Creek, as severe conditions may continue.

Severe Thunderstorm Alert for Charleston Residents: Stay Prepared!

The Charleston area is bracing for some wild weather as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a **_Severe Thunderstorm Alert_** for several communities, including Inland Berkeley, Coastal Jasper, and Charleston County. The alert, which came in on Monday morning at 8:25 a.m., warns residents that thunderstorms are likely through to noon today.

What to Expect

As a weather system is reshaping off our coast, Southeastern South Carolina and Southeast Georgia are in for a treat—of the stormy kind! Isolated to scattered thunderstorms seem to be the theme for the day, bringing with them the potential for small hail. While the forecast suggests hail might reach the size of dimes, it’s good to know that those thunderclaps won’t be packing quarter-sized hail.

Safety First!

Staying informed is key during these unsettling weather events. The NWS emphasizes that staying updated through your local news sources, as well as the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, is essential. After all, stormy weather can put a damper on even the sunniest of days!

Did you know that around **25 million** lightning strikes occur across the United States each year? The summer months see the most activity, and on average, about **20** fatalities result from these strikes annually. So when you hear rumbles in the sky, remember that the probability of lightning greatly increases as storms approach, peaking when the storm is right overhead, and reducing as it moves away. Being aware of this can help you make better safety decisions.

Hydroplaning Warnings

With rain accompanying these thunderstorms, drivers should also be cautious of hydroplaning. This happens when water builds up in front of your tires quicker than your vehicle can push it out of the way, causing it to rise and slide on the water—which can lead to loss of control. It’s typically caused by excessive speed on wet roads, tire wear, and water accumulation on the road. If you find yourself in these conditions, it’s vital to reduce speed and stay in control.

Storm History and Current Conditions

It may feel as though we’ve had our fair share of drastic weather lately. Just last Wednesday, a report had gone out at 11:43 a.m. warning residents of strong thunderstorms affecting the same areas until 12:45 p.m. With Doppler radar tracking a line of these storms moving northeast at an impressive speed of **60 mph** from near Eastern Lake Marion, gusty winds began waving their strong arms, potentially snapping branches and tossing around unsecured belongings.

Areas like North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and Goose Creek should stay particularly vigilant. Major highways, including **I-26 between mile markers 174 and 221** and **I-526 between mile markers 11 and 31**, may experience challenging driving conditions, so best to choose your travel times wisely.

Looking Ahead

Charleston residents should also be aware of the broader picture. There are hints of potential tornado activity in the Carolinas with a powerful storm system making its way toward the East Coast. The weather can shift quickly, and keeping a close eye on updates will help ensure you and your loved ones remain safe.

As we look forward to sunnier days, let’s hunker down, stay informed, and take care of each other in these stormy weather conditions. Don’t forget to check in on loved ones, especially those who may be more vulnerable during these weather events. Stay safe out there, Charleston!

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Additional Resources

• Country Herald
• Weather.com
• Myrtle Beach Online
• Count On 2
• Fox Weather