Marine Weather Statement Highlights Waterspout Potential
A Marine Weather Statement is drawing attention to the possibility of a waterspout across portions of the coastal waters surrounding Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry. The areas of concern include Charleston Harbor, the coastal waters from the South Santee River to Edisto Beach out 20 nautical miles, and the waters from Edisto Beach to Savannah, Georgia, out 20 nautical miles.
The National Weather Service Charleston forecast office identifies unsettled conditions across the coastal waters, with showers and thunderstorms possible through the weekend. Winds and waves can become locally higher in and near thunderstorms.
Areas Being Monitored
The marine statement covers waters important to recreational boaters, fishing vessels and other marine traffic, including:
- Charleston Harbor
- Coastal waters from South Santee River to Edisto Beach, South Carolina, out 20 NM
- Coastal waters from Edisto Beach, South Carolina, to Savannah, Georgia, out 20 NM
These zones are part of the marine forecast area maintained by the National Weather Service Charleston office.
What a Possible Waterspout Means for Boaters
Waterspouts are rotating columns of air that develop over water. Some can remain relatively weak, but a waterspout associated with a stronger thunderstorm can produce strong winds, dangerous waves, lightning and rapidly changing conditions.
The greatest concern for boaters is not simply the waterspout itself. Thunderstorms can develop or intensify quickly, creating hazardous conditions with little time to react.
A boat operating in or near a thunderstorm can encounter:
- Sudden wind increases
- Rapid changes in wind direction
- Heavy rain and sharply reduced visibility
- Frequent lightning
- Choppy or locally higher seas
- Waterspouts
- Dangerous conditions near thunderstorms
The current Charleston-area coastal forecast specifically notes that winds and waves will be higher in and near thunderstorms.
Charleston Harbor and Nearby Coastal Waters
Charleston Harbor remains within an active marine weather pattern, with showers and thunderstorms possible. The latest coastal forecast calls for generally southwest winds around 5 to 10 knots across Charleston Harbor, with additional showers and thunderstorms possible through the weekend.
Conditions farther offshore can also change quickly when thunderstorms move across the coastal waters. Mariners should avoid assuming that relatively calm conditions outside a storm will remain that way once a thunderstorm approaches.
South Santee River to Edisto Beach
The coastal waters from the South Santee River to Edisto Beach out 20 nautical miles are also included in the marine forecast area. The latest forecast calls for southwest winds generally 5 to 10 knots with seas around 2 to 3 feet, along with chances for showers and thunderstorms.
Thunderstorms remain the primary reason conditions can become more hazardous than the general forecast suggests.
Edisto Beach to Savannah
The coastal waters extending from Edisto Beach south toward Savannah are another area where mariners should monitor developing thunderstorms closely.
A calm or manageable marine forecast does not eliminate the potential for dangerous conditions immediately around a thunderstorm. Mariners should continue monitoring updated forecasts, radar and official marine statements before and during their time on the water.
Waterspout Safety: What Boaters Should Do
If a waterspout or strong thunderstorm is observed nearby, do not approach it to take photographs or video.
Boaters should:
- Move away from the storm when it is safe to do so.
- Avoid traveling toward a visible waterspout.
- Monitor NOAA Weather Radio and official National Weather Service updates.
- Keep passengers prepared for sudden changes in wind and waves.
- Secure loose equipment before storms arrive.
- Move to a safe harbor or protected location when thunderstorms threaten the route.
- If caught in severe weather, reduce speed as conditions require and maintain control of the vessel.
- Stay away from exposed areas during lightning.
- Check updated marine forecasts before departing and continue monitoring conditions while underway.
The National Weather Service notes that NOAA Weather Radio is one of the immediate ways mariners can receive forecasts, watches and warnings for the South Carolina and Georgia coastal waters.
Stay Weather-Aware on the Water
A Marine Weather Statement is an important reminder that marine conditions can change rapidly, especially when thunderstorms are developing along the coast.
For boaters around Charleston Harbor, the South Santee River, Edisto Beach and the coastal waters toward Savannah, the possibility of waterspouts means extra caution is warranted. Keep an eye on developing storms, maintain a reliable way to receive weather information and be prepared to leave the water if conditions deteriorate.
Radar Watch HQ will continue monitoring active marine weather hazards and sharing information to help coastal communities and mariners stay informed and prepared.
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