Severe Weather Alerts Issued Across Southeast as Strong Storms Approach
Myrtle Beach, S.C. — Weather officials have issued a FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAY for today, March 4, 2025, due to the potential of strong to severe storms capable of producing tornadoes and damaging winds. The Storm Prediction Center has categorized the region with a Level 3 severe risk, prompting a Tornado Watch effective until 1 p.m. today.
The severe weather is attributed to increasing wind shear and moisture in the atmosphere, which creates favorable conditions for thunderstorms and tornadoes. According to the National Weather Service, residents can expect strong wind gusts exceeding 50 mph and possibly reaching 60 mph, especially during the line of storms moving inland late this morning.
“Strong straight-line winds are the greatest concern, but isolated tornadoes remain a possibility along the main line of showers and storms,” said a spokesperson from the National Weather Service. “We urge residents to stay weather-aware and secure any loose items around their homes. This system will move out by early afternoon, leaving clearer skies afterward.”
A Wind Advisory is in effect across the area, with wind gusts projected to range between 40 to 50 mph as the storm approaches. This could lead to hazardous driving conditions and localized power outages due to falling trees and debris.
As the storms make their way through Horry County and the Grand Strand area shortly after midday, the rain will provide some relief for the ongoing drought but is unlikely to fully address the wildfire threat that the region continues to face.
Charlottesville, Va. — In a related weather alert, the National Weather Service has also issued a Wind Advisory for the Blue Ridge Mountains from 8 p.m. Tuesday until 7 p.m. Wednesday. Expected gusts may reach up to 50 mph, with the highest winds coinciding with a squall line of heavy rain and thunderstorms expected between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday.
“The primary risk will come from damaging winds, although the chance for large hail or tornadoes remains low,” a meteorologist stated. “Residents should remain cautious and prepared for changing conditions.”
Augusta, Ga. — Meanwhile, residents in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) are on alert for severe weather due to a cold front moving through this morning, bringing damaging winds with gusts between 40-60 mph and the possibility of isolated tornadoes. Thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall are forecasted from 4-10 a.m.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission has issued a statewide burn ban, citing a continued high risk of wildfires as conditions remain dry, making the recent rainfall imperative yet insufficient to negate the danger entirely.
As the severe weather subsides, forecasts indicate a return to drier conditions. Temperatures are expected to remain cooler than average, with highs in the upper 60s by Friday. As the weekend approaches, residents can expect a warm-up, with highs reaching the mid-70s on Saturday.
