Thunderstorms and hail possible starting Wednesday afternoon in Beaufort County
Scattered thunderstorms may produce hail the size of a quarter and damaging winds of at least 60 mph starting Wednesday afternoon in Beaufort County, according to the National Weather Service in Charleston.
The strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to hit the area Wednesday afternoon into the evening, according to meteorologist Courtney Maskell.
“We’re also looking at the threat of large hail, that would be hail of 1-inch diameter greater,” Maskell said. “And then damaging winds and isolated tornadoes are also possible.”
Damaging wind gusts are at least 60 mph, Maskell said. There is also a moderate chance of rip currents for the area, she said.
There is a 100% chance of rain Wednesday on Hilton Head Island, according to a NWS forecast. The high for that area is expected to be around 72 degrees with a low of about 57 degrees.
There is a 60% chance of rain on the island Wednesday night. Thursday morning is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 76 degrees during the day and a low of 57 at night, followed by a 20% chance of rain and thunderstorms Friday after 3 p.m.
Thunderstorm safety tips
- Monitor National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Radio and the National Weather Service in Charleston for storms.
- When there is a threat of a severe thunderstorm, residents should go to a small, interior room on the lowest floor of the building they are in and avoid windows.
- Drivers should avoid traveling during thunderstorms. If caught in a storm while on the road, the NWS suggests pulling over to wait it out.
- Before a storm arrives, pets should be brought inside and cars put inside garages or under carports to mitigate damage.
- Tornadoes can take place when there is a severe thunderstorm, the NWS said. If there is a tornado, residents must find shelter immediately and seek refuge in an interior closet or bathroom without windows. Padded surfaces, like couch cushions or small mattresses, can be used as a shield to protect your head and body.
