Severe Thunderstorms Expected in Hilton Head on Monday

News Summary

Residents and visitors in Hilton Head should brace for severe thunderstorms slated to arrive Monday afternoon. The National Weather Service warns of damaging winds, large hail, and lightning, with potential tornadoes. Storms are expected between 6 and 8 p.m., although the overnight storm risk has been downgraded. It’s advised to seek shelter and stay updated on local weather forecasts for safety.

Hilton Head residents and visitors should prepare for severe thunderstorms expected Monday afternoon. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that the storms will move into the area, bringing various weather hazards.

Key Details:

• Timing: Storms are likely to reach Hilton Head between 6 and 8 p.m. on Monday.
• Weather Risks:
  • Damaging winds exceeding 60 mph
  • Large hail
  • Lightning
  • Small risk of tornadoes
• Risk Level: The overnight storm risk for Hilton Head has been downgraded from “enhanced” to a “slight” risk.
• Regional Impact: The Lowcountry region is expected to experience less severe weather compared to areas further upstate.

As cold and warm air masses converge, thunderstorms will form ahead of an approaching cold front. An updated severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the Myrtle Beach area around 8:18 p.m., valid until 8:30 p.m., with expected wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

Affected Locations: Areas such as Sea Coast Medical Center, Grissettown, North Myrtle Beach, Longwood, and Ocean Isle Beach are included in the warning zone.

For safety, residents are advised to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of their buildings. The NWS encourages reporting any hail and wind damage to their Wilmington office at 1-800-697-3901.

Important Note: Lightning poses a significant hazard, with about 25 million strikes occurring in the U.S. each year, resulting in an average of 20 fatalities. It’s crucial to seek shelter indoors during thunderstorms.

As conditions develop, residents are reminded to monitor local weather updates and stay safe by finding indoor shelter whenever possible. The NWS also provided guidance on preventing hydroplaning, which can occur on wet roads during storms.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Severe Thunderstorm Alert in Lowcountry, SC
Deadly Storm System Devastates Midwest and Southeast
Severe Thunderstorms Expected to Hit Hilton Head
Severe Weather Warning for Columbia
Severe Weather Hits Michigan: Thunderstorms and Ice Damage
Severe Weather Warnings Issued for Columbia and Lexington Counties
Winter Storm Approaches Columbia: Prepare for Snow and Cold
Severe Thunderstorms Cause Ruckus Across Western Washington
Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Warnings Hit Columbia, SC
Winter Weather Alert Issued for South Carolina

Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Severe Thunderstorms Expected Monday Afternoon
• Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
• Island Packet: Storm Timing and Hazards
• Google Search: Severe Weather Preparation
• Island Packet: Cold Front Approaching
• Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Hazards
• WJCL: Weekend Impact Day for Severe Storms
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
• Island Packet: Monitoring Local Weather Updates
• Google News: Weather Safety