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Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Orangeburg Area

Dark clouds and lightning storm over a landscape

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News Summary

Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for Central and Southeastern Orangeburg and Calhoun County, effective until 7 p.m. Residents can expect strong winds, hail, and the risk of lightning. Authorities advise caution on the roads and remind citizens of a statewide burn ban. Local offices will open late as the community prepares for the inclement weather ahead. Stay safe and be prepared as the storm approaches!

Heads Up, Orangeburg: Thunderstorm Warnings Are Here!

Hey there, Orangeburg! As we all know, weather can be unpredictable, and today is no exception. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Columbia has just issued **_severe thunderstorm warnings_** for our area, and it seems like we’re in for some wild weather before the day is done. So, grab your umbrellas and let’s dive into what to expect!

When and Where to Be Aware

The alert was updated at 6:26 p.m. and will be active until 7 p.m. The storm warning is impacting **_Central Orangeburg, Southeastern Orangeburg, and Calhoun County_**. So, if you’re in those areas, including *Holly Hill and Bowman*, you’ll want to keep an eye on the skies.

What Should Residents Expect?

According to Doppler radar, a strong thunderstorm was located near *Bowman*, which is about 13 miles north of Saint George. This weather system is making its way southeast at about 30 mph and is expected to bring with it **_pea-sized hail_** (that’s about 0.25 inches) and **_wind gusts up to 50 mph_**. Now, what does that mean for us? Well, those gusty winds are capable of knocking down tree limbs and tossing around unsecured objects in your yard, potentially causing minor damage to outdoor items.

Driving and Safety Tips

For anyone planning to be on the roads, please take extra precautions. The storm is affecting *Interstate 26* between mile markers **159 and 169**, and *Interstate 95* between mile markers **85 and 93**. If you happen to be out during the storm, the NWS strongly advises seeking shelter indoors. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Lightning Is No Joke

Another thing to keep in mind: thunderstorms bring more than just rain and wind, they also bring lightning. Did you know that around 25 million lightning strikes happen across the U.S. every year? Most of these strikes occur during the summer and lead to about **_20 fatalities annually_**. The risk of lightning strikes increases as the storm approaches, peaking when the storm is right above you. So, do your best to avoid outdoor activities during this time!

Earlier Warnings and Precautions

4:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. A severe thunderstorm was reported near *Branchville*, located about 11 miles northwest of Saint George. This storm was moving southeast at **25 mph** and could bring **_quarter-sized hail_** (that’s a whole inch!) along with wind gusts up to **60 mph**. In the Branchville area, residents might face hail damage to vehicles, and the winds could cause problems for trees and power lines.

Statewide Burn Ban in Effect

Local Updates and Community Preparedness

So, stay safe out there, Orangeburg! Keep your loved ones close, and don’t forget to check your flashlights and candles, just in case! Let’s weather this storm together!