Hail and Damaging Winds in South Carolina, May 20, 2008

Name: Hail and Damaging Winds in South Carolina, May 20, 2008
Start: 2008-05-20T16:24
End: 2008-05-20T21:55
Location: South Carolina

May 20, 2008 · NWS CHS · 64 events in 8 counties and zones

A trough of low pressure and a series of upper level disturbances moved into an unstable airmass across southern South Carolina and southeast Georgia, resulting in the development of numerous well organized thunderstorms.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $60,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 64

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS CHS wrote it up.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Charleston, SC wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 20, 2:45 PM EST, 1 hour 39 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 20, 2:45 PM EST, 1 hour 39 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
345 PM EDT TUE MAY 20 2008

.SYNOPSIS...
LOW PRESSURE WILL MOVE OFF THE MID-ATLANTIC COAST THIS EVENING
WHILE A TRAILING COLD FRONT MOVES INTO THE AREA TONIGHT AND THEN
PUSHES THROUGH THE AREA WEDNESDAY. FRONTAL BOUNDARY WILL LINGER
NEAR OR JUST SOUTH OF THE AREA THROUGH EARLY THURSDAY...THEN LIFT
BACK NORTH THROUGH FRIDAY. ANOTHER COLD FRONT WILL MOVE ACROSS
LATE SATURDAY...WITH STRONG HIGH PRESSURE TO BUILD IN EARLY NEXT
WEEK.

&&

.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM WEDNESDAY MORNING/...
UPDATE...SPC HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 329 FOR ALL OF SC AND
JENKINS AND SCREVEN COUNTIES IN SE GA...INCLUDING THE NEARSHORE
COASTAL WATERS.

LOW PRESSURE OVER VA WILL MOVE STEADILY EAST AND OFFSHORE LATER
TODAY AS ITS SUPPORTING SHORTWAVE PIVOTS ACROSS THE OHIO VALLEY.
THE ASSOCIATED COLD FRONT WILL DROP S THROUGH NC AND BE POSITIONED
ACROSS THE SC MIDLANDS AND CSRA THIS EVENING.

INCREASING INSTABILITY AND SOME CONVERGENCE ACROSS THE FRONT AND A
PRE-FRONTAL TROUGH WILL SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCATTERED
THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON ACROSS THE SC MIDLANDS AND UPSTATE
REGION. THIS ACTIVITY WILL TRANSLATE SE TOWARD THE FORECAST AREA
LATER THIS AFTN. THERE WILL LIKELY BE A FAVORABLE
KINEMATIC/THERMODYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT TO SUPPORT STRONG TO POSSIBLY
SOME SEVERE STORMS. LARGE HAIL...DAMAGING WINDS AND TORNADOES ARE
POSSIBLE.

WILL SHOW POPS INCREASING FROM THIS AFTN INTO THIS EVE ACROSS NWRN
AREAS...THEN SPREADING SE TOWARD THE COAST LATER THIS EVE. FAR
EXTREME SE GA AREAS MAY NOT EVEN SEE ANY RAINFALL AS THE ACTIVITY
WILL LIKELY LOSE ITS PUNCH AFTER SUNSET.

TEMPS OVERNIGHT WILL REMAIN MILD DUE TO THE CLOUDS/RAIN...RANGING
FROM THE MID 60S FAR INLAND TO AROUND 70 CLOSER TO THE COAST.

LAKE WINDS...WILL MAINTAIN THE LAKE WIND ADVISORY FOR LAKE
MOULTRIE AS STRONG SW WINDS WILL CONTINUE INTO THIS EVE AHEAD OF
AN APPROACHING COLD FRONT.

THE SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT REGARDING STRONG WINDS ON ELEVATED
SURFACES ACROSS SC THIS AFTN/EVE WILL BE MAINTAINED.

&&

.SHORT TERM /6 AM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH 6 PM WEDNESDAY/...
WILL MAINTAIN THE DRIER PATTERN FOR WED AS ADVERTISED BY THE
WRF...WITH THE FRONT S AND E OF THE AREA. HOWEVER...THERE MAY BE
ENOUGH LOW-LEVEL MOISTURE LEFT AROUND ACROSS SE GA TO WARRANT 20
POPS.

