Marine Weather and Tide Forecast for Thunderbolt, GA
December 10, 2023 12:47 PM EST (17:47 UTC)
Sunrise 7:12AM Sunset 5:21PM Moonrise 4:50AM Moonset 3:27PM
AMZ354 Waters From Savannah Ga To Altamaha Sound Ga Out 20 Nm, Including Grays Reef National Marine Sanctuary- 1146 Am Est Sun Dec 10 2023
.gale warning in effect from 6 pm est this evening through late tonight...
This afternoon..S winds 15 to 20 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. A chance of showers and tstms early. Showers likely with a chance of tstms late.
Tonight..SW winds 25 to 30 kt with gusts to 35 kt, becoming nw 20 to 25 kt after midnight. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Showers with a chance of tstms in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight.
Mon..NW winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts to 25 kt, becoming N 10 to 15 kt in the afternoon. Seas 4 to 5 ft, subsiding to 2 to 3 ft in the afternoon.
Mon night..N winds 10 to 15 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft.
Tue..NE winds 15 to 20 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft.
Tue night..NE winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts to 25 kt. Seas 4 to 5 ft.
Wed..NE winds 20 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft.
Wed night..NE winds 20 to 25 kt. Seas 5 to 7 ft.
Thu..NE winds 25 kt. Seas 6 to 8 ft.
Thu night..NE winds 20 to 25 kt. Seas 6 to 8 ft.
winds and seas higher in and near tstms.
.gale warning in effect from 6 pm est this evening through late tonight...
This afternoon..S winds 15 to 20 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft. A chance of showers and tstms early. Showers likely with a chance of tstms late.
Tonight..SW winds 25 to 30 kt with gusts to 35 kt, becoming nw 20 to 25 kt after midnight. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Showers with a chance of tstms in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight.
Mon..NW winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts to 25 kt, becoming N 10 to 15 kt in the afternoon. Seas 4 to 5 ft, subsiding to 2 to 3 ft in the afternoon.
Mon night..N winds 10 to 15 kt. Seas 2 to 3 ft.
Tue..NE winds 15 to 20 kt. Seas 3 to 4 ft.
Tue night..NE winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts to 25 kt. Seas 4 to 5 ft.
Wed..NE winds 20 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft.
Wed night..NE winds 20 to 25 kt. Seas 5 to 7 ft.
Thu..NE winds 25 kt. Seas 6 to 8 ft.
Thu night..NE winds 20 to 25 kt. Seas 6 to 8 ft.
winds and seas higher in and near tstms.
AMZ300 1146 Am Est Sun Dec 10 2023
Synopsis for the coastal waters of south coastal south carolina and north coastal georgia.. A strong cold front will cross the area this evening, followed by high pressure through late this week.
Synopsis for the coastal waters of south coastal south carolina and north coastal georgia.. A strong cold front will cross the area this evening, followed by high pressure through late this week.
Area Discussion for - Charleston, SC
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FXUS62 KCHS 101717 AFDCHS
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Charleston SC 1217 PM EST Sun Dec 10 2023
SYNOPSIS
A strong cold front will cross the area this evening, followed by high pressure through late this week.
NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/
This Afternoon: Aloft, a negatively tilted trough is positioned over the Mississippi Valley region, with a 250 mb jet streak located downstream. Surface analysis from 12Z showed a cold front positioned from the upstate of SC extending SW into the FL Panhandle. Ahead of the cold front was a pool of moisture, with dew points generally in the low to mid 60s across the local forecast area. As the afternoon progresses dew points are expected to rise a few more degrees, possibly reaching into the upper 60s before the main line of precipitation arrives this afternoon. The aforementioned cold front will continue it's eastward trek, likely pushing through the forecast area overnight. Prior to FROPA, a line of showers and thunderstorms is poised to push through the region this afternoon and into this evening.
The Charleston area actually saw a bout of sunshine this morning, with temperatures quickly shooting up to around 76F. It remains to be seen if this unexpected sunshine with impact the instability levels at the surface with regards to the severe weather threat this afternoon. The 12Z CHS RAOB Sounding showed 298 J/kg of SB CAPE, with forecast soundings depicting anywhere from a couple hundred to 600-700 J/kg of SB CAPE by around 19Z.
