Scattered to numerous thunderstorms developed in the early afternoon hours across southern and southeastern Georgia. These thunderstorms developed in the vicinity of a nearby front and eventually evolved into a line of thunderstorms as they progressed eastward through the late afternoon hours.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
Scattered to numerous thunderstorms developed in the early afternoon hours across southern and southeastern Georgia. These thunderstorms developed in the vicinity of a nearby front and eventually evolved into a line of thunderstorms as they progressed eastward through the late afternoon hours. The thunderstorms produced numerous reports of severe weather across southeast Georgia, the majority of which were damaging wind gusts.
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 23, 1:00 PM EST, 2 hours 11 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Charleston SC 200 PM EDT Mon May 23 2022 .SYNOPSIS... Warm and humid conditions along with a few fronts will maintain unsettled weather across the area through much of the week. Drier conditions could then return next weekend. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/... This Afternoon: An area of low pressure will continue to shift north- northeast across northern Georgia and eventually into the South Carolina Upstate and western North Carolina while much of the region remains along the edge of high pressure centered across the western Atlantic. Low-lvl convergence associated with this departing low should help initiate/produce additional showers/thunderstorms south of its center, remaining just inland to the local area through early afternoon. Further south, a weaker zone of convergence depicted via sfc obs and visible satellite imagery should promote new shower and thunderstorm development across central and south-central Georgia, with activity eventually reaching inland most locations mid-late afternoon. Ahead of convection, sfc heating continues with breaks in cloud cover (high temps nearing mid-upper 80s). Although mid-lvl lapse rates are somewhat weak, southerly sfc winds will continue to draw moisture into the region with most areas exhibiting dewpts in the the lower 70s and PWATs approaching 1.75 inches. MLCAPE ranging between 1500-2000 J/kg combined with 35-40 kt low-mid lvl flow should support at least the potential for some stronger convection, perhaps severe across inland zones where the combination of instability and shear are most favorable. Isolated instances of damaging winds will be the primary concern along with brief heavy rainfall with convection moving into the region. Some hail is also possible given 800-900 J/kg -10 to -30C CAPE. By the time the bulk of convection reaches inland counties, wind profiles become more unidirectional and less likely to produce a tornado threat to the local area, especially given the displacement of backing sfc winds well north-northwest of the area in closer proximity to the departing sfc low. However, should a few thunderstorms develop ahead of this anticipated cluster/line, the tornado threat remains non- zero for the next few hours. Hi-res models still indicate a cluster/broken line of showers and thunderstorms progressing east- northeast into the area late afternoon through early evening, but in a rather weakening state as the bulk of favorable convergence remains west and northwest of the local area with departing low pressure center. However, sufficient instability and modest shear along with any cold pooling could push convection to the I-95 corridor in an enhanced state with a damaging wind and heavy rain concern, before a weakening trend is favored due to diurnal heat loss. Tonight: Any lingering showers and thunderstorms dissipate in intensity and coverage through the evening. After midnight, dry conditions are anticipated. Lows should again be in the upper 60s to low 70s for most areas. && .SHORT TERM /TUESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/... A cold front just north of the SC Lowcountry Tuesday could move south into northern portions of the Lowcountry Tuesday night before shifting back north Wednesday as southerly flow increases ahead of an approaching cold front to the west. This secondary cold front should remain west of the area through Thursday. Shortwave energy and plentiful moisture will support higher than normal rain chances into Tuesday evening, especially inland where an inch or more is possible. Should see lower rain chances/amounts the rest of Tuesday night into early Thursday before increasing again well inland later Thursday as the cold front nears. Fortunately, the lack of strong deep layer shear most of the time will preclude much organized convection but certainly can't rule out a few severe storms, especially Tuesday and Thursday. Probably the slightly bigger threat though is localized flash flooding due to heavy rainfall. Temperatures should mainly stay near to above normal. && .LONG TERM /THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY/... The SC Lowcountry/GA Coastal Empire should be in the warm sector ahead of an approaching cold front which should arrive late Thursday night and/or Friday. Should see a good chance for showers/storms from late Thursday (mainly well inland) into Friday (likely ending later in the day inland). The front should push offshore Friday night with slightly cooler/drier conditions for at least part of the weekend. By the end of the weekend into early next week we could see the stalled front offshore shift back inland leading to some rain chances once again. Temperatures should generally stay near to above normal through the period. && .AVIATION /18Z MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/... VFR conditions should prevail through 18Z Tuesday at CHS/JZI/SAV terminals. However, showers and thunderstorms could impact all terminals this evening, which could temporarily produce MVFR/IFR or potentially lower conditions. At this time, shower/thunderstorm activity has been delayed until at least 21Z, where VCTS has been included at all TAF sites for a few hours. Should trends become more favorable, TEMPO groups for thunderstorms will likely be needed. Extended Aviation Outlook: Periodic restrictions possible Tuesday and again Thursday night into Friday as a few fronts impact the area. Could also see a bit better chance for at least MVFR ceilings Tuesday night into Wednesday, especially at KCHS/KJZI which will be closer to a stalled front. Breezy conditions will also be possible Thursday. && .MARINE... This Afternoon through Tonight: Southerly winds will prevail this afternoon, with speeds mostly in the 10-15 kt range. Some enhancement is expected along the land/sea interface this afternoon/evening, with gusts around 20 kt at times. Overnight, winds will remain southerly with speeds averaging 10-15 kt. Seas will range between 2-3 ft through the period. Tuesday through Saturday: A cold front may move south into the Charleston County waters Tuesday night before shifting back north ahead of another cold front which should push through at least the nearshore waters Friday night. Conditions overall should remain below Small Craft Advisory levels although can't rule out marginal SCA conditions in Charleston Harbor Thursday and maybe the offshore GA waters Thursday night. && .CHS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... GA...None. SC...None. MARINE...None. && NEAR TERM...DPB SHORT TERM...RJB LONG TERM...RJB AVIATION...DPB/RJB MARINE...DPB/RJB
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Charleston SC 342 PM EDT Mon May 23 2022 GAZ116>119-137>141-SCZ048-050-241945- Inland Bryan-Coastal Bryan-Inland Chatham-Coastal Chatham-Long- Inland Liberty-Coastal Liberty-Inland McIntosh-Coastal McIntosh- Beaufort-Charleston- 342 PM EDT Mon May 23 2022 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Severe Thunderstorms: Thunderstorms are expected to move in from the west and impact the area through the evening. Thunderstorms will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts and hail. While the threat for severe weather will exist across the entire area, the highest risk is expected to remain inland where a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is currently in effect until 11 PM EDT. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Heavy Rainfall: Showers and thunderstorms producing heavy rainfall may lead to localized flooding across the region Tuesday into Tuesday evening. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter assistance is not anticipated at this time. GAZ087-088-099>101-114-115-SCZ040-042>045-047-049-051-052-241945- Jenkins-Screven-Candler-Bulloch-Effingham-Tattnall-Evans-Allendale- Hampton-Inland Colleton-Dorchester-Inland Berkeley-Inland Jasper- Coastal Colleton-Coastal Jasper-Tidal Berkeley- 342 PM EDT Mon May 23 2022 ...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 263 IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for 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. Severe Thunderstorm Watch. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Heavy Rainfall: Showers and thunderstorms producing heavy rainfall may lead to localized flooding across the region Tuesday into Tuesday evening. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter assistance is not anticipated at this time. AMZ330-350-352-354-374-241945- 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 from 20 to 60 NM- 342 PM EDT Mon May 23 2022 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...Tuesday through Sunday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter assistance is not anticipated at this time.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston SC
155 PM EDT Mon May 23 2022
GAZ087-231830-
Jenkins-
155 PM EDT Mon May 23 2022
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF JENKINS COUNTY...
At 154 PM EDT, National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a
strong thunderstorm near Butts, or 10 miles southwest of Millen,
moving northeast at 15 mph.
HAZARD...strong winds 45 to 55 mph and up to nickel sized hail.
SOURCE...Radar Indicated.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to plants,
trees and crops is possible. Damage to windshields is
unlikely.
Some locations in the path of this storm include...
Millen, Butts and Emmalane.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Report damage directly to the Charleston National Weather Service at
888-383-2024 when it is safe to do so. You can also email your
report to nws.charlestonsc@noaa.gov.
&&
LAT...LON 3286 8200 3275 8186 3261 8197 3261 8201
3266 8208 3270 8210
TIME...MOT...LOC 1754Z 206DEG 14KT 3267 8202
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
SPRSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston SC
215 PM EDT Mon May 23 2022
GAZ087-088-231845-
Jenkins-Screven-
215 PM EDT Mon May 23 2022
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF SCREVEN AND JENKINS
COUNTIES...
At 214 PM EDT, National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a
strong thunderstorm over Scarboro, or near Millen, moving northeast
at 30 mph.
HAZARD...strong winds 45 to 55 mph and up to penny sized hail.
SOURCE...Radar Indicated.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to plants,
trees and crops is possible. Damage to windshields is
unlikely.
Some locations in the path of this storm include...
