News Summary
Residents of Newberry County should prepare for severe thunderstorms expected to last until 9 p.m. tonight. With wind gusts up to 50 mph and potential hail, safety measures are crucial. Stay alert for updates and take precautions to protect property and ensure personal safety.
Severe Thunderstorm Alert for Newberry County!
Newberry County residents, brace yourselves! A severe thunderstorm alert has been issued for your area, with strong storms predicted to roll in until 9 p.m. tonight. The National Weather Service (NWS) Columbia SC sent out this alert at 8:12 p.m., so if you haven’t already prepared, now’s the time to take action!
What to Expect
According to the latest updates, the thunderstorm is moving northwest at a pace of about 15 mph. Expect wind gusts that could reach up to 50 mph, and if that wasn’t enough, there’s a chance of nickel-sized hail (about 0.88 inches) falling from the sky. Yikes!
You might be checking your windows and thinking about what’s out there. The storm was spotted on Doppler radar extending from near Newberry County Airport all the way to about 9 miles northeast of Lake Greenwood State Park. So, if you live or are traveling near areas like Vaughnville, Silverstreet, Kinards, the Belfast Wildlife Management Area, or the Bush River Fire Station, you’ll want to stay alert!
Be Prepared
Now, let’s talk about safety. Those high winds are a concern because they can easily knock down tree limbs, and we all know how much damage a flying branch can cause. Unsecured objects might find themselves tumbling around in the gusty winds, and you could see some minor damage to outdoor items. Now is a great time to secure any patio furniture, trash cans, or anything else that might be swept away!
If you’re on the road, especially along Interstate 26 between mile markers 62 and 71, keep your eyes peeled! It’s a rough ride during storms, and safety is key.
Seeking Shelter
If you’re standing outside, the NWS suggests finding shelter indoors. Storms can intensify quickly, so it’s best to be proactive about your safety. With summer storms, it’s easy to forget about the risks when the skies light up with excitement. But beware! Lightning strikes the United States roughly 25 million times each year, and during thunderstorms, the chance of lightning increases dramatically. Remember to keep yourself safe!
Driving in the Storm
And for those who might be caught driving during the storm, there’s another concern: hydroplaning. That happens when your tires slide uncontrollably on wet roads due to water pooling under your vehicle. The risk of hydroplaning increases based on your tire tread, speed, and the depth of the water on the road. If it happens, remain calm, avoid sudden movements, and gently steer in the direction you want to go.
Stay Updated!
It’s essential to keep a close watch on your local news for further developments and updates on this storm. And with the alert in effect until 9 p.m., every hour counts. Remember: staying informed is your best line of defense against unpredictable weather.
So, Newberry County, stay safe, stay dry and keep an eye on the skies! Let’s weather this storm together!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Weather Warnings Issued for Columbia and Lexington Counties
Severe Weather Hits Columbia, South Carolina
Winter Storm Warning Issued for the Midlands
Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Warnings in Columbia and Lexington County
Wildfires Rage Across South Carolina, Emergency Declared
South Carolina Residents Affected by Hurricane Helene: Federal Assistance Now Available
Hurricane Helene Set to Impact Columbia, South Carolina with Heavy Rain and Wind Threats
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety
- The State
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather
- WLTX
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
- ABC Columbia
- Google News: Thunderstorm Alerts
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
