News Summary
South Carolina residents are under a severe thunderstorm alert as the National Weather Service warns of intense weather conditions. Wind gusts may reach up to 50 mph, with storms affecting areas including Williston, Aiken, and Barnwell. Residents are urged to secure outdoor items and remain indoors due to safety concerns, including the risk of lightning and hydroplaning while driving. Stay informed and prepared as local authorities continue to monitor the situation.
Severe Thunderstorm Alert for South Carolina Residents
Attention residents of South Carolina! A severe thunderstorm alert has been issued as some areas brace for impactful weather. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Columbia announced this alert on Thursday at 4:47 p.m., and it’s set to remain in effect until 5:15 p.m. for residents in Northwestern Orangeburg, Aiken, and Barnwell counties.
Windy and Wild Weather Ahead
As the afternoon approaches, be on the lookout for wind gusts that could reach an intense 50 mph. At the moment, Doppler radar has detected a strong thunderstorm approximately 7 miles north of Williston and 17 miles north of Barnwell. The storm is currently moving north at a speed of 15 mph.
With these strong winds, residents should be cautious. The NWS warned that these gusty winds have the potential to knock down tree limbs and could easily blow around any unsecured objects in yards. So, if you have anything lying around outside, now might be the time to tuck it safely away!
Where is It Hitting?
Those living in places like Williston, Wagener, Springfield, Salley, Perry, the Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve, and Perry Airport should pay careful attention to this alert. It may be wise to plan for some indoor activities during this storm, as safety is the number one concern.
Stay Safe, Stay Inside!
If you find yourself outdoors as the storm rolls in, the NWS strongly advises seeking shelter indoors. Storms often bring not just wind, but also the risk of lightning. Did you know that in the U.S., approximately 25 million lightning strikes happen every year? Lightning peaks when a storm is directly above and drops as the storm moves off, so be especially cautious during the brunt of the weather.
While lightning can lead to unfortunate tragedies, with around 20 fatalities reported annually due to lightning strikes, your best bet is to stay inside and wait for the storm to pass. Remember, when thunder roars, head indoors!
Driving Dangers: Hydroplaning
Residents should also be wary of driving during heavy storms, which can lead to a dangerous situation known as hydroplaning. This occurs when water builds up in front of your tires, causing your vehicle to lose traction. It’s when the pressure of water beneath your tires makes you slide around uncontrollably, leading to potential accidents.
While the specific causes of hydroplaning weren’t detailed, it’s something every driver should take seriously. If you must be on the road, keep your speed down and remain extra vigilant as the streets become slick.
Stay Informed!
The NWS has previously issued similar alerts over the past few days, including on June 11, June 10, and June 09 for this same region, which highlights an ongoing trend of potential severe weather. It’s essential to stay updated and monitor any new developments as they arise. The community has faced ongoing risks for storms and hazardous conditions, so don’t let your guard down!
In summary, stay safe, prepare your homes, and keep a watchful eye on the weather as South Carolina navigates through these turbulent thunderstorm alerts. Keep close to your family and friends, and be informed—it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Severe Thunderstorm Alert
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Herald Online: Weather News
- Google Search: Severe Weather Alert South Carolina
- WRDW: Tornadoes Confirmed
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Impact
- News Journal: Barnwell Annual Meeting Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
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