Eastern Georgia, South Carolina Face 60 MPH Wind Gusts from Afternoon Storms — SevereWX

SPC Mesoscale Discussion 1601 flags rising severe risk

The Storm Prediction Center has issued Mesoscale Discussion 1601, spotlighting portions of eastern Georgia stretching into much of South Carolina for severe thunderstorm potential through late afternoon. Valid from 12:24 PM to 5:30 PM CDT on July 12, 2026, this outlook carries a 40% probability of a Severe Thunderstorm Watch.

A sweltering, humid air mass is fueling the setup, with temps already in the low/mid 90s. Satellite views show agitated cumulus bubbling up, including early thunderstorms southeast of Atlanta. Expect further destabilization to 2000-3000 J/kg MLCAPE, sparking wider storm coverage in the next 1-2 hours.

Weak winds aloft point to a messy, outflow-driven storm mode—no organized supercells here. But steep low-level lapse rates and near 2-inch PWATs could pack a punch, driving gusts up to 60 mph. SPC's most probable peak: 60 mph.

This builds on the ongoing Slight Risk for the Southeast, where isolated severe gusts remain the main concern. Check the SPC graphic for the detailed lat/lon polygon covering key areas from coastal GA/SC up toward central SC.

Stay prepared: Download a reliable radar app, keep an eye on local NWS updates from offices like CHS, CAE, GSP, JAX, FFC, and have a severe weather plan ready—secure outdoor items and seek shelter if storms approach.