Strong moisture convergence, moderate instability and upper-level diffluence between low pressure inland and high pressure offshore led to a favorable environment for strong thunderstorms.
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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.
The episode as NWS CHS wrote it up.
Strong moisture convergence, moderate instability and upper-level diffluence between low pressure inland and high pressure offshore led to a favorable environment for strong thunderstorms.
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 Aug 2, 3:07 PM EST, 3 hours 42 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Charleston SC 407 PM EDT Thu Aug 2 2018 .SYNOPSIS... Unsettled conditions will persist through Friday as the region remains situated between high pressure offshore and an inland trough of low pressure. Atlantic high pressure will build in for the weekend, before another inland trough develops during the early and middle parts of next week. && .NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM FRIDAY MORNING/... The mid-levels consist of a ridge over the Atlantic while a trough stretches from the Great Lakes region southwards into the northern Gulf of Mexico. At the surface, the Bermuda high is in place to our east while a stationary front and trough is to our west. These features will keep ushering southerly flow into the region. PWATs are forecasted to remain on the higher end of the climo scale for early August, ranging from 2-2.25". The convective potential through sunset compares to the past few days. Scattered to widespread showers and thunderstorms will persist, then gradually dissipate this evening. The highest POPs remain inland, closer to the best lift. SPC mesoanalysis shows MLCAPEs in the 2,000-2,500 J/kg range along with decent low level lapse rates across portions of our area. However, DCAPEs are only a few hundred and shear isn't impressive. With that said, the strongest storm could produce a strong wind gust. An isolated severe with damaging winds due to precipitation loading remains possible until this evening, mainly inland. Lone storms continue to move fast enough and the lines are drifting inland at a decent pace to limit the flooding potential. However, if training persist in an area areal flooding is a big concern, especially considering the already soaked ground. Overnight the CAMs still hint at a chance of showers and thunderstorms. But the timing and location varies with each CAM. Hence, the overnight POP forecast will need to be tweaked based on radar and model trends. && .SHORT TERM /6 AM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY/... Friday: An unsettled weather pattern will persist over the Southeast United States as the area remains positioned between high pressure over the western Atlantic and a trough of low pressure inland. A southwest flow between these two features will continue to advect deep moisture to the area while an onshore sfc wind also draws moisture from the Atlantic. Much like the past several days, the morning should start off with coastal showers/thunderstorms that shift onshore, especially along much of the Southeast South Carolina coast. PWATs around 2.0 inches along with SBCAPE around 1250 J/kg suggest a localized heavy rainfall threat with the potential for minor flooding, starting off in the Quad County area early before shifting inland. Precip activity should trend westward through the afternoon as a seabreeze circulation develops and shifts inland with most areas experiencing scattered to numerous showers/thunderstorms by late afternoon. A stronger and/or briefly severe thunderstorm can not be ruled out during peak heating, but the overall threat will remain low. In general, high temps should reach the upper 80s for most areas. Models indicate a Tutt Low shifting north off the Mid-Atlantic coast late in the day, which should allow the Atlantic ridge to begin building over the Southeast by early night. Given the expected trend, a slightly quicker end to shower/thunderstorm activity should occur during the evening and/or early night hours. Low temps should range in the mid/upper 70s, coolest inland. Saturday and Sunday: High pressure will strengthen over the western Atlantic this weekend, building across the Southeast United States and presenting a much more typical summertime environment than experienced over the past several days. The bulk of deeper moisture will shift inland and perhaps just north of the region, leading to noticeably less shower and thunderstorm coverage through late weekend into early next week. However, a slight chance to chance of showers/thunderstorms will remain possible, mainly along an inland moving seabreeze each afternoon. Given the building ridge aloft, 1000-850mb thicknesses will be marginally greater and suggest overall high temps peaking in the lower 90s away from the immediate coast. Overnight periods should be rain free for most locations with lows temps ranging in the low/mid 70s inland to upper 70s near the coast. && .LONG TERM /SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY/... Mid and upper ridging overhead early next week will drop S into the middle of next week, as various short waves help to establish a broad trough over much of the eastern half of the country. Similarly at the surface the Atlantic ridge is bumped S-SE as a lee-side trough develops. Moisture is limited by a deep offshore flow, but should be sufficient enough to combine with lift from the sea breeze and nearby trough, and typical summer instability to produce at least a chance of showers and t-storms through the period. A slight downslope component of winds and H8 temps as high as 19-20C will support max temps at least in the lower 90s each day. && .AVIATION /20Z THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/... 