Charleston, S.C. – Waterspouts are possible across the nearshore Atlantic waters of southeast South Carolina and southeast Georgia through late Wednesday morning, prompting safety advisories for mariners and beachgoers.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, the risk zone includes waters just off the coasts of Charleston, Beaufort, Hilton Head, and Savannah. Conditions this morning are favorable for the development of waterspouts, which can form quickly and pose hazards to small craft and those near the shoreline.
Mariners are urged not to approach a waterspout under any circumstances, as these rotating columns of water can cause sudden, dangerous wind and wave conditions. Beachgoers should be prepared to seek shelter immediately if a funnel cloud approaches land.
The threat is expected to diminish by late morning, but the NWS advises continued vigilance during early beach and boating activities. Similar setups in past Augusts have led to multiple waterspout sightings off the Lowcountry coast.
Warnings remain in effect until further notice, with updates available from the National Weather Service Charleston office.
