News Summary
Severe thunderstorms have prompted warnings in Florence, Marion, and Williamsburg counties. The National Weather Service issued an alert predicting high winds and possible hazards. Residents are urged to stay indoors and be cautious while driving, especially on affected highways. Lightning risks and hydroplaning are also highlighted as key dangers during this storm. Staying informed is crucial as the weather conditions develop.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Rattle Florence, Marion, and Williamsburg Counties
Florence is buzzing with news of *severe thunderstorms* affecting not just the city itself but also *Marion* and *Williamsburg counties*. The National Weather Service (NWS) has put out an active alert that started at 7:15 PM and is expected to last until 7:45 PM this Thursday. So, if you’re in these areas, it’s time to pay attention!
What’s Happening?
The thunderstorms are no ordinary rainstorms. *Doppler radar* picked up strong storms stretching from Timmonsville all the way to Friendfield and Kingstree, moving at a brisk pace of 45 mph toward the northeast. With predicted *wind gusts* hitting up to 40 mph, residents should brace for potential disturbances, including *tree limbs* falling and *unsecured items* being blown around. It could be a bumpy ride!
Who is Affected?
Many towns and neighborhoods are in the line of fire, including Florence, Lake City, Timmonsville, Johnsonville, and even places like *Pamplico*, *Quinby*, and *Brittons Neck*. If you recognize these names, it’s crucial to stay alert!
Key highways impacted by the weather are:
- Interstate 20 near mile marker 141
- Interstate 95 in South Carolina between mile markers 151 and 163
These roads could become tricky to navigate, so keep your wits about you if you are traveling.
What Should You Do?
Feeling a little nervous? You’re not alone! The best course of action is to stay indoors. If you are caught outside, make your way to a safe location as soon as possible. The NWS highly advises all residents to seek shelter until the storm passes.
Lightning Risks
Let’s talk about another *thunderstorm danger*: lightning. Did you know that about 25 million lightning strikes occur every year in the U.S.? That’s a staggering number! Unfortunately, these strikes lead to around 20 fatalities annually. The chance of being struck by lightning increases as a storm approaches, hitting its peak while the storm is directly overhead. After that, the risk drops significantly.
Stay Safe on the Roads
Now, if you must be on the roads during the storm, be wary of *hydroplaning*. This occurs when your vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on wet surfaces, often due to too much water in front of the tires. The top three factors that contribute to hydroplaning are your speed, the depth of the water on the road, and the condition of your tires. It’s advisable to stay within speed limits and to ensure your tires are in good shape for rainy conditions.
Stay Informed!
As the storm rolls in, keep yourself updated and informed about the ongoing conditions. Your safety is the top priority, so remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions. With the *thunderstorm warnings* in effect, it’s best to hunker down, stay safe, and keep an eye on the skies!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes Strike South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorms Hit Savannah, Causing Funnel Clouds and Flooding
Coastal Flood Advisory Issued for Charleston Area
Additional Resources
- WAFF: Traffic Light Down in Florence
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- AL.com: Thunderstorms with Hail and Damaging Winds
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorms Florence
- WAAYTV: Rogersville Church Damaged by Storms
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Responses
- Post and Courier: Tropical Storm Debbie Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
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