News Summary
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Bamberg and Orangeburg counties in South Carolina, effective until 4:45 p.m. The storm is moving southeast at 25 mph, bringing the potential for quarter-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph. Residents are advised to seek shelter in an interior room and stay indoors due to the increased risk of lightning and hydroplaning. Meanwhile, neighboring New Jersey is also experiencing severe storm watches, highlighting widespread weather concerns across the region.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Bamberg and Orangeburg Counties, SC
Hey there, folks! If you’re in the lovely areas of Bamberg and Orangeburg counties in South Carolina, listen up! A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued, and it’s best you stay informed and ready. This update came from the National Weather Service just a little after 4:30 p.m. on Monday, and it’s going to be active until 4:45 p.m.
What You Need to Know
The storm that triggered this warning is making its way from the northwest, specifically near Branchville, a spot that’s about 11 miles up the road from Saint George. Right now, this thunderstorm is booking it southeast at a speed of 25 mph, which means it’s moving quickly and could bring some nasty surprises with it.
Here are the key things to keep in mind: be prepared for hail that could be the size of a quarter — that’s about 1 inch — and gusts of wind reaching up to 60 mph. Yikes! It’s no wonder the forecast warns about possible damage to vehicles and potential for trees and power lines to take a hit.
Safety First!
Safety should be your top priority! The experts advise that if you’re around during this storm, find an interior room on the lowest level of your building. This way, you’ll be protected from any unexpected stuff flying around outside. And don’t forget about the lightning! As storms roll in, the chances of lightning strikes increase dramatically. On any given year, the U.S. sees a whopping 25 million lightning strikes, with an average of about 20 lives lost due to these strikes. So, stay indoors!
Hydroplaning Alert
The risk doesn’t stop there! If you’re planning to hit the road, be aware of the potential for hydroplaning. This happens when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads. It typically occurs when water builds up faster than your tires can handle, causing the car to ride up on a thin layer of water. Be mindful of the tread depth of your tires, your speed, and the amount of water on the road. Those are the ingredients for a slippery situation!
Updates on the Thunderstorm
As the storm continues to move, updates are coming through. By 6:13 p.m., reports indicated that the storm was near Rivers Bridge State Park and speeding northeast at about 35 mph. So, hold on tight! Those wind gusts and quarter-sized hail are still a possibility.
Looking Beyond SC
While our South Carolina storm gets everyone buzzing, let’s switch gears for a moment. Over in New Jersey, 17 counties are feeling the heat of severe storm watches, affecting areas such as Sussex, Warren, and Morris. Their severe storm watch will be wrapping up at 8 p.m., but the biggest threats are expected to flare up after 5 p.m. The silver lining? These storms are forecasted to wrap up as a cold front moves in, which should lead to some pleasantly cooler weather soon!
So, there you have it! Stay safe, keep an eye on the weather, and gear up for what could turn out to be an action-packed afternoon! Remember to check in on your neighbors, too. Let’s all weather this storm together!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in South Carolina and Georgia
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Live 5 News
- Patch
- CT Insider
- North Jersey
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Google News: Thunderstorm
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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