News Summary
Severe thunderstorms are impacting multiple counties in South Carolina, particularly Sumter and Clarendon. The National Weather Service warns of strong winds and hazardous conditions, with gusts up to 50 mph. Residents are urged to find shelter, particularly due to the risks associated with lightning and flash flooding. Safety tips for driving during heavy rain have been issued, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and prioritizing safety.
Columbia, South Carolina – Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for multiple counties in South Carolina, with a focus on Sumter and Clarendon counties. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the storm system is anticipated to bring strong winds and hazardous conditions through at least 12:45 a.m. on Friday.
The thunderstorms are capable of generating wind gusts up to 50 mph, which could result in downed tree limbs and the displacement of unsecured outdoor items. Doppler radar detected a significant thunderstorm near Poinsett State Park, located approximately 8 miles southwest of South Sumter, moving eastward at a speed of 25 mph.
Areas that could be affected include:
- Sumter
- Manning
- South Sumter
- Alcolu
- Turbeville
- Pinewood
- Paxville
- Cane Savannah
- Brogdon
- Foreston
- Lakewood
- Privateer
- Gable
- Wedgewood
- Shiloh
The storm warnings also extend to sections of Interstate 95 between mile markers 114 and 136. Residents in these areas are urged to take immediate precautions, especially those who may be outdoors. Lightning poses a significant threat, as it can strike up to 10 miles away from the center of the storm.
The NWS emphasizes the importance of finding indoor shelter promptly due to the risk of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes, which contribute to around 25 million lightning incidents in the U.S. annually, with approximately 20 fatalities associated with these strikes each year. The probability of being struck by lightning rises sharply as a thunderstorm approaches and reaches its peak when the storm directly overhead.
This is not the only severe weather reported this week. Earlier, at 6:12 p.m. on Thursday, a separate severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Lee and Sumter counties, which was in effect until 7 p.m. This warning indicated the potential for wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph and the occurrence of penny-sized hail. The storm was identified about 10 miles southwest of Bishopville and was moving eastward at 20 mph.
The locations impacted by this earlier warning included:
- Bishopville
- Lee State Park
- Elliott
- Mayesville
- Lynchburg
- Ashwood
- Oswego
- Manville
- Spring Hill
- St. Charles
- Wateree River Correctional Institution
- Rembert
- Wisacky
- Woodrow
- Dalzell
This warning affected areas of Interstate 20 between mile markers 109 and 126 as well as I-95 near mile marker 139. Continuous cloud-to-ground lightning was observed with this storm as well, leading to recommendations for residents to stay indoors until conditions improve.
The heavy rainfall accompanying the thunderstorms increases the threat of flash flooding. The NWS advises residents against driving through flooded roadways. Hydroplaning, a common hazard during heavy rain when a vehicle loses contact with the road surface, can occur due to significant water buildup in front of tires.
To minimize the risk of hydroplaning, the NWS offers several safety tips:
- Maintain a safe speed
- Ensure proper tire tread
- Stay calm and ease off the gas if hydroplaning occurs
- Steer straight to regain control
As severe weather persists across the region, residents are encouraged to stay aware of updates from the NWS and to prioritize safety during these storms.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Inland Jasper and Charleston County
Severe Thunderstorm Warning in Upstate South Carolina
Beaufort County Prepares for Extreme Heat Wave
Hilton Head Island Football Team Aims High in Upcoming Season
Extreme Heat Wave Hits the Northeastern U.S.
Hilton Head Island: Balancing Growth and Quality of Life
Tragic Drownings Highlight Water Safety Risks in Hilton Head
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Rock South Carolina
Traffic Disruptions in Hilton Head Island Due to Accidents
Fatal Car Accident Claims Life of Young Driver in Hilton Head
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Herald Online: Weather News
- Google Search: Severe Weather Alerts
- AL.com: Thunderstorm Alerts
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Preparedness
- WISTV: Midlands Storms and Floods
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Click Orlando: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Google News: Thunderstorm Impact
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.
