Wilmington, N.C. – Severe thunderstorms are expected to impact much of the Carolina and Georgia coastal region this afternoon, with strong winds, hail, and heavy downpours posing a threat to residents and travelers through 5 p.m.
According to the Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 390 remains in effect until 5 p.m. EDT for portions of North Carolina, South Carolina, and southeast Georgia. Areas under the watch include Wilmington, Charleston, Florence, Savannah, and Statesboro.
The most intense storms may produce damaging gusts above 60 mph, large hail, and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, especially along the I-95 corridor and U.S. 17. Local emergency officials warn of potential power outages and poor driving conditions through the afternoon hours.
In South Carolina, Charleston, Beaufort, and Dorchester counties are on alert. In Georgia, the watch covers Chatham, Bryan, and Effingham counties, while in North Carolina, it includes Brunswick, Columbus, and Robeson counties.
Residents should avoid unnecessary travel during storm periods, move indoors at the first sign of thunder, and monitor local alerts for real-time updates.
Severe weather risk continues until at least 5 p.m., with additional warnings possible if storms intensify.
