News Summary
Residents in Sumter, Kershaw, and Lee counties are on alert as the National Weather Service issues severe thunderstorm warnings. The storms are expected to bring hail, strong winds, and heavy rains. Residents are advised to seek shelter and remain indoors until the warnings are lifted. Precautions should be taken to stay safe during this volatile weather, especially against lightning and potential flooding. Additional storm alerts are ongoing, with high winds expected and preparations necessary for safe driving.
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts in Full Effect for Local Counties!
Residents in Sumter, along with neighbors in Kershaw and Lee counties, are gearing up for a wild night
as the National Weather Service has issued **severe thunderstorm warnings** that are expected to create more than just a little *excitement* in the area. It all kicked off on Saturday at 7:21 p.m., when officials alerted everyone to stay indoors until at least 8 p.m. So, what can you expect? Well, let’s break it down!
What’s Happening?
Right now, Doppler radar is tracking a fierce thunderstorm located about 7 miles north of Oakland, and it’s moving southeast at roughly 10 mph. This means that those in the path of this storm, including areas like Sumter and Shaw Air Base, will likely face *marble-sized hail* measuring about 0.5 inches and wind gusts reaching as high as 50 mph. Sounds intense, doesn’t it?
Be Prepared!
Those living in impacted areas, including Mulberry, Oswego, and East Sumter, are advised to seek shelter inside a sturdy building if you happen to be outdoors. Windy conditions could knock down tree limbs, sending them crashing onto vehicles or even the roof of your house. Secured outdoor objects may just become projectiles!
More Alerts Ahead
Just to keep you on your toes, another severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Sumter County on Monday evening. This one kicked off at 8:30 p.m. and lasts until 8:45 p.m., with winds expected to hit **60 mph**. This storm is currently located over York and moving south. It’s no joke; the potential for damage to roofs, siding, and trees remains high!
Stay Safe and Dry
It’s essential to keep safety at the forefront during this stormy weather. For those who are indoors, the advice is straightforward: *stay put* until you receive the all-clear. If you find yourself out and about without any shelter, ducking into a safe spot is your best option.
Keep Your Eyes on the Sky!
With thunderstorms rolling through, be aware of the lightning risk too. Did you know roughly 25 million lightning strikes hit the United States annually? Sadly, around 20 deaths occur from these strikes each year. The likelihood of being struck by lightning increases as the storm approaches its overhead peak, so keep your eyes peeled and stay alert!
Flood Watch: Take the Necessary Precautions
It’s not just hail and wind we need to watch out for; heavy rains are guaranteed to follow. This means flooding and hazardous driving conditions might also make an appearance! Here are some tips to help ensure you stay safe:
- Avoid rapid water flow and steer clear of parking near culverts or drainage ditches.
- Remember to maintain a safe following distance while driving—two seconds is your friend!
- Drive carefully on those slick roads, and choose your lanes wisely with an emphasis on visibility.
- Don’t forget to turn on your headlights to see and be seen.
- The first half-hour of rain is notorious for slippery conditions, so take extra care.
- Finally, steer clear of large vehicles to avoid that dreaded tire spray!
Wrapping It Up
As the storms roll in, let’s hunker down and remain calm. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when Mother Nature decides to make a splash! Stay tuned, stay safe, and let’s weather this together!
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Additional Resources
- Click Orlando: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- AL.com: Damaging Winds Expected
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
- AL.com: Strong Thunderstorms Expected
- WISTV: Storms and Flash Floods
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Precautions
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Effects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Google News: Thunderstorm Warnings
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER 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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