Severe Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Saluda County

News Summary

Saluda County residents are urged to stay indoors as a severe thunderstorm alert has been issued by the National Weather Service until 7:15 p.m. Expect heavy winds and penny-sized hail, along with possible flooding concerns as rainfall accumulates. Stay updated via local news outlets, and prioritize safety by securing loose outdoor items.

Severe Thunderstorm Alert for Saluda County: Brace for Wild Weather!

Hey there, Saluda! If you were planning on enjoying a lovely evening outside, you might want to think again. The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm alert that could change the game in your area. This alert is active until 7:15 p.m. tonight, giving you a heads-up to take safety precautions!

What to Expect

By now, you may have noticed that things are getting a bit dicey out there. As of 6:44 p.m., Doppler radar pinpointed a strong thunderstorm over Saluda County, particularly just 14 miles west of Batesburg-Leesville. The storm is cruising northwest at about 10 mph, which means it’s heading your way and you might want to seek shelter.

This isn’t just an ordinary storm, folks! Expect some penny-sized hail measuring up to 0.75 inches, along with wind gusts that could reach a whopping 50 mph. Hold onto your hats, because those gusts could cause tree limbs to snap and send unsecured outdoor items flying. Even minor damage to things like garden furniture or other belongings isn’t out of the question!

Stay Safe!

If you’re outside, please make sure to seek shelter indoors as soon as possible! With the possibility of the storm getting more intense, you’ll want to ensure you’re out of harm’s way. Close your windows, and avoid staying in areas that would be at risk for falling debris.

For those of you eager to stay in the loop, don’t forget to keep your radios and televisions tuned in to local channels for any updates from the National Weather Service. Staying informed is key to staying safe, especially during severe weather.

Weather Woes: More to Watch For

25 million times every year? That’s a statistic to ponder, especially since summer is prime time for thunderstorms. Each year, lightning accounts for an average of 20 fatalities, with chances peaking as storms roll in. If you see one of those flashes of light, it’s time to make sure you’re safe indoors!

• Speeding on wet surfaces: Slow down, friends! It’s not worth the risk.
• Tire tread depth: Make sure your tires are in good shape to grip the wet roads.
• Water depth on roadways: Always check how deep the water is before attempting to drive through it!

The Bigger Picture

1-2 inches, which raises the risk for localized flash flooding in some areas.

cooler, spring-like air in Saluda. Expect lovely afternoons with plenty of sunshine in the coming days.Trust us, you’ll want to save some energy for next weekend, as pleasant weather is on the way just in time for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Course!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Severe Weather Alert
• Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
• WFXG: Strong Storms Moving Across CSRA
• Google Search: Severe Weather Precautions
• The State: Weather News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning
• ABC Columbia: Tracking Severe Weather in the Midlands
• Google News: Thunderstorm Safety

Author: HERE Hilton Head