A storm system advancing from the south is expected to bring severe weather conditions, including a high risk of tornado, to South Carolina, according to the National Weather Service’s Storm Forecast Center.
Meteorologists at the Storm Prediction Center said the severe weather should extend to Palmetto state as early as Thursday, bringing potential for hail, damaging winds and tornadoes.
The storm system originated in the eastern Ozarks and is expected to move eastward, gradually weakening as it crosses the Appalachian Mountains and reaches Virginia and the Carolinas, meteorologists said.
02h36 CDT #SPC Day3 Outlook Enhanced Risk: extending from Georgia to the north via carolines https://t.co/6oEffQUiK1 pic.twitter.com/a3oXHkmRDK
– NWS Storm Prediction Center (@NWSSPC) March 16, 2021
Rain and storms, along with severe climate risk, were expected to occur “Thursday morning” in parts of the South and Middle Atlantic states, meteorologists said.
“The storms are likely to spread across Georgia and the Carolinas before the cold front advances,” meteorologists said. “The potential for relatively widespread and locally substantial severe weather is indicated – including the risk of some strong tornadoes.”
Meteorologists at the local Charleston Meteorological Service office said it was important for all residents to have a plan, especially if one or more tornadoes impacted the region.
“Thursday looks like one of the most significant events for this year so far,” said Doug Berry, an analyst at the firm. “It still seems that harmful winds are the main concern, but we cannot rule out some isolated tornadoes as this (system) progresses.”
Do you know the @NWSSPC severe storm risk categories? Showers and storms will be possible in the coming days, so stay tuned for the weather by visiting https://t.co/LKpnoMlLBB & https://t.co/Umi8IzXkI4 #savwx #chswx #scwx #gawx pic.twitter.com/CMbWWemHmH
– NWS Charleston, SC (@NWSCharlestonSC) March 15, 2021
Berry said residents should remain alert and that even if the area sees no tornadoes, strong winds can still cause damage.
In the meantime, he and others plan to keep an eye on conditions as the system approaches Lowcountry, especially on a hot front that, depending on how far north it moves by Thursday, can play a significant role in determining how severe the climate is in the Charleston area.
Strong storms and tidal currents are possible, meteorologists said, although Charleston is not at a particularly high risk. But 17 states and more than 100 million Americans live in areas that could experience floods, tornadoes and hail next week, so meteorologists want to ensure that Lowcountry residents are prepared for the storm.
Catch up Gregory Yee at 843-323-9175. Follow him on Twitter @GregoryYYee.