However, even with meager surface instability, the dynamics aloft may be enough to trigger some strong to severe thunderstorms across the forecast area later this afternoon and into this evening. Shear values are impressive, with the 12Z CHS RAOB Sounding showing 33 knots of effective shear. Model soundings show that this value could increase to around 40 knots later this afternoon. While the shear is plentiful, model hodographs suggest that the flow is unidirectional, which would result in a main threat of damaging wind gusts. The region continues to be outlooked in a Marginal Risk from SPC, with a Slight Risk just to the north.
The PWAT value with the 12Z CHS RAOB Sounding was 1.34 inches, which according to SPC Climatology is just above the 90th percentile for this date. Generally rainfall amounts this afternoon and evening will be right around 1 inch, with 1-1.5 inches across far inland areas.
Lake Wind: Winds are expected to gust this afternoon around 25 mph ahead of the approaching cold front as winds aloft become mixed down to the surface. A Lake Wind Advisory is in effect for Lake Moultrie from 1 PM through around midnight tonight.
Tonight: The main line of showers and thunderstorms should rapidly push offshore this evening, with some lingering showers possible through around midnight, when the cold front pushes offshore. In the wake of the cold front strong CAA will dominate across the forecast area, with temperatures by Monday morning in the mid 30s inland and low to mid 40s along the coastline.
SHORT TERM /MONDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/
Cool and dry high pressure is expected to prevail Monday through Wednesday. Clear skies are anticipated Monday, then high cirrus will gradually increase late Monday night into Wednesday as high-level moisture increases. Monday highs will be in the middle 50s. A chilly night is in store for Monday night due to mostly clear skies and light winds. A few spots could dip into the upper 20s far inland, while the remainder of the area bottoms out in the lower to middle 30s except along the immediate coast where readings will be higher. Highs will warm 2-3 degrees per day Tuesday and Wednesday as the surface high gradually modifies.
LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY/
High pressure to the north will maintain quiet conditions Wednesday night through Friday. Some of the guidance continues to indicate the potential for a coastal low moving through next weekend, though things have trended a bit farther offshore with the low development. We maintained a chance of rain showers in the forecast.
AVIATION /18Z SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/
VFR conditions at KCHS/KJZI/KSAV to start the 18Z TAF period. A cold front will approach from the west today, ushering in a line of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and into this evening. Flight restrictions are likely with the showers and thunderstorms, which is outlined in a TEMPO group at each of the terminals. Outside of the showers and storms, gusty SW will be prevalent this afternoon, with gusts approaching 25 knots. The cold front will push off the SE coast around midnight tonight, with a shift in winds from the SW to the NW by daybreak. Low cigs are expected to linger in the wake of the cold front through a portion of the overnight, with the drier air not arriving until closer to day break. With the arrival of the drier air clouds will clear out from west to east, with clear skies expected around this time tomorrow.
Extended Aviation Outlook: VFR will prevail Monday through much of next week.
MARINE
The sfc pressure gradient across the region will increase to 2-3 mbs as a cold front approaches from the west. The mixing height should increase to 2-3 kft by mid-morning. Forecast soundings indicate that the winds at the top of the mixed layer will increase to 35-40 kts, with momentum transfer in the mid 20 kts. This afternoon, wind gusts of 25-30 kts will develop across the outer GA and nearshore Charleston County waters this afternoon. In addition, wave heights will increase to 5-7 ft. The wind and sea conditions will be highlighted with Small Craft Advisories.
The environment across the coastal waters should support a developing band of pre-frontal thunderstorms late this afternoon into this evening. These storms will have potential to produce strong to severe wind gusts. In fact, the HRRR indicates a 10-30% chance of greater than 50kts/20 dBZ with 40 km of any marine point this evening. Special Marine Warnings may be needed this PM.
This evening and tonight, a strong cold front will sweep across the marine zones this evening. The passage of the front and strong CAA will result in wind gusts between 35-40 kts across the waters outside of the Charleston Harbor. Gale Warnings have been issued for tonight. Seas are forecast to peak between 5-9 ft around 6Z.
Marine conditions will rapidly improve Monday morning as high pressure builds more fully into the area. 6 ft seas will remain possible beyond approximately 15 nm from shore through the morning, likely requiring a Small Craft Advisory for areas outside Charleston Harbor until midday.
A tightening NE gradient Tuesday night and Wednesday will result in building seas over the waters. We could need SCAs for a portion of the marine area due to marginal 25 kt gusts and seas building to 6 ft or higher.
An extended period of widespread SCAs expected Wednesday night through the weekend as strong high pressure expands north of the area and low pressure develops off the FL coast. Seas will range from 6-11 ft and wind gusts will occasionally be as high as 25-30 kt.
