News Summary
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings have been issued for Richland, Lee, Sumter, and Clarendon counties in South Carolina, effective until 8:45 p.m. Residents are advised to seek shelter as strong storms are expected to bring wind gusts up to 50 mph and possible hail. Precautions should be taken due to the risk of lightning strikes and hazardous driving conditions from heavy rainfall and flooding.
Columbia, South Carolina – Severe Thunderstorm Warnings have been issued for multiple counties in South Carolina, effective until 8:45 p.m. on Friday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Columbia SC. The counties under alert include Richland, Lee, Sumter, and Clarendon, prompting residents to take precautionary measures against the inclement weather.
The strongest storms are currently being tracked by Doppler radar near Oakland, close to Shaw Air Base, moving eastward at a speed of 20 mph. Wind gusts associated with the storm could reach up to 50 mph, which may lead to dangerous conditions, including the potential for downed tree limbs and damage to unsecured items in outdoor areas.
Areas expected to be affected by the storm include Sumter, South Sumter, Shaw Air Base, Eastover, Alcolu, Oakland, Mulberry, Sumter County Airport, Millwood, Poinsett State Park, Mayesville, Cane Savannah, Dalzell, Dinkins Mill, Brogdon, Wedgewood, Wateree River Correctional Institution, Cherryvale, Stateburg, and Woodrow. Additionally, motorists traveling on Interstate 95 between mile markers 123 and 127 should be alert to changing weather conditions.
Residents are strongly advised to seek shelter indoors during the thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall could lead to localized flooding, making roads hazardous. It is recommended to avoid driving through flooded areas, as abrupt changes in water levels can create unsafe conditions.
The risk of lightning strikes increases significantly during thunderstorms, with an average of 25 million strikes occurring across the United States each year, primarily in summer months. Statistics indicate that lightning results in about 20 fatalities annually. Due to this danger, residents should be mindful of safety tips during storm conditions:
- Seek indoor shelter whenever possible.
- If outdoors and without access to shelter, find the lowest point available to reduce the risk of injury.
- Wait for the storm to pass completely before leaving your shelter, only emerging when an all-clear has been issued.
In addition to the severe thunderstorms currently affecting Richland, Lee, Sumter, and Clarendon counties, previous alerts had also been issued for neighboring areas such as Greene. Similar weather conditions, including hail and wind gusts, were expected in these regions as well. Thunderstorm warnings included specifics regarding hail size, with possible hail measuring up to 1 inch in diameter.
The NWS has also pointed out the risk of hydroplaning during heavy rainfall. Motorists are encouraged to practice safe driving techniques, which include:
- Maintaining safe distances from other vehicles and reducing speed.
- Avoiding parking near culverts or drainage ditches.
- Using headlights to improve visibility during periods of heavy rain.
- Remaining vigilant for slippery road conditions, especially right after rain begins.
The community is urged to stay informed about weather updates and to heed any warnings issued by local authorities. By taking proactive measures and adhering to safety guidelines, residents can better protect themselves and their property from the adverse effects of these severe thunderstorms.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Prepare for Nickel-Sized Hail
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- The Item: Storm Preparedness Tips
- Google Search: Storm Preparedness
- AL.com: Expect Marble-Sized Hail
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hail
- AL.com: Thunderstorms with Quarter-Sized Hail
- Google News: Thunderstorm Warnings
