Severe Thunderstorms Hit Lowcountry, Georgia with Warnings and Damaging Winds

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – Multiple counties in the Lowcountry are under severe thunderstorm warnings as a line of strong storms moves east from the west.

As of 7:02 p.m. on March 30, 2025, the National Weather Service reported severe thunderstorms stretching from near Hampton Plantation State Park to Isle of Palms. The storms are moving southeast at 45 mph, with wind gusts anticipated to reach 60 mph and the possibility of small hail, which can damage roofs, siding, and trees.

In addition to Charleston County, the warning includes southeastern Calhoun County, southwestern Clarendon County, and east central Bamberg County, all under a watch that remains in effect until 9 p.m. for Charleston and 10 p.m. for Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties. Charleston Harbor and coastal waters from the South Santee River to Edisto Beach to Savannah are also affected, extending 20 nautical miles out to sea.

The system is projected to reach the I-95 corridor, impacting parts of northwestern Colleton, Dorchester, and Berkeley Counties, along with Beaufort County, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. A sharp focus on the storm’s intensity prompted the Live 5 Weather team to declare a First Alert Weather Day, indicating a heightened threat to the public.

Live 5 First Alert Meteorologist Chris Holtzman characterizes the system: “Strong to locally damaging wind gusts and small hail will be the primary hazards,” he stated. “An isolated tornado can’t be ruled out.” Wind gusts of 60 mph could lead to fallen trees and downed power lines, impairing travel, especially for high-profile vehicles on bridges.

Residents can expect hail up to one inch in diameter in parts of the area.

On March 31, at 4:09 p.m., Statesboro, GA, faced its own severe weather challenges as the National Weather Service issued warnings for Bulloch County and its bordering counties due to damaging winds. The warning, effective until 5:00 p.m., encompassed Bulloch, Candler, Evans, Jenkins, Screven, and Tattnall counties.

Around 3:59 p.m., radar detected severe thunderstorms forming along a line from 12 miles north of Herndon to 30 miles west of Gordonia Altamaha State Park, moving east at 45 mph. People in these locales should prepare for potential property damage, particularly to roofs and trees.

Specific locations affected by the warning include Statesboro, Metter, Millen, and Sylvania, with Interstate 16 between mile markers 96 and 118 also identified as a concern. The National Weather Service urges residents to seek shelter indoors and avoid windows.

The severe storms that swept through the area left over 20,000 residents without power and prompted local officials to call for action. Meade County, Breckinridge County, and Hardin County were among the hardest-hit areas, with significant damage reported.

Officials have credited the CodeRED system, a notification service in partnership with the City of Statesboro and Bulloch County, for timely alerts. They stressed the importance of monitoring weather forecasts and advisories to remain safe during these severe weather events.

Severe thunderstorm watches and warnings remain under close observation as meteorologists continue to track this dangerous weather pattern. Authorities recommend local news stations and weather radios for the latest updates as conditions evolve.