Scattered to numerous thunderstorms started to develop around midday in the vicinity of a southward moving cold front. As these thunderstorms tracked to the south through the afternoon, they produced numerous reports of large hail and damaging wind gusts across southeast Georgia.
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 started to develop around midday in the vicinity of a southward moving cold front. As these thunderstorms tracked to the south through the afternoon, they produced numerous reports of large hail and damaging wind gusts across southeast Georgia.
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 19, 10:23 AM EST, 1 hour 10 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Charleston SC 1123 AM EDT Sun May 19 2024 .SYNOPSIS... A cold front will cross through our area later today. High pressure then prevails for most of this week, followed by another storm system potentially impacting our area late this week. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/... As 1120 AM, satellite water vapor indicated the center of a mid- level vorticity maximum over north-central GA, tracking to the SE. Visible satellite and sfc observations indicated a cold front was located from the CHS Harbor west to Allendale Co., pushing south. Over the past hour, cumulus along the front has developed, remaining fairly shallow. However, SPC mesoanalysis indicated that normalized CAPE has reached at least 0.1 across most for the forecast area. As temperatures warm into the upper 70s over dewpoints in the upper 60s to low 70s, CIN should dissolve. The afternoon should feature generally SBCAPE around 2000 J/kg, especially south of the front. Interestingly, the RAP shows the deep moisture convergence will develop across coastal SC and SE GA this afternoon, with 6 to 8 units. This environment combined with the passage of the H5 vort max should support numerous to widespread thunderstorms across portions of the CWA this afternoon, especially the lower Savannah River Basin. Thunderstorm impacts, PW values are forecast to increase to around 1.6 inches this afternoon. The combination of deep instability, adequate atmospheric moisture, and storm motions less than 25 MPH could result in pockets of torrential downpours. In fact, arriving 12z HREF data continues to indicate impressive probabilities of 3"/3hr within 40 km across portions of coastal SC and GA, especially a corridor from southern Charleston County south to coastal GA. Flood Advisories appear possible for these area this afternoon, possibly a Flash Flood Warning. In addition, CAPE in excess of 2000 J/kg, DCAPE between 600-800 J/kg, and effective bulk shear around 30 kts may support strong to severe thunderstorms over the lower Savannah River Basin, including the City of Savannah this afternoon. These storms may produce damaging wind gusts and even hail up to the size of quarters. Tonight: Short-wave trough axis will slowly push off the coast while surface high pressure wedges down from the north. Convection will run its course this evening with thinning cloud cover during the overnight hours. Cooler temperatures...dipping down through the 60s for lows. && .SHORT TERM /MONDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/... Monday: The mid-levels will consist of a positively tilted trough just off the Southeast U.S. coast in the morning, and a ridge just to our west. The ridge will slowly build into our area as time progresses. At the surface, High pressure centered well to our north will build down the coast as time progresses, with it's southern periphery making its way into our area. The High will bring dry conditions with skies becoming mostly sunny/clear. Low-level thickness values support temperatures in the middle 80s. But we went a little below this due to the northeasterly surface winds and the expectation that surface evaporation should limit temperatures. Highs should peak in the lower 80s. Lows should range from the upper 50s far inland to the mid 60s closer to the coast. Tuesday: A positively tilted mid-level trough will be just off the Southeast U.S. coast in the morning, transitioning into a cut- off Low in the evening and overnight. Meanwhile, a ridge will strengthen over the Southeast U.S. Broad High pressure centered to our north in the morning will shift off the Mid-Atlantic Coast as the day progresses. Though, it's southern periphery will continue to dominate our weather during the day and into the night. Subsidence will yield dry conditions with mostly sunny/clear skies. High temperatures should be in the mid 80s, except cooler at the beaches. Lows should range from the upper 50s far inland to the mid 60s closer to the coast. Wednesday: The mid-levels will consist of a cut-off Low meandering off the Southeast coast, while a ridge prevails over the Southeast U.S. At the surface, High pressure along the Southeast coast in the morning will shift offshore into the afternoon. A front will slowly approach from the north and northwest. Though, it won't make it near our area as the High will remain the dominant synoptic feature. Some of the models hint at isolated weak showers trying to form along the inland moving sea breeze late in the afternoon. But it's still a little too early to determine if the dry air in place will completely squash these weak showers. Expect at least partly sunny skies. Highs will peak in the mid to upper 80s, except cooler at the beaches. && .LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY/... Mid-level ridging will be over our region Wednesday night, followed by west southwest flow on Thursday. A weak trough may pass to our north Friday night into Saturday. Surface High pressure in the western Atlantic on Thursday will shift further offshore as time progresses. A cold front could approach from the north and northwest later Friday, then lift north on Saturday. Expect mainly dry conditions Thursday, with increasing diurnal convection Friday and Saturday. High temperatures will be a few degrees above normal each day. && .AVIATION /15Z SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/... Largely VFR conditions will persist for the next few hours although with an increased risk for MVFR cigs developing as we get into the daytime heating cycle. With heating, the risk for showers/tstms will increase by early afternoon with the best focus for showers/tstms still looking to occur just south of KCHS and impacting KJZI and especially KSAV. A TEMPO for TSRA was included from 18-21z at KJZI to account for some coverage/timing uncertainties. Prevailing TSRA remains for KSAV (20-00z). Conditions were limited to MVFR for now with both cigs/vsbys holding above alternate minimums. However, lower conditions may eventually be needed as confidence in the timing, placement and intensity of showers/tstms increases. Convection diminishes this evening with some clearing taking shape. Some low stratus is possible, particularly at KSAV where the best coverage of rainfall is anticipated today. Extended Aviation Outlook: VFR. && .MARINE... A brief period of gustier southerly winds will impact the coastal waters early this morning. Surface boundary will move down through the region as we go through the day and kick off another round of showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. Winds veer northerly behind the front and will be increasing as we go through tonight. Monday: A cold front will be shifting offshore early in the morning. Meanwhile, High pressure centered well to our north will build down the coast and into our area as time progresses. The strongest gradient will occur in the morning, with wind gusts just short of 25 kt possible across much of the waters, and seas 3-5 ft. The gradient will gradually weaken into the afternoon and overnight, with seas gradually subsiding as well. Tuesday and Beyond: NE winds on Tuesday will shift around to the SE by later Wednesday as High pressure gradually shifts off our coast. This will lead to a more typical summer wind pattern on Thursday with the formation of the afternoon sea breeze. && .TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING... The combination of rising astronomical tides with the upcoming Full Moon and moderate NE winds will cause tides to be elevated early this week. Minor flooding is possible with the evening high tides Monday and Tuesday, mainly along the South Carolina coast. && .CHS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... GA...None. SC...None. MARINE...None. && NEAR TERM...NED SHORT TERM... LONG TERM... AVIATION... MARINE...
