Charleston, S.C. – South Carolina is facing two separate weather hazards to start the week, with dangerous wildfire smoke reducing visibility across parts of the Lowcountry overnight while strong to severe thunderstorms threaten the Upstate and western Piedmont Monday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a Dense Smoke Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. Monday for portions of northeast Berkeley County. Smoke from the Horse Island Wildfire burning in the Francis Marion National Forest near Shulerville is expected to reduce visibility to one-quarter mile or less overnight in some locations.
Motorists traveling through the advisory area should slow down, use low-beam headlights and allow extra following distance. Rapid changes in visibility are possible before sunrise Monday, especially on rural roads where smoke can pool in low-lying areas.
Meanwhile, according to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, another round of strong to severe thunderstorms is expected to develop between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. Monday, with the threat continuing into Tuesday afternoon and evening. The primary hazard with any severe storm will be damaging straight-line winds, although frequent lightning and torrential rainfall will accompany stronger storms.
The greatest storm threat includes communities such as Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Gaffney, Rock Hill and nearby portions of the Upstate and western Piedmont. Residents should secure loose outdoor items and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, particularly if spending time outdoors Monday afternoon.
The smoke advisory is expected to expire Monday morning as conditions improve, but the afternoon focus will quickly shift to developing thunderstorms. Additional severe thunderstorm watches, warnings or air quality statements could be issued as conditions evolve, so residents should continue monitoring updates from the National Weather Service throughout the day.
