Charleston, South Carolina – Residents across South Carolina could face a significant severe weather outbreak Monday as a powerful cold front pushes across the region with the potential for wind gusts over 75 mph, strong tornadoes, and large hail exceeding 2 inches in diameter.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, severe storms may begin developing Monday morning ahead of the main cold front, with individual storms capable of producing tornadoes before the primary storm line arrives. The risk will continue through the afternoon as the system sweeps east across the state.
Forecasters warn that strong tornadoes, potentially EF2 or greater, are possible, particularly across the central and coastal portions of South Carolina including Charleston, Beaufort, and the Lowcountry. Damaging winds exceeding 75 mph could also knock down trees and power lines, creating scattered outages and hazardous travel conditions.
The strongest storms are expected to organize into a line that moves west to east across the state during the afternoon hours, impacting major travel corridors including Interstate 26 and Interstate 95 as it approaches the coast.
Residents should review tornado safety plans, charge mobile devices, and ensure multiple methods are available to receive warnings. Officials stress that storms may intensify quickly Monday, and additional watches and warnings are likely as the severe weather threat unfolds across South Carolina.