&&

.LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY/...
OMEGA BLOCKING PATTERN WILL ESTABLISH ITSELF ACROSS THE COUNTRY LATE
THIS WEEK INTO EARLY NEXT WEEK...WITH THE MEAN RIDGING ALOFT TO OUR
W AND THE MEAN TROUGH OVER THE LOCAL AREA OR JUST TO THE E. A
COMPLICATED FORECAST SCENARIO SHAPING UP DURING THIS TIME...WITH
FIRST FRONTAL BOUNDARY TO PUSH INTO OR JUST S OF THE CWFA WEDNESDAY
NIGHT/EARLY THURSDAY...THEN LIFTING BACK N LATER THURSDAY/FRIDAY.

A DRY WNW FLOW ALOFT WITH PWATS DOWN UNDER AN INCH WEDNESDAY NIGHT
INTO THURSDAY WILL ALLOW FOR LITTLE IF ANY CHANCE OF PRECIP UNTIL
LATE THURSDAY. HOWEVER...WE ARE LOOKING AT POSSIBLE UNSETTLED
WEATHER FRIDAY INTO SATURDAY AS SHORT WAVE ENERGY AFFECTS THE
REGION...FIRST FROM THE NE GULF FRIDAY...THEN FROM THE NW ON
SATURDAY. IN ADDITION...ANOTHER COLD FRONT COMES IN FROM THE N THE
FIRST PART OF THE WEEKEND. AS PWATS CLIMB TO 1.5 TO 2 INCHES FRIDAY
INTO SATURDAY WE LOOK TOWARD A FAIRLY WET END OF THE WEEK...AND
CHANCE OR EVEN LIKELY POPS SEEM NECESSARY. DRIER AND NOTICEABLY
COOLER CONDITIONS WILL THEN BUILD IN WAKE OF THE BACKDOOR COLD FRONT
FOR EARLY NEXT WEEK.

TEMPS OVER THE WEEKEND MAY STAY IN THE 70S MANY AREAS WHILE NIGHT
TIME LOWS COULD FALL INTO THE 50S.

IT IS WORTH NOTING THAT A CUTOFF MAY DEVELOP NEAR OR NE OF THE
BAHAMAS EARLY NEXT WEEK...WITH POSSIBLY EVEN A SURFACE LOW
ATTEMPTING TO FORM IN RESPONSE BETWEEN THE BAHAMAS AND BERMUDA.
HOWEVER...OUR FORECAST AREA DOES STAY ON THE DRIER W SIDE OF ANY
SUCH SYSTEM...EVEN IF IT DOES INDEED FORM.

&&

.AVIATION /20Z TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
VFR CONDITIONS WILL LIKELY PREVAIL FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS.
HOWEVER...SMOKE FROM A FIRE BURNING ACROSS LIBERTY COUNTY IS
AFFECTING THE KSAV TERM WITH 5SM OF VSBY. WILL HAVE TO INCLUDE
MENTION OF SUCH TO INITIALIZE THE TAFS. AS WINDS BECOME MORE SSW
LATER THIS AFTN...THE SMOKE SHOULD MOVE AWAY FROM THE KSAV TERM.

OTHERWISE...A COLD FRONT WILL DROP SOUTH INTO THE AREA TONIGHT AS
LOW PRESSURE MOVES ACROSS SOUTHERN VIRGINIA. SCATTERED SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS WILL DEVELOP ACROSS THE SC MIDLANDS AND PEE DEE
REGION THIS AFTERNOON AHEAD OF THE FRONT...THEN SLOWLY SINK SOUTH
TO NEAR THE CHS TERMINAL BY THIS EVENING. THE LATEST MODEL
GUIDANCE SUGGESTS THE ACTIVITY WILL AFFECT THE CHS TERM AROUND
03-06Z. HOWEVER...THERE IS LESS OF A CHANCE OF THE ACTIVITY
REACHING THE SAV TERM AND THUS WILL KEEP MENTION OF ANY SH/TSTMS
OUT OF THE TAFS FOR NOW. THE BEST TIMEFRAME FOR IMPACTS AT KSAV
LOOK TO BE A FEW HOURS EITHER SIDE OF 06Z.

GUSTY WINDS UP TO AROUND 28 KT WILL CONTINUE TO IMPACT BOTH TERMS
INTO EARLY THIS EVE. LLWS IS POSSIBLE AT KSAV OVERNIGHT AS SFC
WINDS DROP TO AROUND 7 KT AND 2K FT WINDS INCREASE TO NEARLY 40
KT...THUS INCLUDED MENTION FROM 03-10Z.

EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK...UNSETTLED CONDITIONS THURSDAY NIGHT
THROUGH SATURDAY...WITH PERIODS OF MVFR WEATHER LIKELY DURING THAT
TIME.

&&

.MARINE...
SCA CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED FOR ALL WATERS EXCEPT FOR THE WATERS
OUT 20 NM S OF EDISTO BEACH AS THE PRESSURE GRADIENT REMAINS
STRONG AHEAD OF AN APPROACHING COLD FRONT. AS THE FRONT MOVES INTO
THE AREA OVERNIGHT INTO WED AND THE PRESSURE GRADIENT
WEAKENS...CONDS SHOULD DROP BELOW SCA CRITERIA ACROSS CHS HARBOR
THIS EVE...THEN LASTLY DROP BELOW SCA CRITERIA ACROSS THE GA
WATERS BEYOND 20 NM LATE WED MORNING.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY...THE FRONTAL BOUNDARY ACROSS THE GA
WATERS WEDNESDAY NIGHT WILL DRIFT S THROUGH THE NIGHT...BEFORE
LIFTING BACK N THURSDAY AND FRIDAY. TIMING OF THIS HAPPENING IS
HIGHLY UNCERTAIN AT THIS STAGE...SO WIND SHIFT FROM W-NW BEHIND
THE FRONT THURSDAY NIGHT AROUND TO THE NE AND EVENTUALLY SE AND S
AGAIN AS THE FRONT LIFTS BACK N IS PROBLEMATIC. THANKFULLY...WINDS
WIND GENERALLY BE 15 KT OR LESS DURING THIS TIME...WITH SEAS NO
HIGHER THAN 3-5 FT.

A BACKDOOR COLD FRONT IS THEN FORECAST TO MOVE IN BY LATE
SATURDAY...WITH 1020-1025 MB HIGH TO BUILD IN ITS WAKE FOR SUNDAY
AND MONDAY. IF THIS PATTERN INDEED DOES TAKE SHAPE...THEN WINDS AND
SEAS WILL INCREASE EARLY NEXT WEEK...AS A STRONG PINCHED GRADIENT
WOULD DEVELOP IN SUCH AS SITUATION. THUS...SCA/S SEEM POSSIBLE.

RIP CURRENTS...A MODERATE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS WILL CONTINUE INTO
THIS EVENING ALONG THE LOWER SOUTH CAROLINA COAST DUE TO STRONG
SW WINDS AND THE LUNAR INFLUENCES FROM THE CURRENT FULL MOON.

&&

.CHS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
GA...TORNADO WATCH UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR GAZ087-088.
SC...TORNADO WATCH UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR SCZ040-042>045-
     047>051.
     LAKE WIND ADVISORY UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR SCZ045.
MARINE...TORNADO WATCH UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR AMZ330-350-352.
     SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY UNTIL 5 AM EDT WEDNESDAY FOR AMZ350.
     SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY UNTIL 11 AM EDT WEDNESDAY FOR AMZ374.
     SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR AMZ330.

