News Summary
Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for parts of South Carolina and New Jersey as strong storms bring high winds and lightning risks. Residents in areas like Central Orangeburg and Bamberg County are advised to seek shelter while those in northern New Jersey face thunderstorm watches with potential hail and damaging winds. Prepare for hazardous conditions and stay informed about the evolving weather situation.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Across South Carolina and New Jersey
As the evening approaches, residents of Central Orangeburg, Southeastern Orangeburg, and Bamberg County in South Carolina are on high alert. Just after 7 p.m. on Sunday, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a severe thunderstorm warning that is set to last until 7:30 p.m. Strong thunderstorms are brewing, with Doppler radar showing intense activity over Branchville, just 13 miles west of Saint George, moving southeast at around 20 mph.
What to Expect
Those living in Branchville and Padgetts may experience wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph. This means that tree limbs could be coming down, and loose items around your yard might be tossed about. The storm isn’t just a small event; it’s bringing the potential for lightning strikes, which occur about 25 million times in the U.S. every year, mainly during the summer months.
Lightning is particularly dangerous when thunderstorms roll in, so if you’re outdoors when the storm hits, it’s crucial to seek shelter inside a sturdy building. The NWS emphasizes this to keep everyone safe as the threat rises.
New Jersey Under Threat Too
Moving northward, the situation in New Jersey isn’t any better. A severe thunderstorm warning had been active for northern Sussex County and is expected to expire at 4:15 p.m. Towns including Newton, Hopatcong, Franklin, Hamburg, and Sussex are under this alert. Additionally, a severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. across multiple counties, including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren.
Forecasters are warning of localized severe thunderstorms in the area, especially north and east of Philadelphia. These storms could bring hail up to 2 inches in size, along with damaging winds gusting up to a fierce 70 mph and frequent lightning strikes. As these systems approach the I-95 corridor, residents should remain vigilant.
Weather Alerts and Preparations
The Live 5 Weather team has declared a First Alert Weather Day due to this elevated weather threat. Much of inland South Carolina is under a Level 3 out of 5 storm threat rating from the Storm Prediction Center. Winds of up to 60 mph could wreak havoc, damaging roofs, siding, trees, and power lines, particularly on bridges.
Hail could also fall in various areas, potentially reaching up to an inch in diameter. Radar has detected additional thunderstorms, one near Hampton Plantation State Park, moving at a swift 45 mph southeast.
More Warnings in Alabama
Over in Alabama, strong thunderstorms are being tracked in St. Clair and Talladega counties, lasting until 9 p.m. with wind gusts expected to reach up to 40 mph. Doppler radar shows these storms advancing northeast at around 35 mph, affecting locations like Oxford, Talladega, Pell City, and Moody.
Stay Safe on the Roads
For those driving during the storm, it’s important to be extra cautious. Hydroplaning can occur when vehicles lose traction on wet roads because of the water buildup, making it easy to lose control. The NWS offers safety tips for both thunderstorms and driving in inclement weather, so make sure you’re prepared.
As we watch these storms develop, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Stay tuned for updates, and remember to take shelter if the storms begin to roar in your area!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rock Hill Bearcats Defeat Lancaster Bruins in Riveting Match
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Chester, Union, and York Counties
Storm Alert for Upstate South Carolina: Thunderstorms and High Winds Ahead
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts in Oconee: Brace for Impact
Fatal Truck Crash Claims Life of Local Man in York County
Severe Thunderstorms Threaten the Carolinas
Severe Thunderstorms Strike Upstate South Carolina and North Georgia
Tragic Multi-Vehicle Crash Claims Lives in Fort Mill
Tropical Storm Fernand Weakens, No Threat to Bermuda
Massive Haboob Dust Storm Hits Arizona – Visibility Reduced
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- New Jersey Weather Alerts
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Preparations
- Alabama Weather Alerts
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Damage
- Patch: New Jersey Storms
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- CT Insider Weather Forecast
- Google News: Thunderstorm Weather Alerts
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.
Mays Contracting
