News Summary
Myrtle Beach and the Oconee Mountains are under severe weather alerts as strong thunderstorms approach the area. Wind gusts could reach 50 mph, with the possibility of marble-sized hail. Residents are advised to stay indoors and secure loose items outside as dangerous conditions may arise, including lightning strikes and localized flooding. Local updates are crucial for safety as these storms develop.
Myrtle Beach and Oconee Mountains Brace for Strong Thunderstorms
The skies are rumbling and the winds are howling as Myrtle Beach prepares for a series of strong thunderstorms today. Early this evening, a weather alert was issued at 5:38 p.m. for areas like Myrtle Beach, Dillon, and Marion counties. The alert’s urgency is in effect until 6:15 p.m., and it’s wise to keep an eye on how this might affect your evening plans.
What to Expect
Hold onto your hats, folks! It’s forecasted that wind gusts could soar up to a staggering 50 mph. If that isn’t enough to get your attention, there’s also the potential for hail the size of marbles—around 0.5 inches in diameter. Yes, you read that right! Marble-sized hail could be coming your way.
The Doppler radar is actively tracking a strong thunderstorm just near Mullins, moving northeast at approximately 15 mph. Heads up to those in areas like Fair Bluff, Lake View, Kemper, Nichols, and Marietta—this storm could head your way, too!
Dangerous Conditions Ahead
As if the wind and hail weren’t enough, the alerts also mention the risk of gusty winds knocking down tree limbs and careening unsecured objects around. This could lead to minor damage to vegetation, so take a moment to secure any loose items outside.
Speaking of safety, it’s advisable to stay indoors if you’re outside when the thunderstorm rolls in. This isn’t just a casual suggestion; it’s a wise move given the volume of lightning events during thunderstorms. Did you know about 25 million lightning strikes hit the U.S. each year, largely in the summer? With thunderstorms on the rise, it’s crucial to be vigilant.
Take Precautions
When storms are looming, your safety is the top priority. If you’re out and about and a storm approaches, it’s best to find shelter. The concern doesn’t stop there, as some weather experts warn that the risk of lightning strikes significantly increases as a storm nears and peaks when it’s right above you. In fact, these hazardous strikes can even occur as far as 10 miles away from the storm itself!
Oconee Mountains Also Under Threat
This storm isn’t just about the wind; it brings pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph. The storm has been tracked about 9 miles southeast of Clayton and is moving northeast at about 20 mph. Folks around Mountain Rest, Lake Keowee, Long Creek, and even Oconee State Park should be cautious.
Flooding and Driving Safety
In addition to hail and winds, the Oconee storm is also causing torrential rainfall, which can lead to localized flooding. If you’re out on the roads, remember this: driving through flooded areas is never a good idea. Always err on the side of caution!
Stay Informed
As the role of storms evolves, so must our awareness. Make it a habit to check local media for updates and warnings. The weather may seem predictable, but storms can catch you off guard if you’re not paying attention!
So there you have it, Myrtle Beach and Oconee Mountains residents—stay safe, stay informed, and keep those umbrellas handy!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Thunderstorm Alert Issued in Laurens and Union Counties
Strong Thunderstorms Roar into South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Lowcountry
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Charleston and Nearby Counties
South Carolina Residents Urged to Prepare for Hurricane Season
Severe Thunderstorms Forecasted for Hilton Head Area
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Upstate South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for McCormick and Edgefield Counties
Myrtle Beach on Thunderstorm Alert: Stay Safe!
Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online: Thunderstorm Alert
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Myrtle Beach Online: Severe Weather Update
- Google Search: Thunderstorms
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather Warnings
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Safety
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local Weather Concerns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather Alerts
- Google News: Thunderstorm News
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