Thunderstorms
A thunderstorm is a storm that contains both thunder and lightning. They can produce flash flooding, gusty winds, hail, and even tornadoes. The southern part of the United States has the highest number of average annual thunderstorms, especially those states located near the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean.
Source: Southern Region Headquarters | NWS | NOAA
South Carolina typically sees between 50 and 60 thunderstorms a year, depending on the location within the state. Most of the thunderstorm activity is observed during the summer months.
Did You Know?
The unofficial record hailstone for the state of South Carolina had a diameter of 4.50", or roughly the size of a grapefruit. There are multiple reports of these hailstones; some of the most recent were reported in May 2000 (Florence County) and May 2011 (Horry and Georgetown counties).