Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Coastal Jasper County

News Summary

Residents of Coastal Jasper County are facing a strong thunderstorm warning effective until 11:15 a.m. today. The National Weather Service reports a potent storm moving east at 45 mph, with wind gusts up to 50 mph. Areas like Downtown Savannah and Tybee Island are expected to be affected, along with key highways I-16 and I-95. It’s crucial for locals to stay informed, seek shelter indoors, and prepare for possible lightning and hydroplaning risks as the storm approaches.

Thunderstorm Warning Hits Coastal Jasper County

Residents of Coastal Jasper County might want to hold onto their hats! The National Weather Service has issued a strong thunderstorm warning, effective until 11:15 a.m. today, leaving locals on high alert.

What’s Coming Our Way

As of 10:48 a.m. Thursday, a potent thunderstorm was reported over Garden City and making its way east at about 45 mph. With the possibility of wind gusts reaching up to an eye-popping 50 mph, this is one weather event you don’t want to take lightly. It’s not just a little rain; we’re talking about winds that can uproot trees and toss around any unsecured items, so make sure to secure your patio furniture or any loose toys before the storm rolls in!

Where the Storm is Heading

The storm could affect several areas, including:

• Downtown Savannah
• Pooler
• Hutchinson Island
• Midtown Savannah
• Bellinger Hill Area
• Wilmington Island
• Bluffton
• Hilton Head Island
• Fort Pulaski National Monument
• Tybee Island

Highways to Watch

If you’re planning on taking a drive, be extra cautious. Key highways that might be impacted include:

• I-16 between mile markers 159 and 168
• I-95 in Georgia between mile markers 100 and 102
• I-516 between mile markers 3 and 9

Stay Informed and Stay Safe

Now, what should you do? The NWS strongly advises everyone to stay tuned to reliable weather updates. You can keep an eye on the NOAA Weather Radio, local TV stations, or community bulletin boards for the latest information. If you’re out and about, the most sensible advice is to head indoors. Seek shelter in a sturdy building to ride out the storm.

Lightning Awareness

As the storm gets closer, the risk of lightning becomes a real issue. Lightning can strike as the storm approaches, making it vital to remain indoors during this critical time. Did you know that on average, the U.S. experiences about 25 million lightning strikes each year? Summer is particularly dangerous, with around 20 fatalities annually attributed to this fierce natural phenomenon.

Hydroplaning: A Hidden Danger

Another risk that comes with severe weather is hydroplaning. When water builds up in front of your tires, it can lead to losing control of your vehicle, so it’s best to avoid driving altogether during heavy rainstorms. The safest bet is to wait it out indoors until the storm passes and the roads are clear again.

Final Thoughts

As the clock ticks down to 11:15 a.m., it’s important to know that this storm is no joke. Make sure to stay indoors, keep your loved ones informed, and brace yourself for some wild weather ahead. Stay safe, Coastal Jasper residents, and let’s hope for clear skies after the storm!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Severe Weather Outbreak Causes Tornadoes and Tragedies Across Southern States
Severe Weather Warning: Tornado Watches for Georgia and South Carolina
Severe Weather Warning Imminent for Columbia and Surrounding Areas
Thunderstorm Alert in Easley, SC: What You Need to Know!
Severe Thunderstorm Warning in Batesburg-Leesville
Severe Thunderstorm Warning in Orangeburg Area
Thunderstorm Warning for Charleston Residents

Additional Resources

• Count On 2 News
• Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
• Live 5 News
• Google Search: Hail Damage
• The State
• Google Scholar: Severe Weather
• Weather.com
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Storms
• Fox Weather
• Google News: Flooding in South Carolina