News Summary
Residents of Georgetown, South Carolina, are facing strong thunderstorms with wind gusts up to 40 mph and potential hail. Meanwhile, Arkansas is warned of flooding with wind speeds reaching 70 mph and possible tornadoes. Emergency measures are being enacted in both states to ensure public safety as storms approach.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Across South Carolina and Arkansas
Attention residents of Georgetown, South Carolina! Early Sunday morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) Wilmington issued a weather alert at 3:18 a.m. for strong thunderstorms that are expected to stick around until 4:15 a.m. The storm’s reach includes areas like Conway, Marion, and Williamsburg counties. Prepare yourselves, things are about to get a little wild!
What’s Happening with the Storm?
These thunderstorms are not messing around. They’re capable of whipping up wind gusts that could reach up to 40 mph and might even toss in some pea-sized hail (about 0.25 inches) just for fun. By 3:17 a.m., Doppler radar had already picked up a strong shower hovering over Warsaw, which is roughly 17 miles northwest of Georgetown. This storm is on the move, heading northeast at about 35 mph.
The NWS is warning everyone to be cautious since those gusty winds could take down tree limbs and send unsecured objects flying. Watch out for minor hail damage affecting your lovely gardens! Affected areas include important hubs like Coastal Carolina University, Conway Medical Center, and many local neighborhoods including Socastee, Andrews, and Rhems. If you’re outside when the storm hits, it’s best to find shelter indoors.
Be Aware of Lightning
Did you know that about 25 million lightning strikes light up the skies in the U.S. every year, with around 20 of them unfortunately causing fatalities? As these thunderstorms approach, the risk of lightning strikes increases, especially when the storm is right above your head. It’s crucial to stay safe and keep indoors when the storm rolls in!
Hydroplaning Hazards
And while we’re on the topic of rain, let’s chat about something to keep in mind if you’re driving: hydroplaning. This happens when your vehicle skids on the wet road due to standing water, leading to a complete loss of control. What’s the main culprits behind this slippery situation? You guessed it: excessive speed, worn tires, and standing water on the roads.
More Thunderstorms in the Forecast
Flood Warnings in Arkansas
Meanwhile, things are looking just as intense over in Arkansas, where the NWS has flagged severe weather threats including substantial flooding potential heading into the week. On Wednesday around 5 p.m., wind speeds of about 70 mph were reported just north of Little Rock. This storm front could even spark tornado warnings and serious flash flooding in the area, which is a cause for concern.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has signaled a commitment to safety by signing an executive order releasing $250,000 in emergency funding to help local responses to the severe weather. In the spirit of readiness, four high-water teams and over 40 National Guardsmen are on standby to assist local authorities in evacuating flooded areas.
For those around lakes and rivers, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is advising everyone to have safety plans and be prepared to evacuate. The Little Rock metro area is facing a forecast of 6-10 inches of rainfall, setting the stage for possible flash flooding and a flood watch in effect through the weekend.
Unfortunately, Arkansas isn’t unfamiliar with natural disasters; the state has had five to seven emergency declarations annually related to weather events. It’s essential to stay informed and take precautions as the storms continue.
Residents across South Carolina and Arkansas—stay safe and keep an eye on the sky! Make sure you have your emergency plans in place and do your best to stay dry!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Myrtle Beach on Alert: Strong Thunderstorms Bring Hail and High Winds
Severe Thunderstorm and Flood Watch for Upstate South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorms and Winds Hit Mecklenburg County
Severe Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Spartanburg County
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for South Carolina
Rock Hill Weather Forecast: Warm Days and Thunderstorms Ahead
Unseasonably Warm Weather and Storm Chances for Rock Hill
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Georgetown: What You Need to Know!
Severe Thunderstorm Warning in South Carolina: Stay Prepared!
Thunderstorms Expected in Abbeville, Laurens, and Greenwood Counties
Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Severe Weather
- THV11
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Arkansas Online
- Google News: Arkansas Flood
- MLive
- Google Scholar: Weather Forecasting
- WMBF News
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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