&&

Hazardous weather outlook, May 20, 3:05 PM EST, 1 hour 19 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
405 PM EDT TUE MAY 20 2008

GAZ099>101-114>116-118-212015-
CANDLER-BULLOCH-EFFINGHAM-TATTNALL-EVANS-INLAND BRYAN-INLAND CHATHAM-
405 PM EDT TUE MAY 20 2008

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHEAST GEORGIA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS...LOW PRESSURE WILL MOVE SOUTH OF NEW ENGLAND
EARLY THROUGH THIS EVENING. THE LOW WILL DRAG A COLD FRONT SOUTH
INTO THE REGION TONIGHT AS IT MOVES OFF EAST AND NORTHEAST. SCATTERED
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP ACROSS THE
AREA LATE THIS AFTERNOON INTO TONIGHT AHEAD OF THE FRONT. THIS
ACTIVITY WILL REACH INTERIOR AREAS OF SOUTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA AND
FAR INLAND SOUTHEAST GEORGIA FROM HILLTONIA TO ALLENDALE TO
WALTERBORO AND JAMESTOWN BY 5 TO 6 PM...THEN WILL MOVE SOUTH
TOWARDS THE CHARLESTON...BEAUFORT...SAVANNAH...SPRINGFIELD...STATESBORO
AND METTER AREAS BY EARLY EVENING. A FEW OF THE STORMS MAY BECOME
SEVERE WITH LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WINDS ALONG WITH FREQUENT
CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING. ISOLATED STORMS COULD ALSO DEVELOP
TORNADOES. AND A TORNADO WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR NEARBY COUNTIES TO
THE NORTH AND WEST THROUGH 11 PM THIS EVENING.

PEOPLE ACROSS SOUTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHEAST GEORGIA
SHOULD CAREFULLY MONITOR WEATHER CONDITIONS THROUGHOUT TONIGHT. THIS
CAN BE DONE THROUGH NOAA WEATHER RADIO ALL HAZARDS...TV YOUR LOCAL
NEWS SOURCE. REMAIN ALERT AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCHES OR WARNINGS BE ISSUED FOR YOUR AREA.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER GROUPS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS SHOULD BE PREPARED
FOR ACTIVATION THROUGH EARLY TONIGHT.

AMZ330-350-352-GAZ087-088-SCZ040-042>044-047-212015-
CHARLESTON HARBOR-
WATERS FROM SOUTH SANTEE RIVER TO EDISTO BEACH SC OUT 20 NM-
WATERS FROM EDISTO BEACH SC TO SAVANNAH GA OUT 20 NM-JENKINS-SCREVEN-
ALLENDALE-HAMPTON-INLAND COLLETON-DORCHESTER-INLAND JASPER-
405 PM EDT TUE MAY 20 2008

...TORNADO WATCH 329 IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR ATLANTIC COASTAL
WATERS...SOUTHEAST GEORGIA AND SOUTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   TORNADO WATCH.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER GROUPS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS SHOULD BE PREPARED
FOR ACTIVATION THROUGH EARLY TONIGHT.

SCZ045-212015-
BERKELEY-
405 PM EDT TUE MAY 20 2008

...LAKE WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR
LAKE MOULTRIE...
...TORNADO WATCH 329 IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   LAKE WIND ADVISORY.
   TORNADO WATCH.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER GROUPS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS SHOULD BE PREPARED
FOR ACTIVATION THROUGH EARLY TONIGHT.

SCZ048>051-212015-
BEAUFORT-COASTAL COLLETON-CHARLESTON-COASTAL JASPER-
405 PM EDT TUE MAY 20 2008

...TORNADO WATCH 329 IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
...MODERATE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS THROUGH THIS EVENING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   TORNADO WATCH.

RIP CURRENTS...BREEZY SOUTHWEST WINDS COMBINED WITH INFLUENCES
FROM THE FULL MOON WILL PRODUCE A MODERATE RISK FOR RIP CURRENTS
ALONG THE BEACHES OF SOUTH COASTAL SOUTH CAROLINA TODAY. A
MODERATE RISK FOR RIP CURRENTS MEANS WIND AND OR WAVE CONDITIONS
SUPPORT STRONGER OR MORE FREQUENT RIP CURRENTS. ONLY EXPERIENCED
SURF SWIMMERS THAT KNOW HOW TO ESCAPE A RIP CURRENT SHOULD ENTER
THE WATER.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER GROUPS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS SHOULD BE PREPARED
FOR ACTIVATION THROUGH EARLY TONIGHT.