18Z TAFs: Showers and thunderstorms will impact both TAF sites this afternoon. The areal coverage will be high enough that we have TEMPO MVFR in both TAFs. Though, adjustments will likely be made with the timing based on future radar trends. This evening the coverage will decrease, so we are indicating VCTS transitioning into VCSH. It's possible brief MVFR may occur overnight and towards the end of the TAF period. But confidence is too low to include this as a prevailing group at this time. Extended Aviation Outlook: Flight restrictions are possible at both CHS and SAV terminals Friday for occasional heavy rains and gusty winds within scattered showers/thunderstorms. VFR conditions should then prevail Saturday through Monday as high pressure builds over the area, but an afternoon shower and/or thunderstorm will remain possible each day and could produce brief flight restrictions. && .MARINE... Tonight: The coastal waters will remain sandwiched between high pressure offshore and an inland trough. Expect southerly winds maxing out ~15 kt. Seas will average 2-4 ft. Friday through Tuesday: The area will remain along the western edge of high pressure to start off the weekend with south/southeast winds generally remaining at or below 10-15 kt outside shower/thunderstorm activity. Southerly winds should gradually decrease and remain around 10 kt or less late this weekend and early next week as the Atlantic high builds over the coastal waters and dominates the weather pattern. Shower and thunderstorm coverage should also become noticeably less as well late this weekend into early next week. Waterspouts: Given lighter wind fields there appears to be some potential for isolated waterspouts each morning from Saturday through Monday. && .CHS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... GA...None. SC...None. MARINE...None. && NEAR TERM... SHORT TERM... LONG TERM... AVIATION... MARINE...
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Charleston SC 342 PM EDT Thu Aug 2 2018 GAZ087-088-099>101-114>119-137>141-SCZ040-042>045-047>052-031945- Jenkins-Screven-Candler-Bulloch-Effingham-Tattnall-Evans- Inland Bryan-Coastal Bryan-Inland Chatham-Coastal Chatham-Long- Inland Liberty-Coastal Liberty-Inland McIntosh-Coastal McIntosh- Allendale-Hampton-Inland Colleton-Dorchester-Inland Berkeley- Inland Jasper-Beaufort-Coastal Colleton-Charleston-Coastal Jasper- Tidal Berkeley- 342 PM EDT Thu Aug 2 2018 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Flooding: Abundant tropical moisture could lead to heavy rainfall and localized flooding. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday. Flooding: Abundant tropical moisture could lead to heavy rainfall and localized flooding on Friday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Please relay any reports of hazardous weather including, but not limited to large hail, damaging winds and flooding to the National Weather Service in Charleston at 1-888-383-2024. AMZ330-350-352-354-374-031945- 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- 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- 342 PM EDT Thu Aug 2 2018 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Atlantic coastal waters. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Please relay any reports of hazardous weather including, but not limited to large hail, damaging winds and flooding to the National Weather Service in Charleston at 1-888-383-2024.
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
602 PM EDT THU AUG 02 2018
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0507 PM HEAVY RAIN 5 NNW HOPEULIKIT 32.59N 81.87W
08/02/2018 E0.00 INCH BULLOCH GA EMERGENCY MNGR
SEABURN VICKERY ROAD WASHED OUT DUE TO SMALL POND DAM
BREAK.
&&
EVENT NUMBER CHS1800661
JMCPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
607 PM EDT THU AUG 02 2018
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0409 PM TSTM WND DMG STATESBORO 32.45N 81.78W
08/02/2018 BULLOCH GA BROADCAST MEDIA
SEVERAL TREES REPORTED DOWN AROUND STATESBORO. TIME
ESTIMATED BASED ON RADAR.
&&
EVENT NUMBER CHS1800662
JMCSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston SC
618 PM EDT THU AUG 2 2018
GAZ100-101-118-SCZ047-022245-
Bulloch-Effingham-Inland Chatham-Inland Jasper-
618 PM EDT THU AUG 2 2018
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF BULLOCH...
EFFINGHAM...CHATHAM AND JASPER COUNTIES...
At 618 PM EDT, National Weather Service doppler radar indicated
strong thunderstorms along a line extending from Egypt to near
Burroughs, and moving northeast at 45 mph.
HAZARD...strong winds 45 to 55 mph and excessive cloud to ground
lightning.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects. All outdoor activities should
cease. Move indoors immediately.
Some locations in the path of these storms include...