Millen, Butts, Hiltonia, Woodcliff, Hilltonia, Emmalane, Millhaven
and Scarboro.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Report damage directly to the Charleston National Weather Service at
888-383-2024 when it is safe to do so. You can also email your
report to nws.charlestonsc@noaa.gov.
&&
LAT...LON 3269 8206 3295 8186 3294 8183 3295 8182
3291 8176 3296 8169 3288 8149 3264 8194
TIME...MOT...LOC 1814Z 228DEG 25KT 3274 8191
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
SPRSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston SC
322 PM EDT Mon May 23 2022
GAZ088-SCZ040-231945-
Screven-Allendale-
322 PM EDT Mon May 23 2022
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF SCREVEN AND ALLENDALE
COUNTIES...
At 322 PM EDT, National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a
strong thunderstorm near Millhaven, or 14 miles north of Sylvania,
moving northeast at 25 mph.
HAZARD...strong winds 45 to 55 mph and up to nickel sized hail.
SOURCE...Radar Indicated.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to plants,
trees and crops is possible. Damage to windshields is
unlikely.
Some locations in the path of this storm include...
Allendale, Seigling, Millett, Martin, Millhaven, Appleton and Burtons
Ferry Landing.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Report damage directly to the Charleston National Weather Service at
888-383-2024 when it is safe to do so. You can also email your
report to nws.charlestonsc@noaa.gov.
&&
LAT...LON 3311 8137 3311 8129 3307 8122 3286 8161
3295 8170 3304 8156 3307 8159 3307 8160
3309 8160 3308 8161 3310 8161 3316 8154
TIME...MOT...LOC 1922Z 229DEG 22KT 3296 8160
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
SPRSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston SC
350 PM EDT Mon May 23 2022
GAZ099-114-232000-
Candler-Tattnall-
350 PM EDT Mon May 23 2022
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF CANDLER AND TATTNALL
COUNTIES...
At 350 PM EDT, National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a
strong thunderstorm over Cobbtown, or 9 miles southwest of Metter,
moving northeast at 20 mph.
HAZARD...strong winds 45 to 55 mph and up to penny sized hail.
SOURCE...Radar Indicated.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to plants,
trees and crops is possible. Damage to windshields is
unlikely.
Some locations in the path of this storm include...
Cobbtown and Aline.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
This storm may intensify. Be certain to monitor local radio and TV
stations as well as local cable TV outlets for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3238 8220 3234 8203 3220 8213 3224 8222
3228 8223
TIME...MOT...LOC 1950Z 203DEG 18KT 3228 8216
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPHSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston SC
359 PM EDT Mon May 23 2022
GAZ099-232030-
Candler-
359 PM EDT Mon May 23 2022
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF CANDLER COUNTY...
At 359 PM EDT, National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a
strong thunderstorm over Aline, or near Metter, moving northeast at
20 mph.
HAZARD...strong winds 45 to 55 mph and up to penny sized hail.
SOURCE...Radar Indicated.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to plants,
trees and crops is possible. Damage to windshields is
unlikely.
Some locations in the path of this storm include...
Metter and Aline.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
This storm may intensify. Be certain to monitor local radio and TV
stations as well as local cable TV outlets for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3250 8215 3243 8194 3229 8207 3231 8221
TIME...MOT...LOC 1959Z 203DEG 18KT 3233 8214
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPHThe Charleston,SC radar (KCLX), 96 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:11 UTC.
8 thunderstorm wind, 1 hail. Local standard time, as filed.
Candler County dispatch reported two trees down on Highway 46. One was down near the intersection with Fifteen Mile Creek Road and another was down near the intersection with Lake Church Road.
Candler County Sheriff's Office relayed images of numerous trees with some power poles down along Rosemary Church Road. The damage was consistent with straight line winds.
Candler County dispatch reported a tree down near the intersection of Rosemary Church Road and Lawrence Road.
A trained spotter reported hail up to the size of pennies which lasted for about 3 minutes near Millen.
A trained spotter reported a tree down near the intersection of Metter Road and Brack Road.
Tattnall County dispatch reported two trees down near the intersection of Stoney Hill Road and Romie Waters Highway.
A trained spotter reported a tree down near the intersection of Old Register Way and Bohler Rimes Road.
Bryan County dispatch reported a tree down on a house along Warnell Street in Pembroke.
Bryan County dispatch reported a tree down near the intersection of Highway 19 and George Edwards Road.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Georgia in 2022Every state in 2022This day in weather historyWarnings in Georgia, May 2022
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: 1024371, 1024374, 1024373, 1024368, 1024380, 1024376, 1024377, 1024378, 1024379.