Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for multiple Lowcountry counties in South Carolina as storms moved in from the west. At 7:02 p.m., thunderstorms were detected from Hampton Plantation State Park to Isle of Palms, with potential wind gusts up to 60 mph and small hail. Areas affected include southeastern Calhoun County, southwestern Clarendon County, and east central Bamberg County. A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 9 p.m. for Charleston County and 10 p.m. for Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties. The system is expected to weaken by the time it reaches the coast, but severe weather remains a concern.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – Several counties in the Lowcountry were subject to a severe thunderstorm warning as a band of intense storms approached from the west.
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Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
At 7:02 p.m., severe thunderstorms were detected along a line stretching from near Hampton Plantation State Park to over Isle of Palms, advancing southeast at 45 mph.
Gusty winds of up to 60 mph and small hail are anticipated, potentially leading to damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
Radar identified severe thunderstorms at 5:25 p.m. near Branchville, approximately 13 miles northwest of Saint George, traveling east at 35 mph.
This warning also encompassed southeastern Calhoun County, southwestern Clarendon County, and east central Bamberg County.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
The severe thunderstorm watch was active until 9 p.m. for Charleston County and until 10 p.m. for Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties, as reported by the National Weather Service. The watch also included Charleston Harbor and Coastal Waters extending from the South Santee River to Edisto Beach and Savannah out 20 nautical miles.
The system is predicted to impact the I-95 corridor, including parts of northwestern Colleton, Dorchester, and Berkeley Counties as well as Beaufort County, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., with Charleston and southeastern Berkeley Counties affected from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Live 5 Weather team has declared a First Alert Weather Day for Monday due to the heightened risk.
The Storm Prediction Center has assigned a third level of threat for inland areas of South Carolina but specified a smaller portion of the state under this Level 3 warning.
Live 5 First Alert Meteorologist Chris Holtzman indicates that the system is likely to weaken before it reaches the coastline.
“Strong to locally damaging wind gusts and small hail will be the primary concerns,” Holtzman stated. “An isolated tornado cannot be dismissed.”
Wind gusts may reach as high as 60 mph, potentially causing damage to trees and power lines. Such strong gusts can also create hazardous conditions on bridges, particularly for high-profile vehicles.
Certain areas may experience hail up to one inch in diameter.
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