News Summary
A severe thunderstorm warning is currently in effect for Southeastern Orangeburg and surrounding counties, including Lee, Sumter, and Clarendon. Residents should expect strong winds up to 50 mph and take precautions as thunderstorms move through the area. Key locations are expected to be affected, and safety measures are strongly advised, especially regarding lightning and the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads. The warning is in effect until 7 PM tonight.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Hits Southeastern Orangeburg and Surrounding Areas
Residents of Orangeburg and nearby counties need to pay close attention! An updated report from the National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed that a severe thunderstorm warning is in effect, keeping folks on their toes until 7 PM tonight. This alert was issued as of 6:29 PM, so there’s no time to waste!
Where is the Alert Active?
The thunderstorms are primarily affecting Southeastern Orangeburg and stretching into Lee, Sumter, and Clarendon counties. If you live or are traveling through these areas, be prepared for some wild weather.
What Should You Expect?
Doppler radar has been busy tracking strong thunderstorms moving in an eastward direction at 40 mph. As of the last update, these storms were notably visible along a line from Mulberry to Manning, and extending about 7 miles southwest of the Santee Cooper Regional Airport. Not good news for those outdoors!
Hold on tight, because residents should brace themselves for wind gusts hitting up to an astonishing 50 mph. This level of wind is strong enough to knock down tree limbs and could potentially blow around any unsecured items in your yard or outside. So if you have anything left out, now’s the time to bring it indoors!
Locations Likely to Be Affected
Some key locations that will likely feel the impact of these storms include:
- Sumter
- Manning
- South Sumter
- Mulberry
- Alcolu
- Woods Bay State Park
- Sumter County Airport
- Santee Cooper Regional Airport
- Turbeville
- Mayesville
- Lynchburg
- Oswego
- Brogdon
- Foreston
- East Sumter
- Gable
- Davis Station
- Shiloh
And for those who travel along Interstate 95, the alert covers mile markers 118 to 146. If you’re planning to head out, do be mindful of the storm’s path!
Lightning: A Serious Concern
Thunderstorms pack a whole lot of energy, and with that comes lightning! The NWS notes that lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times each year, unfortunately leading to around 20 fatalities annually. It’s crucial to understand that the chances of getting struck by lightning rise as a thunderstorm approaches, peaking when the storm is right overhead. Remember to prioritize safety—if you’re outdoors, seek shelter inside a sturdy building!
Hydroplaning: What to Watch For
Once the rain starts pouring, it’s essential to stay alert while driving. A phenomenon called hydroplaning can occur when a vehicle slides uncontrollably due to water buildup in front of the tires. Be extra cautious—three main causes of hydroplaning include:
- Driving too fast on wet roads
- Low tire pressure
- Water pooling on the road surface
If you find yourself hydroplaning, remember to remain calm, ease off the throttle, and steer gently in the direction you want the front wheels to go. Getting a grip is key to maintaining control!
Stay Safe!
As this thunderstorm warning stretches on until 7 PM, it’s vital to stay informed and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones from potential hazards. Let’s stay safe out there, and remember that you can always check local weather reports for updates. Keep calm, and secure those loose items!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Severe Thunderstorms Strike Upstate SC and NE Georgia
Severe Weather Hits South Carolina and Maryland
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Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Orangeburg Area
Severe Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Newberry and Fairfield Counties, SC
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts in Myrtle Beach and Conway
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Alert in Central South Carolina
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Severe Winds Damage
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- The National Desk: Storms Wreak Havoc
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Newsweek: Georgia and South Carolina Battered
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning
- WLTX: Weather Impact Alert
- Google News: Severe Weather Alerts
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HERE Hilton Head Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Hilton Head community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Hilton Head Our team includes lifelong Hilton Head residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listings of historic homes 0 , Hilton Head’s Gullah heritage and coastal culture 6 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Technical College of the Lowcountry programs) 10 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and...
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