News Summary
Florence, South Carolina, is under severe thunderstorm warnings from the National Weather Service, impacting several counties including Marlboro and Darlington. Residents are advised to stay alert for gusty winds up to 50 mph and should prepare for potentially hazardous conditions. Major highways like Interstate 20 and 95 may also be affected. Authorities emphasize safety measures such as seeking shelter and avoiding travel during the storm. The NWS has issued this alert until 11:30 p.m., urging everyone to stay informed and ready.
Severe Thunderstorm Alert Hitting South Carolina Counties
Florence, South Carolina is gearing up for some wild weather as the National Weather Service (NWS) Wilmington NC rolled out a severe thunderstorm warning at precisely 10:48 p.m. this past Monday. Residents of Marlboro, Darlington, and Florence counties need to stay alert, as the warnings will last until 11:30 p.m.
What’s Coming Your Way?
Brace yourself! With gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 50 mph, things could get a bit chaotic. The storms were moving through, tracked by Doppler radar, stretching from Auburn to a few miles northeast of Mulberry, advancing to the east at a swift pace of 40 mph. That means if you’re in Florence, Timmonsville, or any of the nearby areas, it’s best to prepare for a shake-up.
Where Are the Winds Hitting Hardest?
Several locations are directly in the storm’s path, including:
- Florence
- Darlington
- Timmonsville
- Lamar
- Quinby
- Dovesville
- Sardis
- Mont Clare
- Auburn
- Darlington Raceway
- Swift Creek
- Cartersville
- Florence Darlington Technical College Main Campus
- Mechanicsville
- Floyd
- Carolinas Hospital System
- Mcleod Regional Medical Center
- Health South Rehabilitation Hospital
Highways on Alert
Travelers should also be aware that major highways are affected by these storms. If you’re on:
- Interstate 20 between mile markers 126 and 141
- Interstate 95, particularly between mile markers 146 and 173
Anticipate hazardous driving conditions ahead. So, if you haven’t already, consider finding a safe spot to ride out the storm.
Safety is Key!
For those who find themselves outdoors, it’s highly advisable to seek shelter inside a sturdy building. The NWS encourages everyone to keep an eye on the local radio and TV stations for the latest updates and warnings. With a warning in place until 11:30 p.m., there is no time to waste in ensuring safety.
Thunderstorms Bring Lightning Risks Too
Speaking of safety, did you know that thunderstorms can result in about 25 million lightning strikes across the United States each year? This averages out to about 20 fatalities annually – that’s no minor statistic! The chances of getting zapped go up as the thunderstorm approaches and peak when the storm is right overhead.
During a Thunderstorm, Here’s What You Should Do:
- Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building, away from windows.
- If no inner shelter is available, take any precautions you can to stay safe.
Drive Safely, Folks!
It’s also important to remember that heavy rainfall can lead to hydroplaning. That’s when your vehicle might slide uncontrollably on the wet ground. Keeping a safe distance and slowing down can prevent this. With lowering visibility during these downpours, don’t forget to activate your headlights!
Cleaning Up After the Chaos
City crews are already on the move, tackling debris left by the recent thunderstorms. Florence Road saw some action with tree limbs down causing temporary road closures near Margarita Drive. Always be cautious on the roads during this time!
As “thunderstorm talk” continues across the state, it’s plenty clear that staying informed and ready can keep everyone safe. Let’s hope for calm skies ahead!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Upstate South Carolina
Columbia Residents Prepare for Severe Thunderstorms
Severe Thunderstorm Alert in Columbia, South Carolina
Severe Storms Cause Widespread Power Outages in South Carolina
Severe Weather Alert for South Carolina: Strong Thunderstorms Expected
Severe Thunderstorms Hit Central and Southeastern South Carolina
Severe Weather Action in Texas as Emergency Resources Mobilized
Beach Adventures Await in Coastal Georgia
Preserving the Natural Beauty of Hilton Head Beaches
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Hit Myrtle Beach and Nearby Areas
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Severe Weather Alert
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- KDH News: Storm Damage Report
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety
- WAFF: Traffic Light Down Following Storms
- Google Scholar: Meteorology
- AL.com: Thunderstorm Alerts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- WPDE: Storm Deluge Report
- Google News: Florence Weather Alerts
Mays Contracting
