News Summary
Aiken County is under severe thunderstorm warnings, affecting areas like Northwestern Orangeburg and Lexington. Residents are warned to expect pea-sized hail and gusty winds up to 50 mph, posing risks like flying debris. The storm, moving east from Aiken State Park, adds to the urgency for safety measures. It’s crucial for those outdoors to seek shelter, especially with the potential for lightning strikes and hydroplaning risks for drivers. Stay informed and prepared as the warning is in effect until 10 p.m.
Aiken County Faces Severe Thunderstorm Warnings – Stay Safe Out There!
As the clock struck 9:23 p.m. on Tuesday, Aiken County and its neighboring areas like Northwestern Orangeburg and Lexington found themselves under the watchful eye of the National Weather Service. A new severe thunderstorm warning was issued, and folks, this alert is in effect until 10 p.m., so let’s talk about what you need to know to stay safe!
What’s in Store?
With storm clouds rolling in, residents should brace themselves for pea-sized hail – that’s right, we’re talking about tiny balls of ice around 0.25 inches! On top of that, you can expect wild winds gusting up to an impressive 50 mph. That’s strong enough to make even the sturdiest trash can do backflips down the street!
Doppler radar clocked a robust thunderstorm making its way near Aiken State Park at about 9:22 p.m. If you’re keeping score, that’s only 16 miles east of Aiken, and it’s moving east at 20 mph. So, no time like the present to prepare!
Watch Out for Flying Objects!
Now, this isn’t just a summer shower; the National Weather Service is making it crystal clear that gusty winds can be a real danger. They may knock down tree limbs or send unsecured items sailing across yards. So if you’ve got garden furniture or decorations sitting outside, now’s the time to secure them. You don’t want to be that neighbor with a trampoline in the middle of the street!
Areas Being Impacted
It’s not just Aiken—multiple communities are caught in the crosshairs of this storm! Here’s a quick recap of the areas at risk:
- Aiken State Park
- Swansea
- Wagener
- Pelion
- Springfield
- Salley
- Neeses
- Perry
- Woodford
- Livingston
- Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve
- Perry Airport
- Thor
Safety First!
For those enjoying the great outdoors or caught in transit, the best course of action is to seek shelter inside a sturdy building until the storm passes. You don’t want to be caught outside in this weather, especially with the threat of lightning in the mix!
Lightning and Hydroplaning Alerts
Speaking of lightning, it strikes the U.S. about 25 million times each year, with the season ramping up as we enter the summer months. On average, around 20 people sadly lose their lives each year due to lightning strikes. As a storm approaches, the likelihood of a strike increases, peaking as the storm looms overhead, before tapering off. So, find that safe spot!
And if you’re driving, keep in mind the risk of hydroplaning. That’s when water collects in front of your tires, making your vehicle lose grip. If you’re driving on wet roads, take extra caution – it’s no fun to be sliding uncontrollably!
Wrapping it Up
As the storms sweep across Northwestern Orangeburg, Lexington, and Aiken counties tonight, make sure you’re well-prepared and aware of what’s happening in your area. The severe thunderstorm warning lasts until 10 p.m., so stay tuned, stay smart, and stay safe!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Search: Severe Weather Safety
- WRDW
- Google Scholar: Severe Thunderstorms
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
- WFXG
- Google News: Weather alerts
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