Image by Flickr user Barkaw Enjoy it now, because Beaufort's going to get real steamy.

After going some 30 days without a decent shower, Charleston finally got a good dousing (and some lightning and wind) early this morning, but how much?

Well, according to National Weather Service data from the Charleston Air Base, 1.22 inches fell from midnight to 8 a.m.

Thousands in the Lowcountry lost power, wind gusts hitting 70 MPH were recorded near Summerville, and several large trees were reported knocked down.

And keep the umbrella near, as more rain and lightning is expected this afternoon along with the possibility of hail — and be sure to enjoy the relativley cool heat index today (96) because tomorrow, it's shooting up to 100.

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