Update: Tornado watch ends in Beaufort County as chance of thunderstorms remains
A chance of thunderstorms and strong winds still remained after Thursday’s tornado warning spanning Beaufort County and most of South Carolina ended early, according to the National Weather Service’s Charleston office.
The advisory began just after 7 a.m. Thursday and was canceled around 12:30 p.m. ahead of its scheduled 1 p.m. conclusion, the NWS said. A watch means tornadoes are possible in the area and that residents should be prepared to act quickly if a warning is issued.
Heading into Thursday afternoon, the Hilton Head Island area’s forecast called for a 100% chance of rain and possible thunderstorms, with wind gusts that could reach speeds of 25 mph. Despite the overcast conditions, Thursday’s high temperature is 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
The tornado watch was issued because weather conditions in the area were creating favorable conditions for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms on Thursday, according to NOAA. “Damaging wind gusts” and brief tornadoes were possible as a result.
The watch also included much of eastern and coastal Georgia.
This report will be updated.
This story was originally published March 12, 2026 at 8:50 AM.
