News Summary
Bamberg County is under a thunderstorm warning from the National Weather Service. While the severe threat has eased, residents need to remain vigilant as gusty winds up to 50 mph and lightning are still in the forecast. The NWS advises individuals to seek shelter indoors during the storm and be cautious of localized flooding and potential hail damage. Updates indicate storms are moving through the area, impacting nearby towns and possibly causing tree and power line damage. Stay safe and prepared, Bamberg!
Bamberg Braces for Thunderstorm: Caution Still Advised!
Hey there, Bamberg! We’ve got some exciting (and a little worrisome) weather to talk about. Recently, the National Weather Service (NWS) blasted out a thunderstorm warning for Bamberg, Calhoun, and Orangeburg counties. While the storm that triggered the warning has calmed down a bit and is no longer deemed a severe threat to your well-being or property, we still have to keep our eyes on the skies until the warning officially wraps up at 8:45 p.m.
Winds and Lightning: Stay Alert!
Just because the storm is less menacing now doesn’t mean we can let our guard down just yet. Gusty winds, possibly reaching up to 50 mph, are still in the forecast. Lightning fans out like a wild firework show, striking about 25 million times each year in the U.S., mainly during the summer months. Though, be warned: around 20 people tragically lose their lives to lightning each year! The danger peaks as the storm gets closer, so make sure you find some safe indoor shelter.
What to Do When Thunder Roars
So, what’s the best course of action during a thunderstorm? Of course, if you can, head indoors. If you find yourself outside and shelter isn’t an option, here are a few wise safety tips to consider:
- Stay away from tall trees or metal structures, which can act like a lightning rod.
- Don’t take shelter in small structures like picnic tents.
- If you’re in a vehicle, keep the windows up and avoid touching metal surfaces.
Remember, if you get caught driving in the rain and suddenly find your vehicle veering off-course, that’s called hydroplaning. This happens when water pressure builds up in front of your tires and causes a loss of grip. If you find yourself in this slippery situation, it’s essential to know the right steps to regain control.
Latest Updates on This Crazy Weather!
Just to keep you in the loop, the NWS updated their weather alert on Wednesday at 5:16 p.m. for strong thunderstorms affecting Barnwell and Bamberg counties until 5:45 p.m. Radar picked up a hefty storm near Barnwell moving northeast at about 10 mph. Residents in towns like Denmark, Williston, and even Barnwell State Park were directly in the path of the storm. Expect gusty winds that could knock down tree limbs and send unsecured items flying around!
Flooding Potential and Storm Movement
Let’s not forget about the rain! The storm has been dropping sheets of torrential rainfall, leading to the risk of localized flooding. If you see flooded roadways, it’s a firm no-no to try and cross. Drive smart, folks! Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning has been reported, and you could even be within reach of a lightning strike from a storm that’s up to 10 miles away!
What’s Next for Bamberg?
The thunderstorm warning for Orangeburg County has clocked out as of 6:13 p.m., but a severe storm tracked near Rivers Bridge State Park is still rolling along. This one’s moving northeast at about 35 mph, whipping up wind gusts that could reach 60 mph. Don’t forget the chance of quarter-sized hail, which can be a nasty surprise!
Impacted areas from these storms include Bamberg, Branchville, and the Bamberg County Airport, among others. Tree and power line damage are anticipated, so don’t be shocked if you see debris after the storm passes. Stay tuned for further updates, and keep safe, Bamberg!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Orangeburg County
Severe Thunderstorm Alert in Columbia, South Carolina
Severe Weather Alert for South Carolina: Strong Thunderstorms Expected
Additional Resources
- AOL News – Bamberg Co EMA Issues Warning
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Island Packet – Thunderstorm Warning
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety
- Live 5 News – Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Impact
- ABC Columbia – Storms to Move Through Midlands
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning
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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