Savannah, Pooler, Springfield, I-16/I-95 Interchange, Rincon, Garden
City, Port Wentworth and Bloomingdale.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas. Do not drive your
vehicle through flooded roadways.
Report damage directly to the Charleston National Weather Service at
1-888-383-2024 when it is safe to do so. You can also email your
report to nws.charlestonsc@noaa.gov.
&&
LAT...LON 3259 8139 3251 8123 3235 8114 3208 8109
3196 8128 3209 8138 3216 8141 3221 8141
3224 8144 3224 8145 3249 8156
TIME...MOT...LOC 2218Z 205DEG 40KT 3248 8147 3202 8126
NEDSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston SC
640 PM EDT THU AUG 2 2018
GAZ101-SCZ047-048-051-022330-
Effingham-Inland Jasper-Coastal Jasper-Beaufort-
640 PM EDT THU AUG 2 2018
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF EFFINGHAM...BEAUFORT
AND JASPER COUNTIES...
At 640 PM EDT, National Weather Service doppler radar indicated
strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Garnett to
Purysburgh, and moving northeast at 45 mph.
HAZARD...strong winds 45 to 55 mph and excessive cloud to ground
lightning.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects. All outdoor activities should
cease. Move indoors immediately.
Some locations in the path of these storms include...
Ridgeland, Jasper, Hardeeville, Grahamville, Coosawhatchie, Lemon
Island, Tarboro and Grays.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas. Do not drive your
vehicle through flooded roadways.
Report damage directly to the Charleston National Weather Service at
1-888-383-2024 when it is safe to do so. You can also email your
report to nws.charlestonsc@noaa.gov.
&&
LAT...LON 3274 8102 3234 8077 3219 8111 3238 8116
3255 8128
TIME...MOT...LOC 2240Z 219DEG 37KT 3256 8125 3232 8110
NEDSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston SC
711 PM EDT THU AUG 2 2018
SCZ040-042-047-030000-
Allendale-Inland Jasper-Hampton-
711 PM EDT THU AUG 2 2018
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF HAMPTON AND ALLENDALE
COUNTIES...
At 711 PM EDT, National Weather Service doppler radar indicated
strong thunderstorms along a line extending from Barton to near
Cummings, and moving northeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD...strong winds 45 to 55 mph and excessive cloud to ground
lightning.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects. All outdoor activities should
cease. Move indoors immediately.
Some locations in the path of these storms include...
Allendale, Hampton, Yemassee, Lake Warren State Park, Varnville,
Estill, Fairfax and Brunson.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas. Do not drive your
vehicle through flooded roadways.
Report damage directly to the Charleston National Weather Service at
1-888-383-2024 when it is safe to do so. You can also email your
report to nws.charlestonsc@noaa.gov.
&&
LAT...LON 3312 8120 3270 8083 3261 8092 3276 8102
3265 8115 3288 8141
TIME...MOT...LOC 2311Z 217DEG 31KT 3290 8129 3275 8106
NEDSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston SC
742 PM EDT THU AUG 2 2018
SCZ043-030030-
Inland Colleton-
742 PM EDT THU AUG 2 2018
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF COLLETON COUNTY...
At 742 PM EDT, National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a
strong thunderstorm over Ruffin, or 11 miles northwest of Walterboro,
moving northeast at 55 mph.
HAZARD...strong winds 45 to 55 mph and excessive cloud to ground
lightning.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects. All outdoor activities should
cease. Move indoors immediately.
Some locations in the path of this storm include...
Walterboro, Colleton, Smoaks, Lodge, Williams, Islandton, Ruffin and
Padgetts.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas. Do not drive your
vehicle through flooded roadways.
Report damage directly to the Charleston National Weather Service at
1-888-383-2024 when it is safe to do so. You can also email your
report to nws.charlestonsc@noaa.gov.
&&
LAT...LON 3315 8070 3311 8067 3307 8062 3306 8058
3307 8053 3305 8048 3272 8082 3282 8090
3283 8090 3288 8095 3303 8108 3310 8095
3306 8090 3309 8088 3313 8089 3318 8079
TIME...MOT...LOC 2342Z 217DEG 49KT 3299 8083
NEDThe Charleston,SC radar (KCLX), 37 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 23:47 UTC.
1 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
A tree was reported down near the intersection of Springhill Road and White Hall Road.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in South Carolina in 2018Every state in 2018This day in weather historyWarnings in South Carolina, August 2018
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 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 777553.