Inclement Weather Warning Issued for Central South Carolina
Good morning, Orangeburg! It looks like we’re in for some wild weather today. The National Weather Service (NWS) has just issued an updated weather alert warning residents of strong thunderstorms sweeping through the area until around 10:15 a.m. It’s best to stay aware, especially if you’re in Central Orangeburg or nearby counties like Richland and Sumter.
What to Expect
As of 9:32 a.m., Doppler radar shows intense thunderstorms streaking across a line from near St. Matthews to Lodge, with the storm moving east at a zippy 50 mph. So, if you’re outside, it could be a good time to seek shelter indoors. Winds could be gusting up to 50 mph, which can definitely cause some chaos like knocking down tree limbs and tossing around unsecured items.
The areas impacted by this alert include not just Orangeburg, but also places like Manning, Brookdale, St. Matthews, and Holly Hill. If you’re on the road, you’ll want to stay alert on major highways, including Interstate 26 between mile markers 145 and 169 and Interstate 95 between mile markers 85 and 124.
Stay Safe!
For those who are out and about, you should take this storm seriously. A Tornado Watch is also in effect until 1 p.m. for central South Carolina, meaning that conditions are favorable for tornado activity. So what should you do? Here’s a quick rundown of suggestions to keep you and your loved ones safe during these thunderstorms:
- If you can get indoors, do so!
- If you cannot find shelter, stay away from windows and seek low ground.
- Listen for updates from weather authorities for the latest information.
Caution on the Roads
If you’re driving, be especially careful. Heavy rain can cause a condition known as hydroplaning, where your car glides uncontrollably on the wet surface. This happens when water builds up in front of your tires faster than the vehicle can push it out of the way. When this occurs, the vehicle rises up on a thin layer of water, causing you to lose control temporarily. The main causes of hydroplaning are:
- Driving too fast for the wet conditions.
- Under-inflated tires.
- Tread wear on your tires.
If you ever find yourself hydroplaning, the best course of action is to remain calm, ease off the accelerator, and steer gently in the direction you want to go. Sudden movements could lead to a loss of control.
The Power of Nature
As we brace for our local thunderstorms, it’s worth noting that thousands of lightning strikes happen across the country each year. In fact, the U.S. sees about 25 million lightning strikes annually! Most of these occur during the summer months, contributing to an average of 20 fatalities each year. Remember that the closer a storm gets, the higher the risk of lightning; this risk decreases as the storm moves away.
Stay Informed
Whether you’re curled up at home or out running errands, make sure you stay updated about the conditions. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Keep those weather notifications handy, and keep an eye on your surroundings. Hopefully, this storm will pass without causing much trouble!
Alright, Orangeburg, let’s stay safe out there. If you have any storm stories or tips you’d like to share, feel free to reach out—let’s keep the community informed and safe!
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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