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Charleston SC 1145 AM EDT Sun May 19 2024 GAZ087-088-SCZ040-042>045-052-201545- Jenkins-Screven-Allendale-Hampton-Inland Colleton-Dorchester- Inland Berkeley-Tidal Berkeley- 1145 AM EDT Sun May 19 2024 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter assistance is not anticipated at this time. AMZ330-350-201545- Charleston Harbor- Waters from South Santee River to Edisto Beach SC out 20 NM- 1145 AM EDT Sun May 19 2024 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...Monday through Saturday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter assistance is not anticipated at this time. GAZ099>101-114-115-137>141-SCZ047-049-050-201545- Candler-Bulloch-Effingham-Tattnall-Evans-Long-Inland Liberty- Coastal Liberty-Inland McIntosh-Coastal McIntosh-Inland Jasper- Coastal Colleton-Charleston- 1145 AM EDT Sun May 19 2024 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Heavy Rainfall: Showers and thunderstorms will develop across the region early this afternoon and continue into early evening. Slower moving storms and high rainfall rates could produce localized flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas, particularly in locations that received significant rainfall on Saturday. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter assistance is not anticipated at this time. GAZ116>119-SCZ048-051-201545- Inland Bryan-Coastal Bryan-Inland Chatham-Coastal Chatham-Beaufort- Coastal Jasper- 1145 AM EDT Sun May 19 2024 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Heavy Rainfall: Showers and thunderstorms will develop across the region early this afternoon and continue into early evening. Slower moving storms and high rainfall rates could produce localized flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas, particularly in locations that received significant rainfall on Saturday. In addition, one or two of this thunderstorms may produce damaging wind gusts and large hail. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter assistance is not anticipated at this time. AMZ352-354-374-201545- 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- 1145 AM EDT Sun May 19 2024 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Atlantic coastal waters. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Severe Thunderstorms: A large cluster of thunderstorms may push across the coastal waters of South Carolina and Georgia this afternoon. These thunderstorms may produce wind gusts in excess of 35 knots and large hail. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter assistance is not anticipated at this time.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston SC
1224 PM EDT Sun May 19 2024
GAZ088-191700-
Screven-
1224 PM EDT Sun May 19 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF SCREVEN COUNTY...
At 1224 PM EDT, National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a
strong thunderstorm over Sylvania, moving east at 10 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...
Sylvania, Newington, Altman, and Hunters.
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 3270 8177 3285 8171 3280 8143 3257 8146
TIME...MOT...LOC 1624Z 291DEG 7KT 3275 8163
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
NEDThe Charleston,SC radar (KCLX), 57 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 16:33 UTC.
8 thunderstorm wind, 6 hail. Local standard time, as filed.
Hail up to the size of nickels was reported at a Tractor Supply store. The hail lasted for 10 minutes.
Local broadcast media provided video of quarter sized hail in Sylvania.
Screven County dispatch reported hail up to the size of pennies at the dispatch center.
Screven County dispatch reported a tree down on Twin Oaks Road.
Effingham County dispatch reported a tree down at Egypt Ardmore Road and Savannah Town Road.
Effingham County dispatch reported a tree down on Shawnee Egypt Road.
Effingham County dispatch reported multiple trees down and across Savannah Town Road. Most of the trees were at least 12 inches in diameter.
Effingham County Emergency Management relayed a report of ping pong ball sized hail in Clyo.
Penny to quarter sized hail was reported at the Dollar General store.
Effingham County dispatch relayed a report of significant storm damage along Stillwell Clyo Road. A 14 inch diameter pine tree fell through a home and caused significant structural damage. Also along the road, a couple of power poles were broken and several other trees and power lines were reported down. Additionally, the crops on two 80 acre cornfields were reported to be completely destroyed.
Effingham County Emergency Management reported an oak tree about 3 feet in diameter was blown down on Whitaker Road.
Effingham County Emergency Management reported two trees down on Union Springs Road. One tree fell onto power lines and caused a small fire by the roadway.
Effingham County Emergency Management reported a pine tree down across Bethany Road.
Local broadcast media relayed a report of nickel sized hail near Pooler.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Georgia in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyWarnings in Georgia, May 2024
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: 1186045, 1186046, 1186047, 1186051, 1186052, 1186053, 1186055, 1186048, 1186049, 1186056, 1186058, 1186063, 1186060, 1186050.