Tornado Watch 803 has been canceled as the energy needed to kick off additional severe weather has waned considerably; this is evident in the precipitation signature of the squall line pushing eastward. We may see rain with gusty winds — and you can never rule out a clap of thunder — but things have calmed considerably. The rain will be out of here by midday; enjoy one last day in the 70s before the temperatures plunge on Thursday.
Look out for a rough morning ahead: The Storm Prediction Center issued Tornado Watch 803 around 6am out ahead of a very strong squall line that’s rifling through the Southeast. This line has a history of damaging winds and tornadoes cannot be ruled out. (Watch Wunderground radar in motion.) Additionally, the sun is starting to peek, which may add some instability before the line arrives.
As of this writing, it appears the line will start to be felt in the northwestern portions of Berkeley and Dorchester counties around 8:30am; it will spread quickly through the area shortly thereafter. The line is moving at speeds up to 55 MPH, so this will be a short-term event. Things should be clearing after 10am, when the Tornado Watch expires.
Watch @chswx on Twitter for the latest statements and any warnings that are issued.
Jared Smith 9:47 am on December 9, 2009 Permalink
Been watching RADAR. Heavy rain being reported in some areas but not seeing any thunderstorm reports within the line, which has not looked as impressive in the last hour. Wind fields and storm motions are still impressive, though, and anything that flares up has a shot at producing damaging winds (though the only warnings right now are in NE SC).
Jared Smith 10:04 am on December 9, 2009 Permalink
A weakening trend within the line is continuing. Precipitation is falling off noticeably, particularly over the portions of the Midlands and the inland Lowcountry that are still in the line. Still some stronger storms in Georgia that might hold up, but the trend is positive in terms of our severe weather threat. That being said, the watch continues — there’s still decent juice in the atmosphere — 64 degree dewpoints, for starters — that could still flare a storm.
Jared Smith 10:20 am on December 9, 2009 Permalink
This watch is now canceled. The weakening trend is enough for NWS to declare the severe weather threat moot. Still will see gusty winds but it looks like the major severe threat has ended.