AMZ354-374-GAZ117-119-137>141-212015-
WATERS FROM SAVANNAH GA TO ALTAMAHA SOUND GA OUT 20 NM...INCLUDING
GRAYS REEF NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY-
WATERS FROM SAVANNAH GA TO ALTAMAHA SOUND GA EXTENDING FROM 20 TO
60 NM-COASTAL BRYAN-COASTAL CHATHAM-LONG-INLAND LIBERTY-
COASTAL LIBERTY-INLAND MCINTOSH-COASTAL MCINTOSH-
405 PM EDT TUE MAY 20 2008

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR ATLANTIC COASTAL WATERS AND
SOUTHEAST GEORGIA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

33

The radar

The Charleston,SC radar (KCLX), 47 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:24 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

44 hail, 17 thunderstorm wind, 2 lightning, 1 funnel cloud. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Colleton

When: May 20, 4:24 PM EST
Where: Colleton County, H and B Jct
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.070, -80.950

Penny size hail was reported by a trained weather spotter.

Hail, Colleton

When: May 20, 4:25 PM EST to 4:26 PM EST
Where: Colleton County, H and B Jct
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.070, -80.950

A trained weather spotter reported that quarter size hail fell for one minute.

Thunderstorm Wind, Colleton

When: May 20, 4:25 PM EST
Where: Colleton County, H and B Jct
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.070, -80.950

A trained weather spotter reported trees knocked down on a power line resulting in a 4 hour power outage in Lodge, South Carolina.

Hail, Colleton

When: May 20, 4:31 PM EST to 4:35 PM EST
Where: Colleton County, 0.9 mi NW of Smoaks
Measured: 3 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.090, -80.810

A trained weather spotter reported a few hailstones as large as 3 inches in diameter, although most of the hail that fell was about the size of a quarter.

Hail, Colleton

When: May 20, 4:32 PM EST to 4:35 PM EST
Where: Colleton County, 0.9 mi NW of Smoaks
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.090, -80.810

A trained weather spotter reported golf ball size hail and estimated wind gusts of 40 to 45 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Colleton

When: May 20, 4:40 PM EST
Where: Colleton County, 1.16 mi W of Ruffin
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $8,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.000, -80.820

Several trees were reported down and a shed was destroyed on the 13000 block of Mount Carmel Road near Highway 21 in Ruffin, South Carolina.

Hail, Colleton

When: May 20, 4:56 PM EST to 4:57 PM EST
Where: Colleton County, 0.69 mi N of Cottageville
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.940, -80.480

A trained weather spotter reported quarter size hail in Cottageville, South Carolina.

Hail, Dorchester

When: May 20, 5:13 PM EST
Where: Dorchester County, Summerville
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.020, -80.180

A trained weather spotter reported quarter size hail at the intersection of Highway 17A and 61.

Hail, Dorchester

When: May 20, 5:15 PM EST to 5:17 PM EST
Where: Dorchester County, 0.9 mi SW of Givhans
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 33.010, -80.340

Golf ball size hail was reported in Givhans, South Carolina.

Hail, Dorchester

When: May 20, 5:18 PM EST to 5:20 PM EST
Where: Dorchester County, 0.9 mi SW of Knightsville
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.010, -80.240

A trained weather spotter reported golf ball size hail in Knightsville, South Carolina.

Hail, Dorchester

When: May 20, 5:19 PM EST to 5:20 PM EST
Where: Dorchester County, Summerville
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 33.020, -80.180

A National Weather Service employee reported quarter size hail in Summerville, South Carolina.

Hail, Dorchester

When: May 20, 5:20 PM EST to 5:30 PM EST
Where: Dorchester County, 0.9 mi SW of Knightsville
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.010, -80.240

A trained weather spotter reported that penny size hail fell for 10 minutes.

Hail, Dorchester

When: May 20, 5:20 PM EST to 5:21 PM EST
Where: Dorchester County, Summerville
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.020, -80.180

A trained weather spotter reported quarter size hail in Summerville, South Carolina.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dorchester

When: May 20, 5:20 PM EST
Where: Dorchester County, Summerville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.020, -80.180

A 40 foot maple tree was reported down in Summerville, South Carolina.

