News Summary
Residents of Darlington County have received a thunderstorm alert, warning of strong storms with hail and high winds. The alert is active until 5:30 p.m. with the potential for minor damage and risks for outdoor safety. Affected areas include North Hartsville and surrounding regions. With further storms expected on June 27, residents are advised to stay indoors and prepare for challenging driving conditions. Reports of damage in Lamar highlight the seriousness of the storm season. Stay informed and safe during this weather event.
Thunderstorm Alerts Hit Darlington County: Hail and High Winds Expected!
Hey there, Darlington residents! Buckle up because we’ve got some exciting weather news rolling into town! The National Weather Service has just issued a thunderstorm alert for Darlington County. This alert was updated around 5:06 p.m. on Sunday and will remain in effect until 5:30 p.m. Keep your umbrellas handy and eyes peeled as we dive into what to expect in the next few moments!
What’s Coming Our Way?
Strong thunderstorms are making their presence felt, and Doppler radar has tracked a particularly feisty one over North Hartsville, nearly stationary and ready to rumble. This thunderstorm is bringing *pea-sized hail*, measuring about 0.25 inches, right along with gusty winds that could whip up to 40 mph!
For those in and around Hartsville, Clyde, Kellytown, and even the Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center, it’s time to stay on alert! The potential for *minor hail damage* to vegetation and the risk of gusts knocking around tree limbs or unsecured objects is in the mix too.
Safety Precautions
If you happen to be outdoors, it’s wise to head inside and find some shelter. A cozy spot within a building can be your best friend when nature decides to stir things up! It’s not just the rain and wind that can be troublesome; let’s not forget about lightning. Did you know that in the U.S., lightning strikes a staggering 25 million times each year, particularly during the summer months? With averages showing 20 fatalities annually due to lightning strikes, staying safe is paramount!
Keep in mind that the likelihood of lightning spikes as the storm approaches, hits its peak when right overhead, and then starts to decrease as it passes. So, the key is to remain indoors until the storm has cleared.
Hydroplaning and Storm Driving Tips
Hydroplaning is another concern as we deal with heavy rainfall. This happens when a vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on wet roads, thanks to a buildup of water pressure in front of the tires. While the specifics weren’t discussed in the alert, three main causes of hydroplaning are well-known and shouldn’t be ignored!
If you find yourself experiencing hydroplaning, it’s essential to remain calm and steer your vehicle in the direction you want to go!
More Thunderstorms on the Horizon
Locations impacted included major areas like Florence, Darlington, and Quinby, with highways such as Interstate 20 and Interstate 95 being mentioned in the alert. Driving through flooded roadways during torrential rainfall linked to the storm can prove hazardous, so tread carefully out there!
The Aftermath
There have already been reports from Lamar in Darlington County regarding damage caused by thunderstorms, specifically trees being downed. It’s believed that a *microburst* may have caused this damage, which involves high winds related to a rapidly descending column of air. In some cases, these microbursts occur *suddenly* and *without warning*, leaving little time for preparation.
As the storm season continues, stay informed, stay safe, and keep looking out for updates! Darlington County residents, let’s weather the storm together! 🌀
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Thunderstorm Warning in Cherokee and Spartanburg Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit York County
Severe Thunderstorm Warning in York County, SC
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Northern Lancaster
Severe Thunderstorm Alert for Florence and Darlington
Severe Thunderstorms and Flash Flood Warnings in Lancaster County
Severe Thunderstorm Alert for Coastal Georgia and South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm and Flash Flood Alerts Hit York County
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Southeastern North Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Greenville and Spartanburg
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Thunderstorm Alerts
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Herald Online: Weather Updates
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Precautions
- WMBF News: Wintry Mix Alert
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Safety Tips
- Fox 59: Severe Weather Photos
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- WPDE: School Closings Update
- Google News: Darlington County Thunderstorm
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.
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