Beaufort Radar Predicts Supercell: Baseball-Sized Hail and Destructive Winds Expected

Yulia Chive

2 min read

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19-01-2025

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Beaufort Radar Predicts Supercell: Baseball-Sized Hail and Destructive Winds Expected

Beaufort, SC (October 26, 2023) – The National Weather Service (NWS) Beaufort office has issued a severe thunderstorm warning as its radar indicates the development of a powerful supercell thunderstorm approaching Beaufort County. Residents are urged to take immediate shelter as baseball-sized hail and destructive winds are expected.

The Threat:

The NWS Beaufort radar clearly shows the signature rotation indicative of a supercell thunderstorm. This type of storm is capable of producing extremely large hail, damaging winds exceeding 70 mph, and even tornadoes. Current projections suggest the storm will impact the Beaufort area within the next hour. The most significant threats at this time appear to be:

• Baseball-Sized Hail (2.75 inches in diameter): This size of hail can cause significant damage to vehicles, property, and potentially cause serious injuries.
• Destructive Winds (70+ mph): These high winds can down trees and power lines, resulting in widespread power outages and property damage. Flying debris poses a significant risk.
• Potential for Tornadoes: While not currently confirmed, the supercell's structure increases the possibility of tornado formation. Residents should remain vigilant and be prepared to seek shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued.

What to Do:

If you are in the path of this storm, take immediate action:

1. Seek Shelter Immediately: Move to a sturdy building's interior, away from windows. A basement or an interior room on the lowest floor is ideal. If a basement is unavailable, go to an interior room on the lowest level and cover yourself with blankets or heavy clothing.
2. Stay Informed: Monitor local news and weather alerts on your radio, television, or smartphone. The NWS Beaufort office will provide regular updates on the storm's progress.
3. Protect Your Property: If time allows, secure loose objects outside that could become airborne and cause damage. Bring pets indoors.
4. Avoid Driving: Do not attempt to drive during the storm. High winds and heavy rain can severely reduce visibility, and flooded roads pose a significant danger.

After the Storm:

Once the immediate danger has passed, exercise caution when venturing outdoors. Downed power lines can be extremely dangerous. Report any damage to local authorities and avoid any areas that appear unsafe.

Preparing for Future Severe Weather:

This event underscores the importance of being prepared for severe weather. Consider taking the following steps:

• Develop a Severe Weather Plan: Know where you will go for shelter, and have a plan in place for contacting family members.
• Invest in a Weather Radio: A NOAA Weather Radio with Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) can provide critical alerts directly to your home.
• Stay Informed: Regularly check the forecast and stay updated on weather alerts from the NWS Beaufort office and other reliable sources.

The NWS Beaufort office will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as they become available. Stay safe and remember, your safety is the top priority. This situation is rapidly evolving, and immediate action is crucial.