EQUIPMENT
KCLX remains operational, but level 2 data is not being distributed to external users due to an internal hardware failure. We are still awaiting the arrival of new parts to resolve this problem. Until then, level 2 data will not be available. Radar data is available for all connected AWIPS users. Level 3 data is also available for some external users.
CHS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES
GA...None.
SC...Lake Wind Advisory until 1 AM EST Monday for SCZ045.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 6 AM EST Monday for AMZ330.
Small Craft Advisory until 6 PM EST this evening for AMZ350- 374.
Gale Warning from 6 PM this evening to 3 AM EST Monday for AMZ350-352-354.
Gale Warning from 6 PM this evening to 6 AM EST Monday for AMZ374.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Charleston SC 1217 PM EST Sun Dec 10 2023
SYNOPSIS
A strong cold front will cross the area this evening, followed by high pressure through late this week.
NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/
This Afternoon: Aloft, a negatively tilted trough is positioned over the Mississippi Valley region, with a 250 mb jet streak located downstream. Surface analysis from 12Z showed a cold front positioned from the upstate of SC extending SW into the FL Panhandle. Ahead of the cold front was a pool of moisture, with dew points generally in the low to mid 60s across the local forecast area. As the afternoon progresses dew points are expected to rise a few more degrees, possibly reaching into the upper 60s before the main line of precipitation arrives this afternoon. The aforementioned cold front will continue it's eastward trek, likely pushing through the forecast area overnight. Prior to FROPA, a line of showers and thunderstorms is poised to push through the region this afternoon and into this evening.
The Charleston area actually saw a bout of sunshine this morning, with temperatures quickly shooting up to around 76F. It remains to be seen if this unexpected sunshine with impact the instability levels at the surface with regards to the severe weather threat this afternoon. The 12Z CHS RAOB Sounding showed 298 J/kg of SB CAPE, with forecast soundings depicting anywhere from a couple hundred to 600-700 J/kg of SB CAPE by around 19Z.
However, even with meager surface instability, the dynamics aloft may be enough to trigger some strong to severe thunderstorms across the forecast area later this afternoon and into this evening. Shear values are impressive, with the 12Z CHS RAOB Sounding showing 33 knots of effective shear. Model soundings show that this value could increase to around 40 knots later this afternoon. While the shear is plentiful, model hodographs suggest that the flow is unidirectional, which would result in a main threat of damaging wind gusts. The region continues to be outlooked in a Marginal Risk from SPC, with a Slight Risk just to the north.
The PWAT value with the 12Z CHS RAOB Sounding was 1.34 inches, which according to SPC Climatology is just above the 90th percentile for this date. Generally rainfall amounts this afternoon and evening will be right around 1 inch, with 1-1.5 inches across far inland areas.
Lake Wind: Winds are expected to gust this afternoon around 25 mph ahead of the approaching cold front as winds aloft become mixed down to the surface. A Lake Wind Advisory is in effect for Lake Moultrie from 1 PM through around midnight tonight.
Tonight: The main line of showers and thunderstorms should rapidly push offshore this evening, with some lingering showers possible through around midnight, when the cold front pushes offshore. In the wake of the cold front strong CAA will dominate across the forecast area, with temperatures by Monday morning in the mid 30s inland and low to mid 40s along the coastline.
SHORT TERM /MONDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/
Cool and dry high pressure is expected to prevail Monday through Wednesday. Clear skies are anticipated Monday, then high cirrus will gradually increase late Monday night into Wednesday as high-level moisture increases. Monday highs will be in the middle 50s. A chilly night is in store for Monday night due to mostly clear skies and light winds. A few spots could dip into the upper 20s far inland, while the remainder of the area bottoms out in the lower to middle 30s except along the immediate coast where readings will be higher. Highs will warm 2-3 degrees per day Tuesday and Wednesday as the surface high gradually modifies.
LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY/
High pressure to the north will maintain quiet conditions Wednesday night through Friday. Some of the guidance continues to indicate the potential for a coastal low moving through next weekend, though things have trended a bit farther offshore with the low development. We maintained a chance of rain showers in the forecast.
AVIATION /18Z SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/
VFR conditions at KCHS/KJZI/KSAV to start the 18Z TAF period. A cold front will approach from the west today, ushering in a line of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and into this evening. Flight restrictions are likely with the showers and thunderstorms, which is outlined in a TEMPO group at each of the terminals. Outside of the showers and storms, gusty SW will be prevalent this afternoon, with gusts approaching 25 knots. The cold front will push off the SE coast around midnight tonight, with a shift in winds from the SW to the NW by daybreak. Low cigs are expected to linger in the wake of the cold front through a portion of the overnight, with the drier air not arriving until closer to day break. With the arrival of the drier air clouds will clear out from west to east, with clear skies expected around this time tomorrow.
