Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Charleston and Surrounding Areas

Thunderstorm Alert in Charleston!

Hey there, Charleston! Buckle up because we’ve got some exciting weather heading our way! The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a weather alert for strong thunderstorms in our area, and it’s effective until 3:30 p.m. today. If you’re in Inland Berkeley, Tidal Berkeley, Dorchester, or Charleston counties, it’s time to pay attention!

What We Can Expect

The radar caught a strong thunderstorm that’s currently hovering over North Charleston, and it’s moving east at a speedy 60 mph. Hold onto your hats because we might see wind gusts hitting up to 50 mph! And that’s not all—be on the lookout for some penny-sized hail, measuring about 0.75 inches. Yikes!

With winds whipping like that, we may end up seeing some tree limbs come down or outdoor items blown around. So, if you have anything outside that isn’t tied down, now’s the time to secure it! Minor damage to outdoor objects is definitely possible.

Where’s the Storm Headed?

This weather adventure could impact a few key locations such as North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek, Hanahan, Daniel Island, and even the Naval Weapons Station Charleston. All you road warriors driving on I-26 and I-526, beware! Specifically, look out between mile markers 204 and 215 on I-26, and 17 to 26 on I-526.

Staying Safe During the Storm

Now, let’s chat about safety. Thunderstorms are notorious for their lightning. Did you know that there are about 25 million lightning strikes in the U.S. each year? Most occur during the summer, and they tragically lead to the deaths of about 20 people annually. So, when that storm rolls in, remember that the chance of lightning increases as the storm approaches, peaks when it’s overhead, and then decreases once it’s passed.

If you can’t get indoors, or if you’re stuck out and about, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Find shelter in a sturdy building or vehicle.
• Avoid using electrical appliances.
• Stay away from tall trees and open fields.

Hydroplaning: What You Need to Know

Let’s talk about something else that can happen during these storms—hydroplaning. It can be a scary experience! Hydroplaning occurs when your vehicle starts sliding on wet roads. This happens when there’s too much water in front of your tire, causing your ride to float on a thin layer of water, making it hard to steer. It usually happens when roads are slick from rain.

To prevent it, be cautious when driving in wet conditions. Reduce your speed, and if it does happen, remember: don’t panic! Keep a steady grip on the wheel, and don’t slam on the brakes.

Stay Informed!

As we navigate through this stormy weather, the NWS suggests keeping up with updates via NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards or your local news source. Stay safe, Charleston, and don’t forget—this storm will pass!