MORNING HEADLINES  |  Monday marked the beginning of the 2026 Atlantic Basin Hurricane season which two monitoring agencies – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Colorado State University – predict will be slightly below normal.

Expected are an average of 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes throughout the season, which lasts for the next five months.

El Niño, a warming pattern of the central/eastern Pacific Ocean that causes wind shears in the Atlantic, is a big factor in why this year’s hurricane season may have less activity than normal. Wind shears are bad for tropical systems and prevents them from organizing. But warm waters are still a risk factor for tropical storms and hurricanes to form which is why weather experts say it is always best to stay prepared. 

Most tropical cyclones form later in the summer, during August and September. In the meantime, check out South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s Hurricane Guide to stay prepared this season. 

Around town

Our online events calendar has scores of events around the Lowcountry every day, making it the most detailed calendar of what’s happening in the area. Just click on “Events” above at right under the black toolbar. You’ll be amazed at what you find. 

In weekend headlines

CP FESTIVALS: Juried Art Exhibition finds universal themes in diverse works. The winning pieces in this year’s Piccolo Spoleto’s Juried Art Exhibition showcases a range of media, including painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking and photography from more than 80 invited artists. The free show is open from noon to 5 p.m. weekly Wednesday through Sunday until June 7, with a closing reception scheduled for June 7 from 4 to 6 p.m., when artists will be present.

S.C.-1: 17 candidates running for Mace’s congressional seat. South Carolina’s wide open 1st Congressional District is in the center of the Lowcountry action this election season, with heated primary contests on both sides of the aisle.

Charleston residents worry about flooding in future housing developments. The city of Charleston approved $2 million to help start construction of the Poinsette Apartments on 55 Lee Street. Residents who will live next door to the housing unit are concerned about what happens when it rains and what that can mean for their homes.

Charleston Co. provides free hot meals for children this summer. The district is beginning its free summer meal bundle program, along with the “Seamless Summer Feeding Program,” starting Monday and running through July 24. Free hot meals, from breakfast to lunch, are served at nine Charleston County libraries and 36 open sites for children up to 18.

James Island animal shelter pauses dog intake. Pet Helpers on James Island will temporarily be turning away dogs as they work to manage an overcrowding issue.

North Charleston police address increase gun thefts, auto fatalities. The North Charleston Police Department is asking for community members to help improve safety amid an uptick in car break-ins and crashes involving pedestrians.

Charleston Co. plans S.C. Highway 41 road improvements. Charleston County officials are moving forward with plans to improve the S.C. Highway 41 corridor to address growing traffic congestion and safety concerns.

Mount Pleasant rezoning targets church, school properties. The town’s planning committee recommends that the council rezone church and school properties to prevent their future conversion to housing.

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