Extended Aviation Outlook: VFR will prevail Monday through much of next week.
MARINE
The sfc pressure gradient across the region will increase to 2-3 mbs as a cold front approaches from the west. The mixing height should increase to 2-3 kft by mid-morning. Forecast soundings indicate that the winds at the top of the mixed layer will increase to 35-40 kts, with momentum transfer in the mid 20 kts. This afternoon, wind gusts of 25-30 kts will develop across the outer GA and nearshore Charleston County waters this afternoon. In addition, wave heights will increase to 5-7 ft. The wind and sea conditions will be highlighted with Small Craft Advisories.
The environment across the coastal waters should support a developing band of pre-frontal thunderstorms late this afternoon into this evening. These storms will have potential to produce strong to severe wind gusts. In fact, the HRRR indicates a 10-30% chance of greater than 50kts/20 dBZ with 40 km of any marine point this evening. Special Marine Warnings may be needed this PM.
This evening and tonight, a strong cold front will sweep across the marine zones this evening. The passage of the front and strong CAA will result in wind gusts between 35-40 kts across the waters outside of the Charleston Harbor. Gale Warnings have been issued for tonight. Seas are forecast to peak between 5-9 ft around 6Z.
Marine conditions will rapidly improve Monday morning as high pressure builds more fully into the area. 6 ft seas will remain possible beyond approximately 15 nm from shore through the morning, likely requiring a Small Craft Advisory for areas outside Charleston Harbor until midday.
A tightening NE gradient Tuesday night and Wednesday will result in building seas over the waters. We could need SCAs for a portion of the marine area due to marginal 25 kt gusts and seas building to 6 ft or higher.
An extended period of widespread SCAs expected Wednesday night through the weekend as strong high pressure expands north of the area and low pressure develops off the FL coast. Seas will range from 6-11 ft and wind gusts will occasionally be as high as 25-30 kt.
EQUIPMENT
KCLX remains operational, but level 2 data is not being distributed to external users due to an internal hardware failure. We are still awaiting the arrival of new parts to resolve this problem. Until then, level 2 data will not be available. Radar data is available for all connected AWIPS users. Level 3 data is also available for some external users.
CHS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES
GA...None.
SC...Lake Wind Advisory until 1 AM EST Monday for SCZ045.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 6 AM EST Monday for AMZ330.
Small Craft Advisory until 6 PM EST this evening for AMZ350- 374.
Gale Warning from 6 PM this evening to 3 AM EST Monday for AMZ350-352-354.
Gale Warning from 6 PM this evening to 6 AM EST Monday for AMZ374.
| Stations | Dist | Age | Wind | Air Temp | Water Temp | Waves | inHg | DewPt |
| FPKG1 - 8670870 - Fort Pulaski, GA | 7 mi | 48 min | SW 7G | 69°F | 60°F | 29.95 | ||
| 41067 | 37 mi | 83 min | 60°F | 3 ft | ||||
| 41008 - GRAYS REEF - 40 NM Southeast of Savannah, GA | 45 mi | 28 min | SSW 9.7G | 66°F | 64°F | 4 ft | 29.94 | 66°F |
| SAXG1 - Sapelo Island Reserve, GA | 45 mi | 48 min | SW 13 | 70°F | 29.95 | 64°F | ||
| ACXS1 - ACE Basin Reserve, SC | 47 mi | 63 min | S 1.9 | 71°F | 29.98 | 65°F |
