Thunderstorm Alert for Central and Southeastern Orangeburg
As the clock struck 11:53 a.m. this Thursday in Orangeburg, South Carolina, a significant weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). Residents of Central and Southeastern Orangeburg, including the neighboring counties of Bamberg and Barnwell, were warned to brace themselves for strong thunderstorms through to 12:15 p.m. The forecast included potentially damaging wind gusts that could reach up to 50 mph.
What to Expect from the Storm
According to the NWS, at precisely 11:52 a.m., Doppler radar indicated a robust thunderstorm developing over Blackville, close to Denmark. This storm is moving eastward at a brisk speed of 45 mph. With such strong winds accompanying the rain, locals should prepare for branches breaking off trees or it being a dangerous day for outdoor debris. Some locations likely to be affected include Bamberg County Airport, the serene Barnwell State Park, as well as communities like Cope and Hilda.
Safety First!
Residents are strongly encouraged to seek shelter *inside a sturdy building* if they are outdoors and haven’t managed to come inside yet. The storm can rapidly escalate, making safety the top priority. The NWS notes that while thunderstorms can be quite common, they often bring unwelcome lightning, which strikes the U.S. about 25 million times per year! With the summer months being peak lightning season, it’s crucial to be aware, as roughly 20 fatalities occur each year due to lightning incidents.
Understanding Hydroplaning
Moreover, with the increased risk of heavy rainfall, drivers should also be cautious about another hazard—*hydroplaning*. This occurs when your vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably across wet roads. Why does this happen? Well, it’s due to water accumulating in front of your tires at a faster rate than the weight of your vehicle can displace it. That pressure can cause your tires to lose contact with the road, leading to a slippery experience.
What To Do If Hydroplaning Occurs
Now, if you find yourself hydroplaning, it’s important to stay calm. Here’s a quick guide:
- Don’t panic and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
- Remove your foot from the accelerator to help the car regain traction.
- Avoid slamming the brakes, as this can worsen the loss of control.
Stay Informed and Prepared
Being aware of the potential dangers of thunderstorms, like lightning and wind gusts, can make a big difference in keeping you and your loved ones safe. Make sure to monitor updates from reliable sources to stay well-informed. The alert for Orangeburg County is indeed fleeting, with a brief window for concerns around the strong thunderstorms in effect until 12:15 p.m.
Take care, stay safe, and remember that storms may bring a quick downpour, but together we can weather the storm!
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
Mays Contracting
