Severe Thunderstorm Watch SC 9 p.m. Friday

Severe Thunderstorm Watch in Eastern Carolinas until 9 p.m. Lee Enterprises Meteorologist Sean Sublette shares safety tips for damaging storms.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 9 p.m. for most of the eastern Carolinas, indicating that conditions are becoming increasingly favorable for the development of damaging thunderstorms within the next few hours. These severe thunderstorms are characterized by winds exceeding 58 miles per hour and hail at least the size of quarters, often resulting in tree damage and power outages.

In the event that a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued, it is important to stay indoors and away from windows until the warning expires, as most warnings typically last between 30-45 minutes. Particularly dangerous or damaging severe thunderstorms may come with additional specific wording in their warning, such as "Considerable" for winds of 70+ mph and/or golf-ball size hail, or "Destructive" for winds of 80+ mph and/or baseball-size hail.

It is crucial to be prepared for the possibility of a tornado forming within a severe thunderstorm, as indicated by a Tornado Warning. In such cases, seeking shelter in a basement is the best option, but if one is not available, it is recommended to go to an interior room on the lowest floor of the building, putting as many walls between oneself and the outside and staying away from windows.

Stay informed and stay safe by downloading and subscribing to our Across The Sky podcast for the latest updates on severe weather alerts and forecasts in the South Carolina area. Remember to always be prepared and take necessary precautions when severe weather threatens your area.