toggle option: (graph/table)
Airport Reports
EDIT (on/off) Help Click EDIT to display multiple airports. Follow links for more data.| Airport | Dist | Age | Wind kt | Vis | Sky | Weather | Temp | DewPt | RH | inHg |
| KSVN HUNTER AAF,GA | 6 sm | 14 min | SW 07 | 10 sm | Mostly Cloudy | 73°F | 64°F | 73% | 29.88 | |
| KSAV SAVANNAH/HILTON HEAD INTL,GA | 11 sm | 54 min | SW 11G18 | 10 sm | Overcast | 73°F | 63°F | 69% | 29.94 | |
| KHXD HILTON HEAD,SC | 22 sm | 57 min | SW 13G20 | 10 sm | Partly Cloudy | 72°F | 64°F | 78% | 29.95 |
Wind History from SVN
(wind in knots)Thunderbolt
Click for Map
Sun -- 04:49 AM EST Moonrise
Sun -- 06:17 AM EST 8.35 feet High Tide
Sun -- 07:13 AM EST Sunrise
Sun -- 12:23 PM EST 0.72 feet Low Tide
Sun -- 03:27 PM EST Moonset
Sun -- 05:19 PM EST Sunset
Sun -- 06:29 PM EST 7.47 feet High Tide
Tide / Current data from XTide NOT FOR NAVIGATION
Click for Map
Sun -- 04:49 AM EST Moonrise
Sun -- 06:17 AM EST 8.35 feet High Tide
Sun -- 07:13 AM EST Sunrise
Sun -- 12:23 PM EST 0.72 feet Low Tide
Sun -- 03:27 PM EST Moonset
Sun -- 05:19 PM EST Sunset
Sun -- 06:29 PM EST 7.47 feet High Tide
Tide / Current data from XTide NOT FOR NAVIGATION
Thunderbolt, Wilmington River, Georgia, Tide feet
| 12 am |
| 0.6 |
| 1 am |
| 1.5 |
| 2 am |
| 3 |
| 3 am |
| 4.8 |
| 4 am |
| 6.5 |
| 5 am |
| 7.7 |
| 6 am |
| 8.3 |
| 7 am |
| 8.1 |
| 8 am |
| 7.1 |
| 9 am |
| 5.5 |
| 10 am |
| 3.6 |
| 11 am |
| 1.8 |
| 12 pm |
| 0.8 |
| 1 pm |
| 0.9 |
| 2 pm |
| 1.9 |
| 3 pm |
| 3.5 |
| 4 pm |
| 5.2 |
| 5 pm |
| 6.6 |
| 6 pm |
| 7.4 |
| 7 pm |
| 7.3 |
| 8 pm |
| 6.4 |
| 9 pm |
| 4.8 |
| 10 pm |
| 2.9 |
| 11 pm |
| 1.3 |
Savannah River Entrance
Click for Map
Sun -- 12:12 AM EST 0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 02:59 AM EST 2.06 knots Max Flood
Sun -- 04:48 AM EST Moonrise
Sun -- 06:42 AM EST -0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 07:13 AM EST Sunrise
Sun -- 10:00 AM EST -1.97 knots Max Ebb
Sun -- 01:09 PM EST 0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 03:26 PM EST Moonset
Sun -- 03:36 PM EST 1.84 knots Max Flood
Sun -- 05:19 PM EST Sunset
Sun -- 07:00 PM EST -0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 09:41 PM EST -1.71 knots Max Ebb
Tide / Current data from XTide NOT FOR NAVIGATION
Click for Map
Sun -- 12:12 AM EST 0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 02:59 AM EST 2.06 knots Max Flood
Sun -- 04:48 AM EST Moonrise
Sun -- 06:42 AM EST -0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 07:13 AM EST Sunrise
Sun -- 10:00 AM EST -1.97 knots Max Ebb
Sun -- 01:09 PM EST 0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 03:26 PM EST Moonset
Sun -- 03:36 PM EST 1.84 knots Max Flood
Sun -- 05:19 PM EST Sunset
Sun -- 07:00 PM EST -0.00 knots Slack
Sun -- 09:41 PM EST -1.71 knots Max Ebb
Tide / Current data from XTide NOT FOR NAVIGATION
Savannah River Entrance, Georgia Current, knots
| 12 am |
| -0.2 |
| 1 am |
| 0.9 |
| 2 am |
| 1.8 |
| 3 am |
| 2.1 |
| 4 am |
| 1.8 |
| 5 am |
| 1.3 |
| 6 am |
| 0.6 |
| 7 am |
| -0.3 |
| 8 am |
| -1.2 |
| 9 am |
| -1.8 |
| 10 am |
| -2 |
| 11 am |
| -1.8 |
| 12 pm |
| -1.3 |
| 1 pm |
| -0.2 |
| 2 pm |
| 1 |
| 3 pm |
| 1.7 |
| 4 pm |
| 1.8 |
| 5 pm |
| 1.4 |
| 6 pm |
| 0.8 |
| 7 pm |
| 0 |
| 8 pm |
| -0.9 |
| 9 pm |
| -1.6 |
| 10 pm |
| -1.7 |
| 11 pm |
| -1.5 |
Charleston, SC,
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