News Summary

Severe thunderstorms are forecasted to affect Hilton Head and Beaufort County, starting Sunday morning. Residents are urged to prepare for damaging winds, possible tornadoes, and hail. With temperatures rising and a tropical system approaching, safety measures are recommended, especially along coastal areas facing rip current risks and high tides.

Hilton Head and Beaufort County Brace for Severe Thunderstorms on Sunday

Severe thunderstorms are expected to impact Hilton Head and Beaufort County on Sunday morning, following a warm Saturday. Residents and beachgoers are advised to prepare accordingly.

Forecast Summary

• Mild temperatures on Saturday morning.
• Severe thunderstorms forecasted to arrive around 10 a.m. on Sunday.
• Potential for wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, isolated tornadoes, and damaging hail.

The National Weather Service predicts that warmer air ahead of an impending cold front will intensify thunderstorm activity. This storm is likely to be more severe on the coastal plain, coinciding with the warmest part of the day.

Key Risks

• Locally damaging winds are a primary concern.
• There is a slightly higher risk of tornadoes compared to earlier thunderstorms this month.
• Potential for dime-sized to quarter-sized hail in scattered thunderstorms.
• A separate system, Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight, is located about 100 miles east of Charleston.

The tropical system, with winds of 50 mph, is expected to strengthen before moving inland but is projected to dissipate by late Wednesday.

Coastal Hazards

Local beaches are also facing a high risk of rip currents, with 5-foot breakers anticipated. Minor coastal flooding is possible due to high tides associated with the upcoming full moon on Tuesday. Hilton Head’s evening high tide will reach 9.5 feet, while Beaufort’s will reach 9.1 feet.

Safety Recommendations

The National Weather Service advises residents to seek indoor shelter during thunderstorms. With approximately 25 million lightning strikes occurring annually in the U.S., it is essential to take precautions as storm activity increases.

The NWS also issued a thunderstorm and small hail alert until noon on Monday for parts of Southeast South Carolina and Southeast Georgia. Beachgoers are encouraged to pack umbrellas and remain vigilant as the storm approaches.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Severe Thunderstorm Alert for Charleston Residents
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Fire Fury in Myrtle Beach: Carolina Forest Wildfire Rages On
Storm Chaos Unleashes Fury Across Central and Eastern U.S.
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Wildfires Rage Across South Carolina, Emergency Declared

Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Severe Thunderstorm Update
• Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
• AOL: Hilton Head Weather Updates
• Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm
• Island Packet: Weather Warnings for Low Country
• Google Scholar: Severe Weather Patterns
• Island Packet: Weather Update for the Region
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather Forecast
• Island Packet: Local Community Weather News
• Google News: Hilton Head Weather