Hail, Dorchester

When: May 20, 5:22 PM EST to 5:23 PM EST
Where: Dorchester County, 0.9 mi SW of Givhans
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.010, -80.340

An amateur radio operator reported quarter size hail and 3 to 4 inch diameter trees being snapped at the base of the trunk in Givhans, South Carolina.

Hail, Dorchester

When: May 20, 5:23 PM EST to 5:24 PM EST
Where: Dorchester County, 2.37 mi SSE of Summerville
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.990, -80.160

A trained weather spotter reported penny size hail 3 miles west of Ladson, South Carolina.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dorchester

When: May 20, 5:25 PM EST
Where: Dorchester County, 1.87 mi ESE of Slandsville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.970, -80.200

A trained weather spotter reported 6 inch diameter tree limbs were knocked down by strong winds at the intersection of Highway 61 and 165.

Hail, Charleston

When: May 20, 5:30 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, 4.05 mi WSW of Ladson
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.950, -80.160

A trained weather spotter reported ping pong ball size hail and estimated 70 mph winds at the intersection of Dorchester Road and Ladson Road.

Hail, Berkeley

When: May 20, 5:31 PM EST
Where: Berkeley County, 2.7 mi SW of Carnes Xrd
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.040, -80.130

A trained weather spotter reported quarter size hail in Sangaree, South Carolina.

Hail, Charleston

When: May 20, 5:31 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, Charleston Hgts
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.850, -79.970

A trained weather spotter reported golf ball size hail in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Hail, Dorchester

When: May 20, 5:32 PM EST
Where: Dorchester County, 1.16 mi E of Knightsville
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.020, -80.210

A trained weather spotter reported nickel size hail 2 miles west of Summerville, South Carolina.

Hail, Dorchester

When: May 20, 5:33 PM EST
Where: Dorchester County, Summerville
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.020, -80.180

A trained weather spotter reported quarter size hail in Summerville, South Carolina.

Hail, Charleston

When: May 20, 5:35 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, 0.58 mi E of Midland Park
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.920, -80.020

Penny size hail was reported in Hanahan, South Carolina.

Lightning, Berkeley

When: May 20, 5:35 PM EST
Where: Berkeley County, 0.58 mi E of Moncks Corner
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.200, -80.010

A trained weather spotter reported some minor damage to a home after lightning struck it.

Hail, Charleston

When: May 20, 5:36 PM EST to 5:38 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, Charleston Hgts
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 32.850, -79.970

A National Weather Service employee reported nickel size hail in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Hail, Charleston

When: May 20, 5:36 PM EST to 5:38 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, 1.38 mi N of Navy Yard
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.900, -79.970

A trained weather spotter reported pea to golf ball size hail, gusty winds, and fallen tree branches in the Spring Valley mobile home park.

Hail, Charleston

When: May 20, 5:37 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, Charleston Hgts
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.850, -79.970

A trained weather spotter reported nickel size hail in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Hail, Charleston

When: May 20, 5:38 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, Charleston Hgts
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.850, -79.970

A trained weather spotter reported nickel to quarter size hail in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Thunderstorm Wind, Charleston

When: May 20, 5:39 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, Charleston Hgts
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.850, -79.970

A trained weather spotter estimated wind gusts of 60 mph in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Hail, Charleston

When: May 20, 5:43 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, Charleston Hgts
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.850, -79.970

A trained weather spotter reported quarter size hail in the Park Circle area of North Charleston, South Carolina.

Hail, Charleston

When: May 20, 5:44 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, Charleston Hgts
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.850, -79.970

A trained weather spotter reported golf ball size hail on the Don Holt Bridge in Charleston, South Carolina.

Hail, Berkeley

When: May 20, 5:46 PM EST to 5:48 PM EST
Where: Berkeley County, 0.69 mi N of Remleys
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: County Official
Coordinates: 32.880, -79.900

A county official reported golf ball size hail in Daniel Island, South Carolina.

