Thunderstorm predicted on Hilton Head after warm, sunny weekend. Here’s when it’ll hit
After a balmy Sunday passes, local weather officials predict storms bringing rain, hail, high winds and possible tornadoes will affect the Lowcountry starting Monday.
The National Weather Service’s Charleston Office said it expects showers and thunderstorms blowing into Beaufort County on Monday afternoon and staying through the evening.
Most of the state is at a marginal risk for the predicted weather. However, the Lowcountry’s likelihood for a soggy and gusty Monday is higher. A “slight risk” for the county means scattered and severe thunderstorms are possible but will be short-lived and isolated, according to the NWS.
“We’re a few days out, and the forecast could change; perhaps more of the state will be affected,” said Frank Strait, the state’s severe weather liaison. “Maybe even the entire state.”
Because temperatures will remain in the 60s and 70s Monday, Strait said storm severity could be worse. Damaging winds, gusting up to 58 mph, hail as large as quarters, rain amounting to an inch and the potential for tornadoes are all on the table, the NWS said.
Strong winds winds can cause damage to trees, mobile homes, roofs and cars. They can also cause widespread power outages. The last stint of severe weather hit the county a month ago and caused 17,000 customers to go without power.
Despite sunshine returning Tuesday, temperatures will stay below average, Strait said, which kicks off the colder-weather pattern meteorologist has warned about for the past few weeks.
“The weather pattern we’re heading into for a few weeks starting Tuesday will allow for a winter storm this far south,” Strait said. “So we’ll have to remain vigilant for the rest of this month and early March.”
Three-day forecast
▪ Sunday: 40% chance of rain in the evening. High 72. Low 59.
▪ Monday: Showers and possible thunderstorm, with rain amounting up to an inch. High 69. Low 50.
▪ Tuesday: Sunny. High 62. Low 42.
This story was originally published February 10, 2024 at 10:40 AM.
