Lightning frenzy: Bluffton sees surge in emergency calls amid thunderstorms
A series of thunderstorms Thursday afternoon brought heavy rain and frequent lightning to southern Beaufort County, triggering an “unusually high” volume of emergency calls, according to the Bluffton Township Fire District.
Firefighters from all nine district stations — with help from surrounding departments — responded to 47 incidents, including 23 between 2 and 8 p.m. when the storm was at its peak, said Stephen Combs, the department’s public information officer. The district typically handles about 31 calls per day.
Lightning caused structure fires, power outages, smoke inside homes and small outdoor fires, according to the fire district.
One bolt struck a gas line and started a fire in the lower level of an unoccupied home on Greenleaf Road in the Palmetto Bluff Community. Neighbors reported seeing smoke and flames. Despite damages, the district was able to save the home.
Other affected areas included Martingale West, Hartwell Road, Mainland Lakes Drive, Coventry Court, and Yonges Island Drive, where crews responded to smoke, electrical surges and damage to homes and nearby trees.
Bluffton crews also responded to outdoor fires caused by lightning strikes on Hunting Lodge Road and along Okatie Highway.
The fire district encourages residents to stay weather aware, especially during the summer storm season by using the following safety tips:
- Have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts, including NOAA Weather Radios, mobile apps, and text/email alerts.
- Pay close attention to forecasts and warnings from the National Weather Service in Charleston.
- If you hear thunder, go indoors immediately—lightning can strike miles ahead of a storm.
- Avoid using electronic devices and stay away from water during lightning storms.
