Fast-moving thunderstorm threatens Beaufort area with wind, flooding Sunday
A fast-moving thunderstorm threatened the Beaufort area with flooding and high winds late Sunday afternoon.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said at 4:45 p.m. that Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over Beaufort moving east at 20 mph.
The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 5:30 p.m. for Beaufort County until 6:15 p.m.
The storm was dumping heavy rain on the area.
The Sheriff’s Office also warned about the possibility of wind gusts of 50-55 mph.
“Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
Affected areas are Beaufort, Port Royal, Clarendon, Lady’s Island, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Burton, Shell Point, Laurel Bay and Chesterfield.
The National Weather Service said previously there was a risk of strong damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph and isolated flooding.
High winds affect Hilton Head and Fripp
At 5:16 p.m., Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Lady’s Island, moving southeast at 15 mph. According to the Sheriff’s Office, wind gusts up to 50 mph are possible.
Hilton Head and Fripp islands are included in this warning.
At 5:34 p.m. a severe Thunderstorm was located 5 miles northwest of Fripp Island, the Sheriff’s Office said, moving southeast at 25 mph. Expect damage to roofs, siding and trees, the Sheriff’s Office said.
This story was originally published July 12, 2026 at 5:01 PM.
