Charleston, South Carolina – Boaters and beachgoers along the Carolina coast should brace for strong winds, dangerous lightning, and heavy downpours as a severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 12 a.m. EDT Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service and the Storm Prediction Center, the watch covers coastal waters from Surf City, North Carolina, to Edisto Beach, South Carolina, including Charleston Harbor and several offshore areas up to 20 nautical miles. Thunderstorms may produce wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, hail, and isolated waterspouts.
Communities along the Grand Strand and Lowcountry, including Myrtle Beach, Georgetown, and Charleston, are advised to secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel near the shore, and monitor NOAA Weather Radio for updates. Mariners should return to port or stay sheltered.
This round of storms comes as warm, unstable air over the Southeast fuels late-day convection typical of early summer. While inland impacts are expected to remain minimal, the coastal zone may see rapid storm development through the evening.
The severe thunderstorm watch remains active through midnight, with additional advisories possible overnight depending on storm strength and movement.
