News Summary
Residents of Abbeville and Greenwood should prepare for severe thunderstorms that may bring pea-sized hail and strong winds. The National Weather Service has issued alerts cautioning locals to seek shelter between now and 7:15 p.m. Key areas at risk include Calhoun Falls, Troy, and Promised Land. Drivers are advised to be cautious of hydroplaning as conditions worsen.
Thunderstorms in Abbeville and Greenwood: What You Need to Know!
Hey Abbeville and Greenwood residents! Buckle up because it looks like Mother Nature is planning to throw a bit of a tantrum tonight. The National Weather Service has issued a weather alert for strong thunderstorms, and these bad boys are expected to stick around until about 7:15 p.m. So, let’s grab our umbrellas and get ready!
What’s Happening?
At around 6:32 p.m., Doppler radar picked up a strong thunderstorm about 11 miles southwest of Abbeville, right near the beautiful Lake Strom Thurmond. This storm is moving east at a steady clip of 35 mph. So, if you live in the path of this storm, it’s time to take cover!
Storm Details
Here’s the scoop: expect some pea-sized hail—that’s about 0.25 inches—and wind gusts that could reach up to a whopping 40 mph. While you might think that’s not too terrible, these gusty winds could easily knock down tree limbs and toss around anything that hasn’t been properly secured. So, you might want to check your garden furniture or those internet delivery boxes that are still lying around!
Locations at Risk
If you live in or around any of the following areas, you’re particularly in the line of fire:
- Calhoun Falls
- Troy
- Promised Land
- Bradley
- Richard B Russell Dam
- Callison
Anyone outdoors should seek shelter, so if you’re out enjoying a nice evening, it’s best to head inside until this storm passes.
Why Be Cautious?
During thunderstorms, lightning becomes a major concern. Did you know that about 25 million lightning strikes hit the U.S. every year, mainly in summer? Yes, and while we love the summer fun, lightning causes around 20 fatalities each year. Keep this in mind: lightning strikes are more frequent as a storm approaches, peaking when it’s right overhead, and tapering off once the storm moves past. Stay smart and stay safe!
Driving Safety Tips
Now, if you need to travel during these storms, be extra cautious out there! Hydroplaning can become a significant risk when the roads are wet. This happens when a vehicle skids uncontrollably because water builds up in front of the tires more than the vehicle can handle. Seriously, if you’ve never hydroplaned, count yourself lucky! If you do find yourself hydroplaning, it’s crucial to stay calm. Gently take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want to go. A little bit of smooth and slow can save you from a lot of trouble!
Your Safety First
As the clock ticks down to 7:15 p.m., remember that thunderstorms can sneak up on you, so be prepared! Make sure you have a flashlight handy, charge up your phone, and gather any supplies in case the power goes out. Avoid being outdoors unless absolutely necessary, and keep an eye on the weather alerts.
Final Thoughts
So, dear friends from Abbeville and Greenwood, it’s time to grab a cozy blanket, settle down, and ride out the storm safely indoors. Let’s look out for each other, and hopefully, these thunderstorms will pass just as quickly as they came! Stay dry and safe, everyone!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Greenville-Spartanburg Area
Severe Thunderstorms and Flood Warnings Hit Charleston Area
Severe Thunderstorm Alert Hitting South Carolina Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Upstate South Carolina
Columbia Residents Prepare for Severe Thunderstorms
Severe Thunderstorm Alert in Columbia, South Carolina
Severe Storms Cause Widespread Power Outages in South Carolina
Severe Weather Alert for South Carolina: Strong Thunderstorms Expected
Severe Thunderstorms Hit Central and Southeastern South Carolina
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Herald Online
- Myrtle Beach Online
- The State
- Independent Mail
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Warning
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Effects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Google News: Thunderstorm News
