CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A tornado watch was issued Thursday morning for portions of South Carolina including Charleston, Colleton, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties until 9 p.m.
Storm Team 2 Meteorologist Josh Marthers said rain bands associated with Hurricane Helene have an enhanced risk of producing tornadoes in our area. “Be alert and ready to take action if warnings are issued,” he said.
A tropical storm warning is also in place for all of South Carolina as the storm is expected to impact the region Thursday into early Friday morning.
Helene was upgraded to a Category 2 storm Thursday morning. It is expected to become a large, major hurricane before making landfall around Florida’s Big Bend region during the evening and track north across Georgia into early Friday morning.
Impacts from Helene extend well to the east of there the storm tracks, according to the National Hurricane Center. Tropical storm-force winds with frequent gusts between 40 mph and 60 mph are likely. Most will see up to 50 mph but those near the coast can expect up to 60 mph.