Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Impact Central and Southeastern Orangeburg County

News Summary

Residents of Orangeburg County, South Carolina, are on alert as the National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm warnings affecting the region. Thunderstorms may bring strong winds of up to 50 mph, as well as marble-sized hail. Those in affected areas are advised to seek shelter and remain cautious on highways due to possible hydroplaning. Additionally, the risk of lightning increases, further emphasizing the need for safety precautions.

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Impact Central and Southeastern Orangeburg County

This Friday evening, residents of Orangeburg County in South Carolina found themselves on alert as the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 5:40 p.m. This warning is set to last until 6:30 p.m. and affects not just Orangeburg County but also surrounding areas, including Southeastern Orangeburg, Barnwell, and Bamberg counties.

What to Expect

As storm clouds gather, forecasters are predicting thunderstorms that may bring strong wind gusts of up to 50 mph along with marble-sized hail—about 0.5 inches in diameter! Doppler radar has been tracking the storm system as it moves along a line stretching from 8 miles northwest of Holly Hill toward Branchville and Denmark, traveling east at a brisk pace of 30 mph.

But hold on, it doesn’t stop there! Residents should brace for the possibility of gusty winds that could easily knock down branches and toss unsecured outdoor items around, leading to minor damage.

Areas Affected

If you happen to live or work in any of the following areas, you need to be vigilant:

• Orangeburg
• Bamberg
• Denmark
• Holly Hill
• Branchville
• Bowman
• Orangeburg County Airport
• Hilda
• Rowesville
• Cope
• Govan
• Yonder Field
• Bamberg County Airport
• Wilkinson Heights

For those traveling, be cautious on major highways! Interstate 26 between mile markers 150 and 169 and Interstate 95 between mile markers 85 and 93 are under the alert as well.

Stay Safe!

If you’re outside when the storm hits, make sure to find shelter indoors. Aside from the thunder and lightning, the Severe Thunderstorm Watch is still in effect until 8 p.m. for Central South Carolina—so keep an eye on the skies!

Remember, every year in the U.S., lightning strikes around 25 million times, mostly during summer and leading to an average of about 20 fatalities. When thunderstorms approach, the risk of lightning increases, peaking when the storm is overhead.

Hydroplaning and Road Safety

As the rain falls, driving conditions can become tricky. Watch out for hydroplaning, which occurs when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads due to water accumulation. Factors like water buildup, vehicle weight, and tire condition can contribute to this dangerous situation.

In fact, an updated severe thunderstorm warning was released at 5:46 p.m. for Clarendon and Orangeburg counties, effective until 6 p.m., warning of wind gusts possibly reaching as high as 60 mph! Residents in that area—particularly around Santee Cooper Regional Airport, Santee, Eutawville, and more—must take precautions by moving to an interior room on the lowest floor.

The Storm is Here

With a strong cold front sweeping through, expect storms along with the potential for isolated tornadoes between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Damaging winds are the main concern, but heavy rain, hail, and lightning are also on the list of things to watch for.

So, as natural events unfold, stay tuned and keep yourself safe indoors. Remember, a little bit of preparation can go a long way when Mother Nature decides to be a bit wild!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Hilton Head Island Celebrates Beach Recognition and Dog Restrictions
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Affect Florence and Surrounding Areas
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Southeastern Orangeburg
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County
Charleston, SC Faces Severe Weather Alerts and Flooding
Severe Thunderstorm and Flood Warnings in Southeast U.S.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Coastal South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued in South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Alert in South Carolina’s Inland Jasper and Hampton County

Additional Resources

• Live 5 News
• Google Search: Severe weather Orangeburg County
• Island Packet
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Thunderstorms
• WLTX News
• Google News: Thunderstorm warnings Orangeburg

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...