Saturday and Sunday will be Storm Team 3 Weather Aware days due to a medium risk for strong and severe storms in the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry.

We are tracking a disturbance that stretches across the southeastern U.S., as of Friday night. This system is forecast to send multiple rounds of storms into our area over the weekend.

Temperatures will reach the low to mid 90s both days with heat index values over 100°F at times. Hot and humid conditions mean there will be plenty of energy for storms to become strong and severe. 

Saturday’s storms will begin to set up in the later afternoon and will continue into the later evening. In general, isolated storms are expected between 2 and 6 p.m. More numerous storms are expected develop between 8 and 11 p.m. which will move across the area from west to east.

Sunday’s set up will be similar with storms moving across the area from west to east. However, the timing for storms will be earlier than what is expected on Saturday.

Strong storms will begin to move into our western counties just after noon and will continue through about 5 p.m., with the strongest moving off of the coast at that time.

Storms on Sunday will begin just after lunchtime and will continue into the very early evening with the strongest storms moving off of the coast by 6 p.m. and just after. 

Storm Threats

Severe storms this weekend will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts over 60 mph. This will be our primary concern. Wind gusts may lead to tree damage and some power outages.

Heavy rainfall will also be an issue at times, leading to localized flooding in areas with poor drainage. Rainfall totals will be between 1-2″ across much of the area. 

How To Prepare

It is a good idea to think about what you would to in the even that a severe thunderstorm warning or tornado warning is issued for your area. Have a plan to get indoors and to the lowest level of a sturdy structure away from windows and doors.

You also need a reliable way to receive critical weather alerts. A NOAA Weather Radio is a great tool to have in your home or place of work. They are dependable, even when the power and cellular service may be disrupted.

Another great tool to have ready is the  Weather NOW app which can receive weather alerts directly to your mobile device anywhere you are. It is free and is available in the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Storm Team 3 will have you covered as conditions change, stay tuned for the latest forecast.