Special Weather Statement, NWS Charleston, SC

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Charleston SC
249 PM EDT Tue Aug 4 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
All of the sections were updated.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...
- 1) Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms will impact
  the region into this evening. Locally heavy rainfall is
  possible along with a risk for an isolated strong to severe
  thunderstorm.

- 2) A typical summertime pattern returns through the weekend,
  with isolated strong to severe thunderstorms possible each
  day.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1: Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms
will impact the region into this evening. Locally heavy rainfall
is possible along with a risk for an isolated strong to severe
thunderstorm.

The mid-levels consist of a cut-off Low over the Southeast U.S.
It'll gradually shift north into the overnight. At the surface,
a stationary front is located to our west and northwest, and
it's expected to dissipate around daybreak Wednesday. PWATs
across our area are lower compared to the past few days. Though,
they remain around 2", depending on the time period and
location. Temperatures in the upper 80s to lower 90s are
generating decent instability. SPC Mesoscale Analysis shows
MLCAPEs in the 1,500-2,000 J/kg range, with DCAPEs around 1,000
J/kg in some locations. Effective bulk shear is 25-30 kt. This
has generated convection across portions of our inland
locations this afternoon. CAMs generally have it increasing in
coverage and intensity along and west of the I-95 corridor late
this afternoon into this evening, aided partly by the sea
breeze. There is a risk for an isolated strong to severe
thunderstorm through early this evening, with damaging winds
being the primary threat. Locally heavy rainfall is also
possible into this evening. Convection should then shift mostly
offshore late this evening and overnight, with a band remaining
pointed towards Charleston County and vicinity.

KEY MESSAGE 2: A typical summertime pattern returns through the
weekend, with isolated strong to severe thunderstorms possible
each day.

As the Atlantic ridge strengthens offshore of the Eastern
Seaboard, yielding south-southwesterly flow across the
Southeast. This persistent plume of moisture will maintain PWAT
values ~2 inches, with the highest moisture generally located
along and east of the I- 95 corridor. This pattern will support
a typical summertime pattern with the afternoon sea breeze and
remnant outflow boundaries serving as the main focus for
afternoon/evening convection.

High PWAT values combined with deep warm-cloud layers will
support very efficient rainfall production, with rates of 1-2
inches per hour possible beneath the strongest thunderstorms.
Additionally, these showers and thunderstorms will be moving on
the slower side (storm motions of ~10kt), meaning localized
flooding will likely be the main threat for each
afternoon/evening (esp. in low-lying and/or poor drainage
areas). While instability remains quite limited on Wednesday,
pockets of 1500-2000 J/kg of SBCAPE still appear possible where
sufficient heating occurs. And then, Thursday through Saturday,
instability will be able to build a bit more in the
afternoons/evenings than Wednesday yielding a better chance for
a severe risk. Also, forecast soundings indicate DCAPE values of
800- 1000 J/kg each afternoon/evening as well, which could
support a few storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts.
Thus, an isolated severe thunderstorm cannot be ruled out
completely for each afternoon/evening as damaging wind gusts and
cloud-to-ground lightning could be possible within a stronger
cell.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
18Z TAFs: Radar indicates convection inland this afternoon. The
CAMS have the convection increasing in both coverage and
intensity over the next few hours. Various impacts are expected
at each TAF site, ranging from VCSH, to TEMPO MVFR due to TSRA.
Amendments may be needed to the TAFs based on future radar
trends. Convection is expected to persist near KCHS and KJZI
overnight into Wednesday. Though, KSAV should dry out late this
evening and remain that way into Wednesday.

Extended Aviation Outlook: Periodic flight restrictions are
expected in showers and thunderstorms this week.

&&

.MARINE...
Through Tonight: S winds around 15 kt this evening will
transition to the SSW overnight, easing to 10-15 kt by daybreak
Wednesday. Seas should be in the 3-4 ft range.

Wednesday through Saturday: As high pressure situates itself
across the Atlantic, a typical summertime pattern will take
shape for the local waters through the period. Expect increased
winds along the land/sea interface as the afternoon seabreeze
kicks inland each day. East-southeasterly swell will continue
through the weekend with seas ranging from 2 to 4 ft.

Rip Currents: There is a Moderate risk of rip currents for the
Charleston County beaches through this evening.

&&

.CHS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
GA...None.
SC...None.
MARINE...None.

&&

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston SC
411 PM EDT Tue Aug 4 2026

GAZ101-042100-
Effingham GA-
411 PM EDT Tue Aug 4 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT EFFINGHAM COUNTY UNTIL 5 PM
EDT...

At 411 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Pineora, moving northeast at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
  Springfield, Rincon, Port Wentworth, Guyton, Stillwell, Pineora,
  Marlow, Ebenezer, Eden and Blandford.

This includes I-16 near mile marker 148.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, TV or your local news
source for the latest information from the National Weather Service.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm. Do not drive
your vehicle through flooded roadways.

&&

LAT...LON 3238 8152 3249 8123 3246 8119 3245 8120
      3242 8120 3239 8118 3238 8118 3234 8116
      3235 8114 3234 8113 3233 8114 3229 8112
      3226 8114 3213 8141 3221 8141 3222 8143
      3231 8145 3233 8147 3233 8149
TIME...MOT...LOC 2011Z 244DEG 18KT 3231 8137

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 TO 55 MPH

NED