Hail, Berkeley

When: May 20, 5:49 PM EST to 5:50 PM EST
Where: Berkeley County, 0.69 mi N of Remleys
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.880, -79.900

A trained weather spotter reported slightly larger than quarter size hail in Daniel Island, South Carolina.

Hail, Charleston

When: May 20, 5:50 PM EST to 5:55 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, 2.22 mi NW of Philip
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.900, -79.830

Golf ball size hail was reported in the Dunes West Subdivision. The hail lasted 5 minutes.

Hail, Charleston

When: May 20, 5:52 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, 0.58 mi W of Snowden
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.830, -79.840

A trained weather spotter reported quarter size hail 3 miles north-northeast of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

Hail, Charleston

When: May 20, 5:55 PM EST to 5:57 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, 2.22 mi NW of Snowden
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.850, -79.860

A trained weather spotter reported slightly larger than quarter size hail at the Jones Recreation Center off of Egypt Road in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

Hail, Charleston

When: May 20, 5:55 PM EST to 5:57 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, 1.87 mi WNW of Philip
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.890, -79.830

Golf ball sized hail was reported near the East Cooper Airport in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

Hail, Charleston

When: May 20, 5:57 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, 0.69 mi S of Snowden
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.820, -79.830

A trained weather spotter reported nickel size hail on Rifle Range Road in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

Hail, Charleston

When: May 20, 6:05 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, 1.35 mi WSW of Ten Mile
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.870, -79.750

A trained weather spotter reported golf ball size hail in the Whitehall Terrace Subdivision.

Thunderstorm Wind, Allendale

When: May 20, 6:10 PM EST
Where: Allendale County, 0.9 mi NW of Allendale
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 33.010, -81.310

Numerous trees were reported down in various locations in and around Allendale, South Carolina.

Hail, Allendale

When: May 20, 6:20 PM EST
Where: Allendale County, 0.9 mi NW of Allendale
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.010, -81.310

Quarter size hail was reported in Allendale, South Carolina.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hampton

When: May 20, 6:30 PM EST
Where: Hampton County, 0.9 mi NW of Brunson
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.930, -81.190

A trained weather spotter reported three downed trees and numerous downed tree limbs on Prince Williams Road in Brunson, South Carolina.

Thunderstorm Wind, Berkeley

When: May 20, 6:40 PM EST
Where: Berkeley County, 0.58 mi E of Moncks Corner
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $7,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.200, -80.010

A trained weather spotter reported a tree knocked down on a house in Shamrock Court on the north side of Moncks Corner, South Carolina.

Hail, Colleton

When: May 20, 6:44 PM EST
Where: Colleton County, 4.06 mi W of Walterboro
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.900, -80.720

A trained weather spotter reported nickel size hail 3 miles west of Walterboro, South Carolina.

Lightning, Berkeley

When: May 20, 6:46 PM EST
Where: Berkeley County, Alvin
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: County Official
Coordinates: 33.350, -79.820

A county official reported that lightning struck a home on Dessa Lane in Alvin, South Carolina.

Hail, Colleton

When: May 20, 6:50 PM EST
Where: Colleton County, 4.06 mi W of Walterboro
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.900, -80.720

A trained weather spotter reported nickel size hail 4 miles west of Walterboro, South Carolina.

Funnel Cloud, Colleton

When: May 20, 6:53 PM EST
Where: Colleton County, 1.16 mi W of Walterboro
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.900, -80.670

A funnel cloud was reported in Walterboro, South Carolina.

Hail, Colleton

When: May 20, 7:04 PM EST
Where: Colleton County, 1.16 mi W of Walterboro
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.900, -80.670

A trained weather spotter reported nickel size hail on State Route 303 in Walterboro, South Carolina.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jasper

When: May 20, 7:05 PM EST
Where: Jasper County, 0.69 mi N of Gillisonville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $9,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.610, -81.000

The emergency manager of Jasper County reported that a tree was knocked down through a mobile home and many other trees were downed on Highway 278 between Gillisonville and the county line.

