Hurricane Helene Threatens Charleston with Gusty Wind and Possible Tornado
CHARLESTON BRACES FOR IMPACTS OF HURRICANE HELENE
Residents of Charleston and other parts of South Carolina are bracing for the potential impacts of Hurricane Helene, which is forecasted to bring rain, gusty winds, and even a tornado threat to the area.
Tornado Watch For Charleston Area
A tornado watch was issued early on Thursday morning for the regions of Charleston, Colleton, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties and will remain in effect until 9 p.m. tonight. Local meteorologists are warning that the rain bands associated with Hurricane Helene carry an enhanced risk of producing tornadoes.
“Be alert and ready to take action if warnings are issued“, one meteorologist advised. Along with the tornado watch, a tropical storm warning is also in effect for all of South Carolina as Hurricane Helene is expected to impact the state from Thursday through Friday morning.
Hurricane Helene Upgraded To Category 2
On Thursday morning, Hurricane Helene was upgraded to Category 2 and is projected to strengthen into a larger, major hurricane before it makes landfall near Florida’s Big Bend region this evening. The storm track will then move north, crossing Georgia and into South Carolina early on Friday morning.
Experts from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) explain that the impacts from Helene will be felt significantly east of where the storm actually tracks. South Carolina is likely to experience tropical storm-force winds with frequent gusts between 40 mph to 60 mph. Closer to the coastline, residents can expect gusts of up to 60 mph.
Threat of Tornadoes in South Carolina
Tropical cyclones often create atmospheric conditions that can spawn tornadoes, and Hurricane Helene is no exception. As the storm’s rain bands roll off the Atlantic, they can generate a kidney bean-like formation on the weather radar, an indication of rotating supercell structures.
These structures pose a significant threat as they have the potential to generate tornadoes. The most serious risk for tornadoes is predicted to be in lower South Carolina extending into southern Georgia.
Advisories and Precautions
With the storm advancing, residents are strongly advised to heed local media and weather services for storm updates and advisories. They should also ensure that they have downloaded reliable weather apps for storm tracking, notifications, and warnings.
Given the expected intensity of Hurricane Helene, locals are urged to finalize storm preparations as soon as possible and to continue monitoring the situation closely. Residents living in hurricane-prone areas or near the coastline are especially urged to take necessary precautions and adhere to evacuation orders, if issued.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
