Affected Areas:: The primary areas expecting impacts include the Lowcountry region of South Carolina (including Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Berkeley, and Beaufort counties) and the Petersburg area of Virginia.
Main Threats:: Damaging wind gusts (up to 60 mph in SC), small to large hail (up to 1 inch in SC), and isolated tornadoes are the main concerns.
Timing:: Storms are expected to move into the SC Lowcountry starting Monday afternoon (3 PM - 8 PM, west to east) and impact the Petersburg, VA area from late afternoon into the overnight hours.
Severity Risk:: The Storm Prediction Center has placed inland SC areas under a Level 3 (Enhanced) risk, weakening towards the coast. The Petersburg, VA area has seen its risk slightly downgraded to Level 2 (Slight), but significant threats remain.
Why this matters:: Severe thunderstorms can cause power outages, property damage from wind and hail, and create dangerous travel conditions, especially on bridges and for high-profile vehicles.
A strong cold front is driving the storm activity in South Carolina. The Live 5 Weather team has declared a First Alert Weather Day for Monday.
Timing Breakdown:
I-95 Corridor (NW Colleton, Dorchester, Berkeley, Beaufort Counties): 3 PM - 5 PM EDT
Charleston & SE Berkeley Counties: 6 PM - 8 PM EDT
Potential Impacts: Wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph could down trees and power lines. Hail up to one inch in diameter is possible. While the system may weaken slightly as it nears the coast, an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
Preparedness: Residents should secure outdoor furniture, charge electronic devices, and have a way to receive weather alerts, such as the Live 5 First Alert Weather app (link opens in new tab).
Further north, the Petersburg, Virginia area is also preparing for potential severe weather, although the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wakefield has slightly lowered the risk from 'Enhanced' to 'Slight' (Level 2 out of 5).
Timing: Expected after 4 PM EDT Monday, potentially lasting into early Tuesday morning.
Potential Impacts: Damaging winds remain the primary threat, but isolated large hail and tornadoes are still possible, particularly along a line from Petersburg southward into North Carolina. Rainfall totals could reach between half an inch and three-quarters of an inch.
Post-Storm Forecast: Conditions in Virginia are expected to clear Tuesday, becoming sunny but significantly cooler (around 62°F compared to Monday's 82°F). Warmer temperatures are forecast later in the week, potentially reaching the upper 80s by Thursday/Friday, though more rain might arrive by the weekend.
What is the biggest threat from these storms?
Damaging wind gusts are the primary concern in both regions, capable of causing power outages and tree damage. Hail and isolated tornadoes are secondary but possible threats.
When will the storms hit my area?
In SC, expect storms between 3 PM and 8 PM EDT, moving from west to east. In the Petersburg, VA area, the threat begins after 4 PM EDT and continues into the overnight hours.
Is my specific town at risk?
Check your local forecast and alerts from the National Weather Service for the most precise information regarding your location.
Severe weather is likely across parts of the SC Lowcountry and the Petersburg, VA area on Monday, March 31st.
Prepare for potential power outages, damaging winds, hail, and hazardous travel.
Stay updated with the latest forecasts and heed any warnings issued for your location.
Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts.
How are you preparing for the potential storms in your area? Do you think this pattern will bring more severe weather this spring? Let us know!
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