Thunderstorm Wind, Beaufort

When: May 20, 7:15 PM EST
Where: Beaufort County, 0.9 mi SW of Gardens Corner
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $100
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.590, -80.760

Several 2 inch diameter tree limbs were reported down on Route 21.

Thunderstorm Wind, Beaufort

When: May 20, 7:15 PM EST
Where: Beaufort County, 0.58 mi W of Sheldon
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.600, -80.790

The Beaufort County Emergency Manger reported two trees knocked down and needed to be cleared off a highway near Sheldon, South Carolina.

Thunderstorm Wind, Colleton

When: May 20, 7:15 PM EST
Where: Colleton County, 4.16 mi NW of Ritter
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $8,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.830, -80.670

A trained weather spotter reported numerous downed 4 inch tree limbs and a bent over 30 foot tall radio tower 5 miles south of Walterboro, South Carolina.

Thunderstorm Wind, Beaufort

When: May 20, 7:15 PM EST
Where: Beaufort County, Sheldon
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.600, -80.780

Numerous trees and power lines were reported down in and around Sheldon, South Carolina.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jasper

When: May 20, 7:30 PM EST
Where: Jasper County, 0.69 mi N of Gillisonville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.610, -81.000

A trained weather spotter reported a tree down at the intersection of Highway 278 and 462.

Hail, Charleston

When: May 20, 7:35 PM EST to 7:37 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, Johns Is
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.800, -80.120

Golf ball size hail was reported near the intersection of Main Road and Highway 17.

Hail, Charleston

When: May 20, 7:38 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, 2.71 mi SW of Morris Acres
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.720, -80.130

A trained weather spotter reported penny size hail 3 miles west of Johns Island, South Carolina.

Hail, Charleston

When: May 20, 7:45 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, 1.81 mi NE of James Is
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 32.750, -79.910

An amateur radio operator reported quarter size hail near the intersection of Fort Johnson Road and Folly Road.

Hail, Charleston

When: May 20, 7:45 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, 0.58 mi W of Charleston
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.780, -79.940

A trained weather spotter reported quarter size hail near MUSC in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. Wind gusts were also estimated at 45 mph.

Hail, Charleston

When: May 20, 7:45 PM EST to 7:47 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, Johns Is
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 32.800, -80.120

A report of golf ball size hail near Red Top, South Carolina was relayed by the broadcast media.

Thunderstorm Wind, Charleston

When: May 20, 7:50 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, James Is
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 32.730, -79.930

An amateur radio operator reported several 4 to 5 inch diameter tree limbs down on George Griffin Road in James Island, South Carolina.

Hail, Charleston

When: May 20, 7:51 PM EST to 7:53 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, James Is
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.730, -79.930

A trained weather spotter reported dime to quarter size hail covering the ground in James Island, South Carolina.

Thunderstorm Wind, Charleston

When: May 20, 7:55 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, 1.35 mi WSW of Edisto Is
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.560, -80.300

Several trees were reported down on Oyster Factory Road and Fishing Creek Road on Edisto Island.

Hail, Charleston

When: May 20, 7:56 PM EST to 8:01 PM EST
Where: Charleston County, James Is
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.730, -79.930

A trained weather spotter observed nickel size hail for 5 minutes at James Island Town Hall.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hampton

When: May 20, 9:55 PM EST
Where: Hampton County, 0.58 mi W of Nixville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $100
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.750, -81.160

A trained weather spotter reported several 2 to 3 inch diameter tree limbs down near Nixville, South Carolina.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Lightning: A lightning strike that killed, injured or caused damage.
Funnel Cloud: A rotating column of cloud extending from a thunderstorm that did not reach the ground.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in South Carolina in 2008 Every state in 2008 This day in weather history Warnings in South Carolina, May 2008

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 95270, 95271, 95867, 95273, 95275, 95868, 95277, 95278, 95279, 95280, 95281, 95282, 95283, 95869, 95284, 95285, 95870, 95286, 95287, 95288, 95289, 95290, 95291, 95865, 95292, 95293, 95294, 95295, 95904, 95296, 95297, 95298, 95299, 95300, 95301, 95304, 95305, 95307, 95309, 95871, and more.