News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for several counties in South Carolina, including Orangeburg and Calhoun. Residents are advised to prepare for strong winds, hail, and potential power outages. The storm is expected to bring gusts up to 50 mph and pea-sized hail, potentially causing minor damage. The warnings remain in effect until conditions improve. Motorists are advised to drive cautiously due to slippery roads and hydroplaning risks. Stay tuned for updates and heed safety advisories from local authorities.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Multiple Counties in South Carolina
Columbia, SC – The National Weather Service (NWS) Columbia issued severe thunderstorm warnings at 11:29 a.m. for several counties in South Carolina, affecting Central Orangeburg, Southeastern Orangeburg, Calhoun, Clarendon, and Bamberg counties. Residents were advised to prepare for potentially dangerous conditions, including strong winds and hail, until the warning was canceled later in the day as the storm moved out of the area.
The forecast predicted pea-sized hail measuring 0.25 inches and wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph. Doppler radar indicated the development of these strong thunderstorms in a line extending from near St. Matthews to approximately six miles south of Bamberg, moving east at a speed of 30 mph. Conditions were expected to remain hazardous, prompting the NWS to issue alerts about the possibility of minor damage to outdoor items due to gusty winds capable of knocking down tree limbs and displacing unsecured objects.
Among the locations directly impacted by the alert were Orangeburg, Bamberg, Brookdale, Holly Hill, Branchville, Summerton, Bowman, Elloree, Santee State Park, and several educational institutions including Claflin College and South Carolina State University. Key transportation routes were also affected, including sections of Interstate 26 between mile markers 146 and 169, and Interstate 95 between mile markers 85 and 114.
Safety Advisories
The NWS urged anyone outdoors to seek shelter in a building to avoid potential hazards associated with thunderstorms. This guidance is particularly crucial during severe weather events, as lightning poses a significant risk. Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, contributing to around 20 fatalities. The likelihood of lightning is notably high as a thunderstorm approaches, peaking when the storm is overhead and tapering off as it dissipates.
Impact and Power Outages
As the storm system advanced, it led to several thousand power outages across multiple counties along with reports of downed trees and tree limbs. The storm had been classified as a “two” on a five-point storm threat scale, indicating a moderate risk. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remained effective until 8 p.m. for central South Carolina, highlighting the ongoing potential for further storm activity.
Driving Conditions
Motorists were advised to exercise caution while driving due to the risks of hydroplaning, a dangerous condition that occurs when vehicles slide uncontrollably on wet roads. This happens when water accumulates faster than a vehicle can manage, causing a loss of control, particularly during heavy rainstorms.
Background Context
Severe thunderstorms are not uncommon in South Carolina, especially during the summer months when conditions are ripe for such weather events. The NWS regularly issues alerts to keep the public informed about severe weather, all aimed at enhancing safety and preparedness. It remains essential for residents to stay alert and follow warnings during storm events, as severe weather can develop quickly and without much warning.
As conditions change, individuals are encouraged to monitor local weather reports and heed any advisories from local authorities to ensure their own safety and that of their loved ones.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety Tips
- Herald Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning
- WLTX
- Google News: Severe Weather Alerts South Carolina
