Back-to-back storms headed for Beaufort County. Here’s when to dodge the deluge
As other parts of the nation prepare for significant snowfall set to inundate the Northeast this weekend, the Southeast is in for back-to-back storm systems.
The first low-pressure system, spinning up from the Gulf of Mexico, will creep into the Lowcountry on Friday evening, according to the National Weather Service. Brian Adam, meteorologist with the Charleston Office, said the majority of impact will happen Saturday morning. On Friday morning, forecasters expected up to an inch of rain from the first system, and deem it to have only “minor” impacts.
“A surge of warmth comes with the storm, so it will primarily be a rainmaker,” said Frank Strait, the state’s severe weather liaison. “(For the entire state) it’s a minor event, and no bread and milk runs are needed.”
Sunday and Monday will be “tranquil” days, Strait said, with temperatures closer to average for this time of year.
After the two-day respite, a second system, following the same Gulf of Mexico path, will push a strong cold front into the Lowcountry late Monday.
On Tuesday, strong winds and heavy rainfall will bring “bigger” impacts to the area as compared to the first storm, Adam said.
While Beaufort County has dodged severe thunderstorms for the past few weeks, Adam said this may the break in the streak. As of Friday morning, the Lowcountry was at a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms occurring Tuesday, Adam said. Thunderstorms or not, Strait said to expect strong winds with the system.
“You should anticipate delays if you’re traveling on these stormy days,” Strait said. “My primary concern is going to be the high winds. Winds will be strong and gusty all day, but thunderstorms spawned by the storm will bring high winds aloft down to the surface in some areas, so there is the potential for widespread damaging winds.”
Elevated tides colliding with predicted heavy rainfall could pose a problem Tuesday. Astronomical tides will be higher next week because of a new moon Thursday, Strait said, and onshore winds around Tuesday morning’s high tide “will probably lead to coastal flooding.”
In Beaufort, Tuesday morning’s high tide is expected to peak at 7.8 feet at about 7 a.m., according to US Harbors. In Hilton Head, Tuesday’s morning tide at about 6 a.m. will reach 7 feet.
With Tuesday’s onslaught, Strait said there could be high surf and beach erosion concerns. He also predicted that the weather pattern could be conducive for “a few” isolated tornadoes, which would happen closer to the coast.
“So, to understate things, Tuesday looks like an active weather day for us,” Strait said. “Adjust any outdoor or travel plans accordingly, and keep in mind that the storm could cause power outages.”
While it’s still early, Adam said by Monday, forecasters will have a clearer grasp on how the Tuesday storm will come together.
Saturday-Tuesday temperatures
Saturday: High 68, low 47.
Sunday: High 60, low 41.
Monday: High 60, low 52.
Tuesday: High 68, low 44.
This story was originally published January 5, 2024 at 12:14 PM.
