Headline:
Special Weather Statement issued March 19 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Event:
Special Weather Statement
Urgency:
Expected
Effective:
March 19, 2026 - 11:00am
Expires:
March 19, 2026 - 2:00pm
Description:
Surface observations, satellite images and regional webcams show
areas of smoke are impacting portions of the Charleston Metro Area
this afternoon. The smoke is being generated by several large
prescribed burns that are occurring over the Francis Marion
National Forest as well as the Naval Weapons Station.
Visibilities as low as 3 to 5 miles are impacting roadways
including portions of I-526 and I-26 with the worst conditions
occurring over parts of North Charleston. The risk for smoke will
continue for a few more hours until the afternoon sea breeze moves
through. Poor air quality in addition to lower visibilities will
occur where smoke is encountered.
Instruction:
Active children and adults as well as those with respiratory
ailments that can be triggered by smoke should severely limit
outdoor activity and stay indoors. Everyone else should limit
prolonged outdoor activities. Motorists should be alert for
sudden changes in visibilities. Use low beam headlights whenever
dense smoke is encountered.
Area Description:
Inland Berkeley; Charleston; Tidal Berkeley
Forcast Office:
NWS Charleston SC
Sender:
w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov