Local meteorologists expect widespread rain and thunderstorms to pass through the Lowcountry on Monday, and they say severe storms — lashing winds and tornado potential — are possible.
Severe thunderstorms could bring strong winds with gusts up to 58 mph, the National Weather Service said. Whipping winds can cause damage to trees, mobile homes, roofs and cars. They can also cause widespread power outages. The last stint of severe weather that hit Beaufort County a month ago caused 17,000 customers to go without power.
Meteorologists predict the bulk of the thunderstorms’ wake will fall between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
There is a low risk of quarter-sized hail pelting the area, and isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out, the NWS’ Charleston Office said. While rain will continue to fall in Beaufort County throughout Monday, accumulation rates are expected to only reach up to a half-inch.
The NWS placed Beaufort County’s likelihood for severe storms at a “slight risk,” meaning scattered and severe thunderstorms are possible but would be short-lived and isolated.